Yes, yes-- I am just as guilty as the rest of them. By 'them' I mean all the happy Alaskans. As you see, we are once again in a record breaking warm spell. I actually witnessed the afternoon temperature hit a toasty 51 degrees today--with full sunshine to boot!
People are out jogging, skipping, strolling...partaking in lower 48 "fall-like" activities. Not helplessly slogging through the snow, as is normal for Halloween time in Southcentral AK.
You can't escape all the cheerful banter around you either--as folks keep on talking, commenting or just orgasmicly smiling about the weather..
The cat is out of the bag : Alaskans love them some Global warming!
So as a so called "liberal", am I supposed to not enjoy it? Feel guilt instead of insane pleasure at the mere thought of not having to wear my winter boots?
I'll save that thought for another day, for right now I feel the need to just revel in the moment ..
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
The Tradition of the Sauna
For quite some time now, I have been well aware of the Finnish/Baltic/Russian traditional sauna. In other words---a sacred steam bath, historically revered in Northern European countries.
Up until now, I had not thought too much about it--maybe just a passing idea, that worshipping a steamy cabin filled with naked family members was a bit quirky, at best.
But after these many cold and unforgiving Alaskan winters--- I finally get it!
Why would so called 'stoic' Northerners have an almost obsessive relationship with a silly steam bath??
At some time, I was led to believe it was all about bathing. But now that I am older, colder and wiser---I feel that is complete hogwash. Let's consider that maybe these strong, hearty relatives of the Vikings were simply freezing to death ?! I can attest that living in a Northern land, with nothing but winter cold and darkness, leads one to maniacally worship warmth.
We do know the traditional European sauna was historically utilized for enjoyable gatherings and all sorts of ritualistic purposes...
But maybe all the hoopla was never about hygiene after all??...But in fact a perpetual excuse to get back into the sauna and warm up cold Nordic butt ?!!
The terms "hot water vapor" and "spirit" are interchangeable in many of these Northern European languages. And why not?? If a room filled with steamy, warm mist is the only thing that makes life bearable--- better worship it!
Up until now, I had not thought too much about it--maybe just a passing idea, that worshipping a steamy cabin filled with naked family members was a bit quirky, at best.
But after these many cold and unforgiving Alaskan winters--- I finally get it!
Why would so called 'stoic' Northerners have an almost obsessive relationship with a silly steam bath??
At some time, I was led to believe it was all about bathing. But now that I am older, colder and wiser---I feel that is complete hogwash. Let's consider that maybe these strong, hearty relatives of the Vikings were simply freezing to death ?! I can attest that living in a Northern land, with nothing but winter cold and darkness, leads one to maniacally worship warmth.
We do know the traditional European sauna was historically utilized for enjoyable gatherings and all sorts of ritualistic purposes...
But maybe all the hoopla was never about hygiene after all??...But in fact a perpetual excuse to get back into the sauna and warm up cold Nordic butt ?!!
The terms "hot water vapor" and "spirit" are interchangeable in many of these Northern European languages. And why not?? If a room filled with steamy, warm mist is the only thing that makes life bearable--- better worship it!
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Admit You are a Wolf
Listening to public radio this morning, I happened to hear a wise Native woman discussing human prejudices against the royal canis lupus--more commonly known as the wolf. That big, bad wolf-- nemesis of forest dwelling people, ranchers and grandma throughout history. One of the theories presented for this stretch of hatred, was that wolves remind humans of their own worse qualities...
Of course they do!!! Everyone knows that wolves are obsessed with pack behavior--while humans conveniently overlook their own obsessions with discrimination, tribalism, rotary clubs and cliques!! And what about bullying? Wolves would love cyberbullying if only they had access to iphones! Imagine the poor omega wolf getting all those facebook posts: "go away stinky omega, find your own pack... loser....!"
Wolves also tend to hunt in groups and have been observed attacking neighboring wolf packs to obtain their territory (my goodness!) Ever hear of war? A game us "evolved" humans happen to engage in on a regular basis...?
The way I see it, there is no shame in being just like the wolves. Because for every brutal quality they may exhibit--there is also incredible tenderness. Like their efficient system of raising pups as a family pack (must have read Hillary C's 'Takes a Village'...) "Aunt" and "Uncle" wolves willingly babysit, while the alpha wolves go off to explore and hunt. And nobody questions their intelligence or playfulness. Probably should also admire their loyalty--howling to one another in order to locate fellow pack members, then joyfully greeting each other upon return!
