Sunday, February 25, 2007

CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME

Last night the Perspective attended the Kodiak Arts Council’s Art and Adventure Auction at the Golden Anchor on the Coast Guard Base. Having been under the weather all week, the Perspective was lucky to have a friend invite him to the event. There were many fine pieces in the outcry auction, as well as a room full of smaller items in a silent auction. Kodiak Konfidential writer Ishmael went home with several items, “It is a great way to stock up on gifts and support the Arts Council”. Door prizes were handled in a unique way. Each person was given 5 tickets and could choose which door prize(s) they wanted a chance to win. One could try for 5 different prizes, or tip the scales by putting 5 ticket in for one prize (or any combination).

Volunteers were dressed in fisheries finest, except for the lovely “Vanna” girls who presented each item on the block.

Posters around town advertised the event, but sadly there was no mention on either of the community calendars on the web pages of the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce, nor KMXT, Kodiak’s Public Radio station. This fund raiser in not even featured on the Arts Council web page. Despite this handicap, attendance was sizable and the bidding was brisk.

The Perspective took home a door prize and 2 auction items.

Thursday, February 22, 2007

BEING SICK SUCKS

The Perspective has been down this week with a sore throat, severe congestion, and general weakness. No fun at all. After many steamy showers to clear nasal passages, doses of effervescent capsules, and plenty of chicken soup, the Perspective appears to be on the mend. The throat is still scratchy, and the nose is raw from too many tissues, but the Perspective is feeling a bit better this evening.

A friend noted that for the amount of time spent dealing with the public and being exposed to their germs, the Perspective is lucky he doesn’t get sick more often. He is lucky, and hopes that you are healthy.

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

BARACK OBAMA: THE AUDACITY OF HOPE

The contenders for the next presidential election have started emerging from the woodwork. On the democratic side the two garnering the most attention are Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.

Despite having almost no interest in national politics, the Perspective has read Mr Obama’s book, “The Audacity of Hope”. The book outlines Mr Obama’s thoughts on government and American policy. He tries to portray himself as someone willing to listen to multiple viewpoints and willing to compromise, but in every hard example in the book he is always right or the democrats are always right and the republicans are always wrong. Early in the book he says that this is exactly the problem in Washington.

Whoever gets the bid in the democratic party, Hillary or Barack, either will face a great challenge, neither a woman nor a black man has run for this countries highest elected office. Is America ready to make such a leap? The Perspective doesn’t think so. By mounting a campaign, it will break down some of the barriers though, and will lead eventually to the election of either a woman or a black or maybe a person of Hispanic descent. In the meantime look forward to 4 more years of the GOP.

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

CRIME IN KODIAK (POLL)


There was spirited voting in the crime poll with 54 of the readers giving their perspective. Tinted windows were indeed the most worrisome crime with 14 votes (26%), followed by Drugs (11 votes 20%), and litter (9 votes 17%).
Alcohol related crimes edged out expired tags 7 votes to 6, bicycles downtown (4), and domestic abuse (3). Larceny and murder/rape did not receive any votes.

According to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program, Kodiak with a population of 6,343 had 36 reports of violent crime, all of which were aggravated assault, no murder, rape, nor robbery. There were 271 incidents of property crime, 16 burglaries, 238 larceny/theft, 17 vehicles stolen, and 3 cases of arson. These are the statistics for 2005 when the Kodiak Police Department employed 34 people, 18 officers and 16 civilians.

The Perspective is of the opinion that litter is the most serious crime problem in Kodiak. We chose to live in the most beautiful place and then despoil it with litter. How much effort does it take to put your trash in a waste receptacle? Keep Kodiak beautiful.

Total crimes in Kodiak in 2005 were 307 or less than one each day. Just another reason why Kodiak is a great place to live.

