Are you the same age as the State of Alaska (50)? Then the Alaska Railroad has a special deal for you. One day of free travel aboard the Blue and Gold.
If you have never been on our state’s rails you are missing something special. The Kodiak Perspective took a ride a few years back and really enjoyed the experience.
Be sure to get your “Ride Guide” at the Anchorage depot for a mile by mile tour of Alaska.
Even if you are not 50 years old, the Alaska Railroad is also have a special for Fur Rondy. There are more specials at the web site.
Snowzilla has reappeared in Anchorage. City officials have condemned the creature as a menace and want him destroyed. His crime is that he attracts attention and creates traffic.
Meanwhile, in Harbin China snow has been manufactured to complete their answer, a giant Father Christmas, who attracts attention and creates traffic.
Hmmm . . . sounds like the number, an illegal gambling activity until the states embraced it as the lottery.
Christmas morning has arrived with not only a visit from Santa, but also from an unwelcome visitor, Mister Mucus. Instead of enjoying a delightful morning of presents to unwrap and greetings from friends to enjoy, The Kodiak Perspective is steaming his head to breakup the congestion that has invaded his lungs and sinuses.
Hopefully your Christmas morning finds you with better holiday spirits, twinkly lights, and brightly colored presents under the tree.
The Kodiak Perspective wishes all of you a joyous holiday to be enjoyed in good health. Merry Christmas to all, and to all ach-choo.
The Kodiak Perspective awoke this morning to a fresh dusting of snow on the lawn. Hope soars for a White Christmas.
Funny, when he moved to Alaska, The Kodiak Perspective thought that a white Christmas would be a foregone conclusion, but it has not been so. His first year in Kodiak, The Perspective took a hike on Christmas day up Pillar Mountain just to get to the snow.
With the holiday on Thursday, snow on Monday is a good sign. Let us hope that it puts people in the spirit of the holiday.
How does Santa Claus visit all the children in the world in just one night? The Kodiak Perspective may have his own theory, but if you would like to see Santa’s flight as tracked by NORAD and broadcast over Google Earth, you must download the widget, then leave Google Earth on on Christmas Eve. The show starts at midnight at the international date line, as Santa works the time zones and his magic to spread joy to all the good little boys and girls.
In a move that can only be described as French, Parisian nude models staged a protest . . . by removing their clothing. Imagine a strike by manufacturers by building stuff, or retail employees striking by selling goods. It all just screams the French anthem “I GIVE UP.”
At issue in this dispute is something called the “cornet” which is something extra paid by the artist in addition to the models wages, the tip if you will.
Maybe The Kodiak Perspective has this wrong, maybe the nudity is not the point of the protest, maybe these nudies refuse to keep still. Keep an eye out for French artwork featuring fuzzy nudes. . . a return to impressionism.
Recent changes at the Anchorage Daily News reported by Ish over at Kodiak Konfidential bode ill for print versions of newspapers. Newspapers rely on circulation numbers (demand) to justify advertising rates. News of a paper voluntarily reducing circulation by limiting distribution means that advertising space will be less valuable.
Printed newspapers are struggling due to timely reporting via the internet (blogging). A blog with 1000 daily hits such as the KoKon can generate support in the form of ads and siphon off some of the dollars that used to go to print editions. Blogs may not be as encompassing as a newspaper with a staff of writers, but there are blogs for every conceivable interest, news, sports, travel, fashion, outdoors, regional happenings, games, comics, politics, editorials. Today’s readers have many options available.
Newspapers still have some advantages, portability, “one stop” source, reputation. and the tactile feeling of the paper, but have been in decline for some time. Newspapers may soon disappear, no longer to fill up our landfills. The Kodiak Perspective expects newspapers to disappear within his lifetime.
This production features Ted Neeley as Jesus Christ. Mr Neeley has played this part on Broadway (1971) in the film (1973) and continues now (2008). Ted Neeley has been Jesus Christ for 37 years, he has been Jesus longer than Jesus himself! Mr Neeley wasn’t born into the role in 1943, he started his portrayal at age 31. That makes this Jesus 65 years old!
