Board of Game Denies Wolf Protection
The Board of Game has voted not to stop hunting and trapping of wolves that reside in the area surrounding the perimeter of Denali Park. These “golden wolves” are the most seen, most photographed and most valuable in the state. But the Board of Game in their infinite wisdom, voted unanimously to reject a petition filed by multiple wildlife groups. These groups were requesting the return of the “buffer zone” east of the park boundary where many wolves from the Granite pack would stray over park boundary lines into land where trapping and hunting were permitted. After the zone was…
Book ’em: Middle East Edition
Christianity, Islam and Judaism were all born in the Middle East. It’s the world’s perennial flashpoint, home to the bulk of the world’s oil supply, and it’s constantly in the news. Our relationship to the world’s Muslim population is becoming increasingly important to our geopolitical interests and our national security. Our relationship to Israel is politically charged, influences our elections, and can be really annoying. And yet, many Americans know little about that part of the world and the people who inhabit it. To the extent that it’s actually discussed, there’s far more heat than light. We Americans have never let…
Downticket Fun!
Yes, the President has opened up a lead over Willard Romney nationally and, more importantly, in key swing states. Much is being written about it at the moment, so let’s take a moment for a look at some key Senate races. Virginia Tim Kaine (D) – 51% George Allen (R) – 43% (*Washington Post poll, Sept. 12-16) Former Governor and DNC Chair Tim Kaine’s new lead tracks fairly closely with the President’s widening spread in the Old Dominion. His opponent is former Senator George Allen of “Macaca” fame. Massachusetts Elizabeth Warren (D) – 45% Scott Brown (R) – 40% (*WBUR/Mass….
Happy Socialist Money Grab Day, Alaska!
It’s $878, if you’ve been wondering. Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend check has been more, but it’s also been less. Established in 1976, after oil was discovered on Alaska’s North Slope, the permanent fund dividend gives every Alaskan cash back from oil wealth. Alaska is unique in that the residents, not private land owners or the government, own the oil. Hence, every year investments made pay residents back. Some years are better than others, but every man, woman and child gets a check – this year on October 4. The first dividend check was $1000. Last year’s check was $1174. We…
Breaking: Romney – Entitled Blowhard
Newsflash, if you’re like almost half the country, 47% to be exact, you’re a freeloading moocher who sponges off the government and doesn’t pay any taxes – which means you also must be a Democrat. That’s what Mitt Romney thinks. Here’s the quote. “There are 47 percent of the people who will vote for the president no matter what. All right, there are 47 percent who are with him, who are dependent upon government, who believe that they are victims, who believe the government has a responsibility to care for them, who believe that they are entitled to health care,…
Chasing Ice
It’s always curious to hear protests from the Lower 48 insisting that climate change is a hoax, especially when one lives down the road from glaciers that aren’t—shall we say—what they used to be. I remember when I first moved to Alaska, back in 1991. One of my first “touristy” destinations was Portage Glacier. It’s just a quick drive down the Seward Highway from Anchorage. You could take a quick boat ride up to the face of the glacier, but I pulled up to the Begich-Boggs Visitors’ Center, got out of the car, and spent my time instead wandering the…
Paper or Plastic Politics?
There’s an exasperating question that’s been asked for years now, millions of times a day, all across the country. “Paper or plastic?” After doing our due diligence by reading labels, counting calories and fat grams, and rejecting high fructose corn syrup, we were presented with this new choice at the checkout. Do you want paper (kill a tree, high carbon footprint) OR plastic (made from petroleum, blows around and gets tangled in our scenery)? It’s a grocery-store Catch 22. They tried to make us feel better by putting circular green arrows on the bags, telling us the paper ones contained…
Open Thread – Storm
The winds, predicted to hit 110mph up here on the mountain tonight, are making quite the racket outside. Thus far the power is holding up (obviously), the animals look a bit concerned, and I’m having a glass of delicious wine with this aria from Bellini’s “Norma.”
Begich Sides With Senate Republicans
Mark Begich has become the first Democrat to side with Republicans on a big bill coming up in the Senate. This bill is sponsored by Rand Paul (R-KY), and has listed among its co-sponsors Republicans David Vitter, James Inhofe, and Jim DeMint. And I’m tickled pink. See, you thought I was going to be all mad, and say that I had a bone to pick with the Senator. Gotcha! U.S. Senator Mark Begich has added his voice to those calling for an additional audit of the Federal Reserve by the General Accounting Office (GAO). He signed on to the bill…
Open Thread – Financial Literacy
$1.5 trillion dollars—or 5% of the world’s entire GDP—is laundered every year, according to the International Monetary Fund. You know what they say about teaching a man to fish. You’re welcome.