Monday, February 19, 2007

COUNT THE EAGLES


On the way to the Harborside Coffee this morning the Perspective noticed that there was a lot of activity in the air, birds were circling. The Alaska Beauty was tied up at Oscar’s dock attended by many eagles. A sea lion was swimming nearby and the odor of fish was in the air. Just another beautiful day in Kodiak.

Thursday, February 15, 2007

THE LATEST $1 COIN TO CIRCULATE (NOT)


Can you name the three persons depicted on $1 coins in the later half of the 20th century? Yes, there were three. The US Mint today issued the 1st of the new Presidential series of one dollar coins featuring George Washington on the obverse and the statue of liberty on the reverse. The mint plans on issuing 4 designs each year to honor our presidents.

Dollar coins have found favor in Canada, when the treasury stopped issuing the paper version of the dollar bill. The coins became so popular that Canada issued a $2 coin which is also popular. Here in the States, the dollar coin has failed miserably because the treasury still prints the dollar bill. So why hasn’t the US Treasury figured out why the “loonies” and “twoonies” are so popular while the US versions sit in treasury vaults.

Coins may have an initial higher cost, but remain in circulation far longer, and eventually cost less than the constant printing of the dollar bill.

The 3 people featured on the dollar coin were Dwight D Eisenhower, Susan B Anthony, and Sacagawea.

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

VALENTINE DAY


How can this humble wordsmith compete with the great poets on Valentine’s day? He can not, so here is a poem by Charles Bukowski.


my god

you know that little girl
who used to play
on the lawn across the street?

look what happened
overnight:

new breasts
round ass
long legs
long hair

eyes of
blue fire.

we can no longer
think of her
as before.

now she is
15 years full of
trouble.
 

STARFISH ART, AN EXHIBITION


How many of you fly by the “Fly By”? The Perspective prefers to sit and enjoy his java. In addition to not having to worry about spills on the rough roads of Kodiak, the “Harborside Fly By” features local artists in a month long exhibitions. This month there are two shows, one of assembled photographs, and the other is decorated starfish. This is a sometimes funny, sometimes surprising show as the shape of the dried starfish inspires the artist in unexpected ways. The Perspective encourages you to take the time to stop in and have a look, it is sometimes a good idea to get out of your vehicle.

Saturday, February 10, 2007

MONSTER TRUCKS



SUNDAY, SUNDAY, SUNDAY . . .

MONSTER TRUCK RALLY IN KODIAK!

LISTEN TO THE ROAR OF THE ENGINES AS THE MONSTER TRUCKS CRUSH AVERAGE SIZED CARS AND LARGE DOGS ON THE STREETS OF KODIAK!

THRILL TO THE DELIGHT OF THESE MACHINES AS THEY POWER THROUGH CAVERNOUS POT HOLES AND TAKE ON “POTTY” THE MYSTERIOUS CREATURE THAT LIVES BENEATH THE SURFACE AT THE “Y” IN LAKE KALOZ.

FREE ADMISSION FOR CHILDREN OF ALL AGES!

*Monster trucks are legal in the state of Alaska as long as the height of the headlights or taillights does not exceed 54 inches, or 4 ½ feet, above the ground.

FIRE DEPARTMENT TRAINING


When the Perspective headed out on his morning walk, he saw a beautiful arc of water shooting over the spit. Arriving on the scene, he saw the Kodiak Fire Department engaged in volunteer training with the ladder truck. Fortunately the volunteers made another run and put on quite a good show. Some volunteers were practicing with the hand held water hose while others were engaged in raising the boom and practicing with the adjustable nozzle at boom’s end. Kudos to the paid and unpaid members of the KFD.

FEWER CHOICES IN KODIAK


In the free market competition and choice lead to better product and lower prices. The free market suffered a set back in Kodiak with the news that the Toyota et al dealership was closing it’s doors. The Perspective spoke with the Anchorage based owner who told him that any money he could get out of the inventory was cash in his pocket. He also said that he has a buyer for the building located on the corners of Rezanof and Marine, and Marine and Shelikof. No official word on when the doors will close and speculation is rampant amongst the employees. “I don’t know what will happen, but I won’t be working here” was the response on one woman currently employed at the auto dealer.