Jesus on social security with medicare benefits, or can you get benefits if you’ve risen from the dead?
If you are in Anchorage this holiday season, you may want to catch this performance, reported to be his farewell tour, at the Atwood Concert Hall. Let’s just hope that Jesus doesn’t break a hip.
Even though the last time they tried it there were 22,000 complaints. CitiBank has announced that they will not set up a model train display in their lobby in 2009.
The display which creates jobs for 5 people year round and attracts over 100,000 visitors to CitiBank plaza, is said to be too expensive to run in these tough economic times.
CitiBank gets a large bump in its revenues at Christmas from holiday shoppers who use a CitiBank credit card, so removing a Christmas display sends a bad message.
The Kodiak Perspective encourages you to send a message back to CitiBank, please do not use a CitiBank credit card for your holiday gift purchases.
Thank you for all the great toys you have brought me over the years, though I could have done without the having to open up a pack of undies in front of my family. I note that sis never got panties or a bra at Christmas, is this embarrassment saved only for boys? Never mind that.
I wanted to tell you that I have been pretty good this year, though with the instability in the price of fuel, I could have used the lump of coal, but who admits to being naughty, unless they enjoy being spanked?
I am very lucky, I have all the things that I need, so what could I want for Christmas? Certainly not something that will end up unused, and eventually in a landfill, I want to think abought the carbon footprint that I leave on our beautiful island of Kodiak.
The perfect gift for me is something usable, enjoyable, and doesn’t cause too much waste when disposed of after used. Hmm . . . that lump of coal is looking better and better.
Santa, when I hang that stocking, freshly removed from a beautiful woman, by the fireplace I am hoping that you will find it in your heart to put in there a couple of really nice cigars, the kind I am too cheap to get for myself.
Thank you Santa. I hope that this year has been good for you, the missus, elves, and deer. I’ll have the chimney swept so your suit won’t get too sooty.
The Kodiak Perspective has finally finished reading “Infinite Jest” by David Foster Wallace. What makes this book special? The book was published in 1996 and is set in the near future, when the governments of Canada, Mexico, and the USA have been combined into “One North American Nation” or O.N.A.N., but not everyone is happy. The Quebecois do not want any part of the new conglomeration, and have their operatives busy in the field. Much of the book also deals with alcohol and substance abuse and recovery, and the characters that live under a supervised roof just downhill from a boarding school for tennis prodigies. The high school pranks and jests make up a large portion of the book.
The material here is dark, dealing with people who are unhappy and unable to control their own destinies. Mr Wallace suffered from depression and hanged himself in September. His vision of this near future and his writing though are very funny, there are many laugh out loud moments in the book.
What is really striking though is his use of language, taking common roots and using them in unexpected fashion. The language usage in the book may take readers out of their comfort zone. This book is also a hefty 1100 pages heavily word filled pages, which along with the unusual language may be why The Kodiak Perspective has yet to meet a single person who has read the book, add to that over 400 end notes.
If you choose to read this book, you will need two bookmarks, one for the body, and one for the end notes. There are over 400 end notes, some of which may explain the text, some expand the text, and even some that are the text, with whole sections of the book taking place in the notes.
The Kodiak Perspective recommends this book, and will be giving away copies to friends for Christmas. It is a good reading project for our long winter evenings here in Kodiak Alaska.
The Kodiak Perspective has chosen to live without an automobile. He depends upon his feet and his bicycle to get around our beautiful island. It is a common occurrence whilst on foot to have Kodiak citizen pull over and offer a ride, especially if it is raining or snowing. The Kodiak Perspective thanks all of the kind citizens who make these offers, but he really enjoys walking.
The other day a red sporty car pulled over and honked the horn. The Kodiak Perspective did not recognize the car. Bending down to peer in, his view was obstructed by tinted glass. Don’t tell the troopers. It wasn’t someone trying to find a “date”, it turned out to be a friend driving.