Maybe the "wolf mirror" doesn't only reflect what we don't want to see, but also the qualities we think we could use more of?
Of course they do!!! Everyone knows that wolves are obsessed with pack behavior--while humans conveniently overlook their own obsessions with discrimination, tribalism, rotary clubs and cliques!! And what about bullying? Wolves would love cyberbullying if only they had access to iphones! Imagine the poor omega wolf getting all those facebook posts: "go away stinky omega, find your own pack... loser....!"
Wolves also tend to hunt in groups and have been observed attacking neighboring wolf packs to obtain their territory (my goodness!) Ever hear of war? A game us "evolved" humans happen to engage in on a regular basis...?
The way I see it, there is no shame in being just like the wolves. Because for every brutal quality they may exhibit--there is also incredible tenderness. Like their efficient system of raising pups as a family pack (must have read Hillary C's 'Takes a Village'...) "Aunt" and "Uncle" wolves willingly babysit, while the alpha wolves go off to explore and hunt. And nobody questions their intelligence or playfulness. Probably should also admire their loyalty--howling to one another in order to locate fellow pack members, then joyfully greeting each other upon return!
Maybe the "wolf mirror" doesn't only reflect what we don't want to see, but also the qualities we think we could use more of?
Monday, September 23, 2013
New Allergy: Northernus Terribulus
So I woke up with a terrible allergic reaction--sneezing, coughing, runny nose. Running the potential allergen checklist off in my head (pollen, cats, and avocado) I deduced none of these substances could possibly be in my bedroom.
Sneezing away, I had the unfortunate urge to open up the bedroom curtains. And to my horror--came face to face with my new September allergen: SNOW!
White, fluffy snow. And no matter what they say on the radio about it "not accumulating" those newscasters are full of crap. It is totally accumulating in my yard. On the trees, cars, deck--all looks like a freakin Christmas card...
I wonder why all those people with their "think snow" bumper stickers don't move on up to Alaska and see for themselves what 9 months of snow feels like??!! We had three snow free months in my back yard this year--June, July and August. And the frozen white stuff still sat up in the high peaks and mocked me throughout one of the warmest summers in Alaskan history! And thank goodness for that record breaking summer heat, because otherwise I just may have packed up and left my poor family behind....
ps-- I am in no way denying climate change at all--as I completely understand this is the change we get--increased cold precipitation soaking our soggy northern selves! arghhhh!
.
Sneezing away, I had the unfortunate urge to open up the bedroom curtains. And to my horror--came face to face with my new September allergen: SNOW!
White, fluffy snow. And no matter what they say on the radio about it "not accumulating" those newscasters are full of crap. It is totally accumulating in my yard. On the trees, cars, deck--all looks like a freakin Christmas card...
I wonder why all those people with their "think snow" bumper stickers don't move on up to Alaska and see for themselves what 9 months of snow feels like??!! We had three snow free months in my back yard this year--June, July and August. And the frozen white stuff still sat up in the high peaks and mocked me throughout one of the warmest summers in Alaskan history! And thank goodness for that record breaking summer heat, because otherwise I just may have packed up and left my poor family behind....
ps-- I am in no way denying climate change at all--as I completely understand this is the change we get--increased cold precipitation soaking our soggy northern selves! arghhhh!
.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Attention Tooth Fairy
Time magazine recently wrote a little piece about how much cash the honorable Tooth Fairy deposits under children's pillows. I was shocked to read that on average it has increased to about $3.70 per tooth !!
Upon delving deeper into this issue, it was explained that in some households kids really hit the jackpot--and as to be expected--these same children just happen to live in the wealthiest homes.
But what was really surprising about the Tooth Fairy's income distribution system, was that she also favors the molars of low educated and/or low income households, leaving these kids large cash deposits as well. It is assumed that in these homes, the Tooth Fairy wants the children to feel they are "keeping up" with their classmates financially. Meanwhile, highly educated households receive the least--about one buck per tooth. (Which made me feel better--as now I understand her 'logic' for leaving that piddly amount for our precious son).
It seems the poor Tooth Fairy has single handedly decided to close the income gap in this country, one baby tooth at a time. Now that we have discovered her quasi-socialist agenda, maybe it's time to call her out on this and agree on one reasonable amount for all kids?