A visit today revealed that much of the smaller stock has been sold with many display racks empty. The Perspective made inquiries about an outboard motor, the salesman offered $2,000 off of list, the owner offered $3,500 off of list. After a quick check of internet prices, looking for ballpark, the Perspective found that those prices were still above the norm, and offered a lesser amount. His offer was rejected. A week closer to the end, the Perspective lowered his offer, and was again rejected.

The Ford dealership offered no comment on being the only option in town.

WINDOW TINTING UPDATE

A bill was introduced in the state Senate (SB78) about the installation of window tinting on automobiles to make it illegal to install tinting that exceeds the state guidelines for light transference as an amendment to Alaska Statute 28.35.

The perspective does not understand the need for this amendment as it is already illegal to have tinting on vehicle windows beyond a certain level.

The Perspective spoke with Debbie Renfoir at the Ford dealership after hearing reports that customers had been inquiring about the factory installed tinting.

During the month of January, the Ford dealership received many inquiries by persons who had been stopped or cited for illegal window tinting. Mrs Renfoir told the Perspective that several of these customers were upset and indicated that they were going to file complaints with the Alaska State Troopers. She also said that customer inquiries had tapered off in the last week and a half.

The Perspective asked Mrs Renfoir about the purpose of window tinting. She said that all new car windows are tinted to some degree, even the windshield and front windows for safety while driving in daylight. Asked about the effects on night time driving, she said that the amount of tint in the windshield does not impair night driving vision. 

Thursday, February 8, 2007

THANK YOU


These charts appear on the blog “Indexed” which is one of the Perspective’s favorites. They were chosen in appreciation of the many new readers and commenters, that includes you Annonymous, who have been visiting this blog. Thank you very much, The Kodiak Perspective.

CARNIVAL CANCELLED, IT WAS TOO MUCH FUN

Last year there were debates on whether it was appropriate to hold the “Mardi Gras” in storm ravaged New Orleans. The “Mardi Gras” was a huge success and helped New Orleans with much needed cash to help rebuild. The “Mardi Gras" is a celebration of life. Now the attacks have moved into the Spanish courts over noise levels at the “Carnival” on Tenerife in the Canary Islands. This news story appeared in Reuters.

MADRID, Feb 8 (Reuters Life!) - A Spanish court on Thursday canceled Carnival celebrations in the Canary Islands city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife -- one of the biggest in the world -- because they are too noisy. The court awarded an injunction halting the celebrations after a group of citizens complained the festivities violated their human rights, State radio reported.

Carnival is celebrated in every town and village on the island of Tenerife but the most spectacular celebrations are in Santa Cruz and Puerto de la Cruz.

The festivities include parades, dancing, music and fireworks and come to a climax with the famous "burial of the sardine." In Santa Cruz, an enormous sardine sitting on a throne is carried through the streets on a float, followed by an entourage of mourners, pregnant men and widows in floods of tears amid general hysteria.


The Perspective has attended several “Mardi Gras” celebrations in New Orleans as did his father and grandfather. It is loud, it is crowded, it is wonderful! People getting together to have fun, dress up, watch parades, and celebrate life, what could possibly be wrong with that? Thankfully in the USA the constitution protects the Pursuit of Happiness. 

Wednesday, February 7, 2007

MULI-TASKING GONE MAD

Think you deserve a throne? A U.S. plumbing firm has created a luxury toilet equipped with laptop computer and flat-screen TV which it plans to give away in an online sweepstake.

Ohio-based Roto-Rooter says its “Pimped Out John” is designed to “fulfill all your wildest bathroom dreams.” Special features include an iPod music player and speakers, an Xbox video game console, a refrigerator filled with drinks and snacks and a cycling exercise machine.