Today is December 5th, only twenty days until Christmas, and already the parties have begun. The Kodiak Bridge Club held their party at the final game of the year on Wednesday. The party brought players out of the woodwork that haven’t been seen in a while and there were four full tables (16 people), and food a plenty. Santa even made an appearance, though he traveled without his reindeer on this rainy and foggy Kodiak evening. The reindeer are in training for their big night, short jaunts interfere with the training schedule.
In these troubled economic times a pack of cards and a beginning Bridge book may be an inexpensive gift that can provide a lifetime of pleasure.
Did you hear about the Wal-Mart temp who was stampeded to death on Friday? No, this isn’t a set up for a joke. What could be the possible punch line? There was a sale on western wear.
What could possibly be that important to buy? It’s a Wal-Mart! They sell cheap crap. Now if one of Kodiak’s gas stations was selling gas at the national average for 2 hours only . . .
The Kodiak Perspective admits to being a slow reader, and taking on a tome the length of DF Wallace’s “Infinite Jest” may seem madness, but the book is thoroughly enjoyable. The Kodiak Perspective has just purchased several more copies, so if you are on his Christmas list, beware.
As the events lead together we find the Quebecois Wheel-Chaired Assassins infiltrating the Ennet half-way house in their quest for the entertainment. Considering the office door for possible after hours searching, he notes that “there is no bolt of death for the locking.”
The Bolt of Death, what an image, and so unlike the function of a deadbolt lock. Next time you are in Sutliffe’s or Spenards ask for the bolt of death and see the reaction.
As Thanksgiving nears, The Kodiak Perspective is thankful for the enjoyment of this wonderful book.
Happy Thanksgiving. Here is a piece from the late 70's from Ian Dury and the Blockheads. Reasons to be Cheerful, Part 3.
1 2 3
Summer, Buddy Holly, the working folly Good golly Miss Molly and boats Hammersmith Palais, the Bolshoi Ballet Jump back in the alley and nanny goats
18-wheeler Scammels, Domenecker camels All other mammals plus equal votes Seeing Piccadilly, Fanny Smith and Willy Being rather silly, and porridge oats
A bit of grin and bear it, a bit of come and share it You're welcome, we can spare it - yellow socks Too short to be haughty, too nutty to be naughty Going on 40 - no electric shocks
The juice of the carrot, the smile of the parrot A little drop of claret - anything that rocks Elvis and Scotty, days when I ain't spotty, Sitting on the potty - curing smallpox
Reasons to be cheerful part 3
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Reasons to be cheerful part 3
Health service glasses Gigolos and brasses round or skinny bottoms
Take your mum to paris lighting up the chalice wee willy harris
Bantu Stephen Biko, listening to Rico Harpo, Groucho, Chico
Cheddar cheese and pickle, the Vincent motorsickle Slap and tickle Woody Allen, Dali, Dimitri and Pasquale balabalabala and Volare
Something nice to study, phoning up a buddy Being in my nuddy Saying hokey-dokey, singalonga Smokey Coming out of chokey
John Coltrane's soprano, Adi Celentano Bonar Colleano
Reasons to be cheerful part 3
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Yes yes dear dear perhaps next year or maybe even never
The world’s sexiest woman enjoys riding a bicycle, as does The Kodiak Perspective. Sexy is as Sexy does. With the skyrocketing fuel prices this past summer, more Kodiak citizens have rediscovered the joy of bicycling. Currently with snow on the ground, you may not be thinking of getting out the trusty two wheeler, but winter riding supplies can be found at 58 Degrees North at 1231 Mill Bay Road. Let Tim help transform you from an ordinary person to one of Kodiak’s Sexiest people.
If Karolina Kurkova ever visits our beautiful island she in welcome to borrow The Kodiak Perspective’s sexy Italian machine.