Upon delving deeper into this issue, it was explained that in some households kids really hit the jackpot--and as to be expected--these same children just happen to live in the wealthiest homes.
But what was really surprising about the Tooth Fairy's income distribution system, was that she also favors the molars of low educated and/or low income households, leaving these kids large cash deposits as well. It is assumed that in these homes, the Tooth Fairy wants the children to feel they are "keeping up" with their classmates financially. Meanwhile, highly educated households receive the least--about one buck per tooth. (Which made me feel better--as now I understand her 'logic' for leaving that piddly amount for our precious son).
It seems the poor Tooth Fairy has single handedly decided to close the income gap in this country, one baby tooth at a time. Now that we have discovered her quasi-socialist agenda, maybe it's time to call her out on this and agree on one reasonable amount for all kids?
Monday, September 9, 2013
The Drone Dudes
Finally (!) I have found a right-wing extremist cause that makes sense to me. The crazy drone hunters. Basically the good folk out west are preparing to "hunt" them drones as they are released into the sky above...
Sure, their reasoning stems from the whole paranoid police state thing---which only overshadows the real issue: drones will be a complete and total menace to public safety.
One of the celebrated benefits of our drone filled future is that they will deliver pizza's right to your home! Imagine that, parachuting pizzas falling from the sky, ejected from a heavy remote controlled object-- operated by your local pizza delivery guy. What could go wrong? (And just think --they are talking about legalizing pot at about the same time)
Say goodbye to peaceful sunsets and bird watching, as your view and tranquility will be forever replaced by annoying flying contraptions. Not to mention the inevitable drone crashes, equipment failures, loose parts, bird collisions and all the other crazy things that will soon be falling from the sky.
Is anyone even paying attention to how many small aircraft crash on any given week? Now imagine those same events, in urban neighborhoods, but at lower altitudes with increased frequency!
As much as I am all for increased pizza consumption, I refuse to accept a society filled with dangerous robotic eyesores contributing to the national brain injury epidemic. For crying out loud, leave the remote controlled toys on the ground!
Sure, their reasoning stems from the whole paranoid police state thing---which only overshadows the real issue: drones will be a complete and total menace to public safety.
One of the celebrated benefits of our drone filled future is that they will deliver pizza's right to your home! Imagine that, parachuting pizzas falling from the sky, ejected from a heavy remote controlled object-- operated by your local pizza delivery guy. What could go wrong? (And just think --they are talking about legalizing pot at about the same time)
Say goodbye to peaceful sunsets and bird watching, as your view and tranquility will be forever replaced by annoying flying contraptions. Not to mention the inevitable drone crashes, equipment failures, loose parts, bird collisions and all the other crazy things that will soon be falling from the sky.
Is anyone even paying attention to how many small aircraft crash on any given week? Now imagine those same events, in urban neighborhoods, but at lower altitudes with increased frequency!
As much as I am all for increased pizza consumption, I refuse to accept a society filled with dangerous robotic eyesores contributing to the national brain injury epidemic. For crying out loud, leave the remote controlled toys on the ground!
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Modern Day Gladiators in Tight Pants
I am most certainly not the first person to recognize that the NFL is simply a group of modern day Gladiators (nor the last). Yet I do feel compelled to comment on it...
Somehow we think that as 'modern Americans' we are less barbaric than the ancient Romans because we pay our gladiators great sums of money, don't kill them on the spot and dress them up in feminine nylon pants.
While the football stars frolic in their tight pants, the crowd revels in watching their multiple head injuries. Carrying players off the field with a concussion is all part of the great fun!! I for one, was not at all surprised to see that former players with advanced dementia are now suing the NFL. To me it makes sense--dementia is a long and terrible battle. How is enjoying a concussion filled sport more "civilized" than maiming gladiators via lion in the Roman times? Just cheer and drink your beer.
Somehow we think that as 'modern Americans' we are less barbaric than the ancient Romans because we pay our gladiators great sums of money, don't kill them on the spot and dress them up in feminine nylon pants.
While the football stars frolic in their tight pants, the crowd revels in watching their multiple head injuries. Carrying players off the field with a concussion is all part of the great fun!! I for one, was not at all surprised to see that former players with advanced dementia are now suing the NFL. To me it makes sense--dementia is a long and terrible battle. How is enjoying a concussion filled sport more "civilized" than maiming gladiators via lion in the Roman times? Just cheer and drink your beer.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