“The average person spends 11,862 hours in the bathroom, which equals one year, four months and five days in a lifetime… a toilet should be the most wonderful location in your home.”

Any resident of the United States could win this “gleaming monument to personal convenience” by entering the sweepstake at www.rotorooter.com before April 2.

You might never want to leave your bathroom again. 

This story appeared in Reuters.

Monday, February 5, 2007

MOVE OVER, JANET


Did you watch the Super Bowl halftime show? The artist formerly known as Prince and now know as Prince performed his hit “Purple Rain” (appropriate given the weather) partly behind a screen. During this portion, with his fancy “Symbol” guitar, the images were sometimes disturbing. At one point he looked like a devil with a bifurcated tail, and later it appeared that he had a giant phallus erupting from his pants. Good wholesome entertainment there. Watch the Video and judge for yourself. And the censors were upset about Janet’s wardrobe malfunction, hah! 

WHAT GIVES?


The Perspective has unconfirmed reports that the vehicles used by the Alaska State Troopers have tinted windows. The Perspective is unable to confirm these reports at this date, but a walk past the city police and fire lots show that city vehicles have tinted windows. What gives with the double standard, or should the law be “THE LAW”.
 

WINTER ACTIVITY POLL


The Perspective was surprised at the overwhelming result that Snow Maching is the readers choice (58%). Perhaps the Perspective shouldn’t be so surprised as Americans love their toys. Cozy and warm by a blazing fire was 2nd (25%), and shredding the slopes was 3rd (17%). The Perspective thought that there would be more skiers/snow boarders amongst the readers.

With the interest from the comments left on the blog, the new poll is about crime.

Please voice YOUR PERSPECTIVE.

Sunday, February 4, 2007

DENBY LLOYD APPOINTMENT MADE OFFICIAL


Former Kodiak resident Denby Lloyd was appointed to the post of Commissioner of Fish and Game yesterday by Governess Sarah Palin. He had been acting in that capacity since December 26th. Lloyd was the only name submitted to the Governess by the Joint Board of the Alaska Board of Fisheries and the Alaska Board of Game. He will be sworn in next week. Congratulations Denby.

Saturday, February 3, 2007

PERSPECTIVE IS TAKEN TO TASK

 The blog about Trooper Cooper has drawn many comments from readers, all of them negative. Some are personal attacks trying to elicit a response, and those should be and are ignored by the Perspective. Comments about the nature of the blog and from co-workers warrant a response.

Trooper Cooper is a likable young man, and believes that he is doing the best job that he is able. At issue is that on a day of treacherous conditions is the best course of action to be concerned about public safety or to issue citations?

In his schooling the Perspective was taught several lessons about our nation and its rules and regulations. (these are principles not necessarily related to this particular blog)

Our nation was founded after the overthrow of tyranny. "I have sworn . . . eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man" Thomas Jefferson. It was illegal to throw tea in Boston Harbor, It was illegal to assert independence from the British throne. It was illegal for women and blacks to vote.

"Those who profess to favor freedom, yet deprecate agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground. They want rain without thunder and lightening. They want the ocean without the awful roar of its many waters. This struggle may be a moral one; or it may be a physical one; or it may be both moral and physical; but it must be a struggle. Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will."
– Frederick Douglass, African-American abolitionist

Henry David Thoreau wrote in “Civil Disobedience”
“I heartily accept the motto, "That government is best which governs least"; and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically. Carried out, it finally amounts to this, which also I believe--"That government is best which governs not at all"; and when men are prepared for it, that will be the kind of government which they will have. Government is at best but an expedient; but most governments are usually, and all governments are sometimes, inexpedient. The objections which have been brought against a standing army, and they are many and weighty, and deserve to prevail, may also at last be brought against a standing government. The standing army is only an arm of the standing government. The government itself, which is only the mode which the people have chosen to execute their will, is equally liable to be abused and perverted before the people can act through it. Witness the present Mexican war, the work of comparatively a few individuals using the standing government as their tool; for in the outset, the people would not have consented to this measure.”