This year has been a very strange one for the US economy, dubious home loans lead to a credit crisis which pushed oil prices skyward, changing Americans driving habits, housing starts dropped off the map, and now the auto industry is broke despite oil prices dropping due to flagging demand. The talk in the news is that the government may stage their third bailout (remember the economic stimulus?) of the auto industry.
The concern is that if the auto makers fail, the resultant job loss will further put the economy in a tailspin.
The Kodiak Perspective is of a different mind though. Americans used to be leaders in new ideas, such as the assembly line which allowed Henry Ford to make the automobile affordable for the common man. Now we cling desperately to a dying industry. If the automakers fold, Americans will still want to be mobile. An open field may spur new ideas and that next great idea will be found. The automakers resistance to change has been their demise.
America needs another Edison, Whitney, Colt, or Ford for the American dream to continue. Let’s see what happens.
These long dark evenings have left the Kodiak Perspective in a bit of a funk. So being distracted by thoughts of travel has lead him back to a web community of travelers that he belongs with. It is called Virtual Tourist. Here contributors from all over the globe upload their vacation pictures and give tips about what they did, where they stayed, where they ate, how the got took. It is all point and shoot, so a page made be someone in Ulan Bator will appear in the same format as one made by The Kodiak Perspective.
If you would like to share your vacation photos, become a member, and then you too can bore everyone with stories of your travels, just like The Kodiak Perspective.
While researching a possible vacation location The Kodiak Perspective has been working with a travel agent who doesn’t always think the same way. In one case she suggested a hotel that was $650 per night! Does that room come with hookers and drugs?
Thank goodness for the internet, it shows many more options. Still haven’t figured out where to go, but it ain’t gonna be no $650 per night digs for this Kodiak soul.
From mid-October till mid-November next year’s vacation choice list makes its rounds through the office. Choose the time for your vacation for next year. Well, gee whiz, The Kodiak Perspective is just not that organized.
Living in Kodiak has changed the way The Kodiak Perspective thinks about vacation. While living in the lower 48, it was easy to get anywhere, it is all on the road system. Kodiak is technically on the road system when you include the Alaska Marine Highway, but distances make auto travel a limiting choice. The Kodiak Perspective has spent his time here on Kodiak without a car, for over 8 years now.
Being forced to fly opens up many more destinations. In 2007 The Kodiak Perspective flew to Rio de Janeiro and cruised to Africa and Europe. So where in the world would you go?
The Kodiak Perspective has noticed that many islanders like to travel to otherislands. Strange. The Kodiak Perspective is also fascinated by an island destination, Guernsey, one of the channel islands between England and France. It is the location of his favorite book.
Today is the day that we honor our veterans who put themselves in harms way so that we could live in this country without fear from our nation’s enemies. Many of these men and women freely volunteered their services and some over the years never made it home. They left behind family and friends and we should also remember those that they left behind. Many veterans were also injured and their lives were forever changed by their time in the service.
So please take the time today, and everyday to thank these brave men and women. They sacrificed much in the service of their country.
It is unfortunate that we have to have a special day to honor these men and women, but people and countries often do not get along, and these disagreements are often settled by hostilities. Disagreements between countries, tribes, men go back as far as human history.
It is sad that the world is unable to put aside their differences and get along. This goes back to the previous article about prejudices. We are taught not to trust strangers and that our cause is always right. Just as others are taught to hate us, it could be national interests or religion or just the color of our skins.
Hopefully the world is making progress, look at the European Union as an example or the uniting of the fifty states here in America. Maybe the election of Barack Obama will help us to see all people as people. Until that time armies will exist and our young people will be sacrificed. It is very sad.
Here in Kodiak we are very lucky. The Coast Guard here does a lot of good. Rescuing people at sea, even if they are not citizens of this nation. This is a branch of the service that crosses boundaries and fosters good will towards all men, a step in the right direction.
Since the election The Kodiak Perspective has heard many disturbing comments that has him thinking about racism in Kodiak and America. Actually racism is just a small portion of a larger phenomena of xenophobia, fear of the other.
The Kodiak Perspective believes that everyone is a racist, now before you go getting defensive, answer this question: You walk into a public place, say a coffee house, and order your favorite beverage, when you turn to find a place to sit there are two seats available, one at a table full of people who have similar ethnic background to yourself, and one at a table full of people who are from a different culture, you do not know any of the people in the room, which table do you choose to join?
The Kodiak Perspective believes that if you answered honestly, you would choose the more familiar, the people who are similar to yourself. This is a very small, but real, form of racism. Does it make you a bad person? NO it does not. Does it mean that you can not or do not get along with people of other cultures? NO, it does not.
Racism exists in all of us to some extent, it is only bad when it escalates.
Some prejudices are naturally occurring, and some are learned behavior. Many are perpetuated by stereotypes. Many are because we have limited experience with other cultures. The more we mingle, the less fear there is of the other. So the next time you are faced with that choice, will you sit with the “others”, and if you do will you be accepted? Or will it be uncomfortable for all. It may be. It is your choice.
Well, it is official, we’re living in “Obama”nation. The Kodiak Perspective is sometimes skeptical, and even though the polls showed Obama leading, he thought that when it came time to actually cast a ballot, America would be too xenophobic to elect Barack Obama. The results make The Kodiak Perspective proud to be an American.
Aside: The Kodiak Perspective found out from some Filipino friends that barack is the tagalog word for coffee.
The Kodiak Perspective enjoys the YouTube channel of “The Resident”, for her reaction to the election watch this video.
Election day may be a new beginning for political life, but it is a sad day for The Kodiak Perspective. It was on election day 2004 when he received news of his father’s passing. That day was spent in travel arraignments and travel back to Ohio for the laying out and interment of “Big Nick.
Many readers did not know pops, but he did visit Kodiak for three glorious months in 2002. If you did get to meet him and get to spend any time with him, you know that he was fun and always had stories to tell.
Pops loved to travel and didn’t miss opportunities to explore new places. We took a trip to Hungary in 1992 to see the land of his parents.
After the semi-annual ritual of spring ahead, fall back, it is now the time where we go to work before the sun rises and return home from work after the sun sets. If you work in a building without windows it is even worse. During this time make it a point to go outside during lunchtime. Take a walk, the sunlight is more nourishing than food. Hardest times can be the long evenings, when it has been dark so long, it must be time for bed. Now is the time to think about evening activities, like playing bridge. The Kodiak Perspective hopes that you have a way to cope with the darkness.
It is time to get reacquainted with family, and what better way than to welcome The Kodiak Perspective’s niece to the blogging world. Hopefully Colleena will continue to post. It has been several years since we’ve seen each other, The Kodiak Perspective may have to invite her to run in the Chad Ogden Marathon in late May.
The Kodiak Daily Mirror has had two stories this week about people doffing their clothing and jumping off of docks, one here in Kodiak. Both headlines emphasized that the diver stripped off his clothes and was naked. The incident here in Kodiak hailed a response of 3 Police cars, an ambulance, and the fire chief SUV. Guess it must have been a slow day crime wise in Kodiak.
The Kodiak Perspective remembers his mom admonishing him after coming in from play, to “get out of those wet things, you’ll catch your death.” So The Kodiak Perspective does not understand why it is a big deal that these late season swimmers were naked. If you are going to get wet, listen to mom, get naked first.
City Manager Linda Freed and Borough Assembly Member Sue Jeffries at the KPLA work session
Despite sunny weather here in Kodiak, a good sized crowd showed up for a work session to develop a plan for working through the process of getting a new library. Often these early stage meetings generate little interest outside of those directly impacted. The general public sits idly by until plans are announced for any project, and then criticize. The new library project will only succeed with the support of the citizens of Kodiak
This work session had a lot to do with envisioning what a Kodiak Library should be, and then how to get the citizens of Kodiak on board to support a new building fund. The Kodiak Public Library Association is a non profit organization trying to make a plan for a new building that is in part privately funded so that costs to the taxpayer will be nil.