Freedom of speech is the concept of the inherent human right to voice one's opinion publicly without fear of censorship or punishment. The right is enshrined in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and is granted formal recognition by the laws of most nations. Nonetheless the degree to which the right is upheld in practice varies greatly from one nation to another. In some nations with relatively authoritarian forms of government, overt government censorship is enforced.

As Americans we have the right to free speech, which sometimes provokes debate. This debate often leads to resolution of problems within our country.

We are also taught that there is a difference between the “letter of the law” and the “spirit of the law”, a recent example: Sen. Byrd delivered the following remarks regarding the nomination of Alberto Gonzales to be the nation's next attorney general. During the speech, the senator expressed strong concerns about Mr. Gonzales' role in the prisoner abuse scandals that have arisen from cases in Iraq and Afghanistan and at Guantanamo Bay, and the use of torture as an approved American interrogation policy. Sen. Byrd also told his colleagues that the nominee, as the White House counsel, has been responsible for programs and policies that undermine the principles of the Constitution of the United States.

AL GORE GETS TO PHIL



We are having the most excellent winter here in Kodiak, We have had some good snow for skiers, sledders, and snow machiners, The lakes are frozen and families have been out ice skating. In the last 2 weeks temperatures hae risen and much of the snow in town has receded. The streets are clear, and some of the sidewalks. It has been the best winter since tha Perspective has moved to Kodiak. Yesterday was groundhog’s day, and we eagerly wait for the news from Punxsutawney.

PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. -- Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow Friday which, according to German folklore, means folks can expect an early spring instead of six more weeks of winter.
"Global warming has caused a great debate. This mild winter makes it seem just great," Punxsutawney Groundhog Club Inner Circle member Dr. Paul "Rusty" Johnston said in reading the prediction. "On this Groundhog Day we think of one thing. Will we have winter or will we have spring?"

Al Gore must have gotten to Phil. Unconfirmed reports tell of Al Gore hanging around Gobbler’s Knob with a portable DVD player, and a copy of his movie “An Inconvenient Truth”. Did he wake Phil early and make him watch? The Perspective couldn’t say, be he has suspicions.

Thursday, February 1, 2007

GOVERNESS PALIN MAKES TOUGH CHOICE

Warm weather has brought fog to Kodiak and other parts of Alaska. The Governess left Kodiak bound for Hooper Bay, but ended up in Anchorage and spent the day, trying for Juneau on Tuesday, but ended up in Ketchican.

"We stayed in Ketchikan last night, thinking that we were going to try early this morning to get back to Juneau. But I had this meeting with Exxon this morning, and I'm like, 'Hmm, Exxon? Or go to kindergarten classes in Ketchikan? What is more fun and productive? It's going to kindergarten class.'

Fisherman and communities affected by the Exxon Valdez oil spill might have preferred that the Governess meet with the oil company which has yet to settle the lawsuit from the spill, now in it’s 18th year.

The youngsters have a keen understanding of politics and posed many questions to Governess Palin. One student asked about Palin's clothing. "Most governors in the past, they've all worn a suit and a tie," Palin said. "But every governor in the past has been a man. So, for the first time, you're going to see a governor wearing a dress. They can wear whatever they want, though." Another child remarked: "The governor wears necklaces." Palin responded: "This governor does. And bracelets, yes." A little girl summed up: "The governor's wearing makeup and glasses and put up their hair and they have earrings on and they wear skirts and boots." "Good observation," Palin said, adding that there are nine women governors in the United States of America, "and so other women governors probably do the same thing."

Kodiak legislators, meanwhile, made it to Juneau on Monday to conduct state business, including the resolution to make the first Saturday in March “Susan Butcher Day” (HB37), recorking wine served with a meal (HB51), and broadcasting promoting charitable gaming (HB116).