The wind may have kicked up a notch this weekend, but it blew away the clouds and left Kodiak in glorious sunshine. This family of otters was playing in the small boat harbor.
The Kodiak Public Library Association launched it’s new website at 4:45 this afternoon. More content will be coming soon. This is an exciting weekend for the KPLA with an open house this evening, and workshops with library consultants in town for information gathering and workshops.
The public is invited to a brainstorming session at the college on Saturday from 12:30 - 4:00, finger foods appreciated. The Kodiak Perspective hopes to see you there.
Tina Fey portrays Governess Sarah Palin on Saturday Night Live. To achieve the look she has to glue her ears down.
Fey, who is 38 years old says of the Governor, "I'll tell you, that lady is five times better looking than I am. She's 44? She's got none of that droopy s ... She's keeping it tight!"
The Kodiak Perspective awoke this morning and looked out the window to see the lawn blanketed in white. The Kodiak Perspective has seen a few flakes this month, but nothing with enough volume to stick and remain snow once it has descended upon the earth. The snow is continuing to fall, and we can only hope that it will be a glorious winter of white.
All the information one needs to pick winners is contained in the highly cryptic, multi-herringed pages of statistical gobbledygook that is published by the turf authority.
In the words of Hank Chinaski, “I look for a horse that can beat the favorite, if I can’t find a horse that can beat the favorite, I bet the favorite.”
Time to light up a cigar, pour yourself a shot of Bourbon, and turn your mind over to the horse racing gods.
The Kodiak Perspective moved here from Cleveland Ohio which reports the lowest gas prices, $2.70, but that is OK, The Kodiak Perspective was warned that it is expensive to live in Alaska. It is worth every penny, or in this case, dollar per gallon.
With the election drawing nigh, there is a possibility that Alaska’s Governor, Sarah Palin, may have to resign her post to ascend to a new office. Should this happen, Alaska will need someone to fill her high heels.
The Kodiak Perspective suggests a campaign to get Tina Fey to move to Alaska, establish residency, register to vote, then run for Governor. If Chris Rock could also be persuaded, he could be her lieutenant-governor.
True, she is not a politician, but she plays one on television.
Three out of the five slates beg the question, who are these guys? The Kodiak Perspective doesn’t recall hearing any mention of these candidates with the possible exception of Ralph Nader, and that was only a blurb that his name would be on the ballot.
If you take the time to read the pamphlet, you may be surprised. Make your decision carefully, then get out and vote.
While Playing Bridge in Seaside Oregon the Kodiak Perspective had the chance to meet a former number one draft pick of the Cleveland Browns, Ken Carpenter. Ken grew up in Seaside and chose to return there after his career in professional football. He played in the pro-bowl in 1951, and during his career as a running back had the remarkable achievement of never fumbling the football, while averaging 5 yards per carry.
The Kodiak Perspective has adopted a plan to keep his life simple and free of clutter. It is not an easy plan to live by, but one that is worthwhile to keep life free of unnecessary clutter, especially in the closet. If he gets a new shirt or pair of pants, one must be discarded.
This weekend while at the Harbor Side Coffee Shop, a comment was made about his tee shirt purchased way back in 2005. So the time has come to update the wardrobe with a new tee shirt, a 2008 model. As luck would have it, a favorite You Tube channel has just announced a new line of tee shirts, so soon you may see The Kodiak Perspective sporting a new “Retarded Policeman” shirt.
Everybody sing: “He is a cop and he’s learning impaired. He’s the retarded policeman”
On the flight between Seattle and Anchorage there were two adventurers headed out to Cold Bay to go fly fishing for Steel head Trout. For reading material they had a book called “100 Easy Checkmates” by Larry Evans. As it happened they were seated in the same row (each side of the aisle) as The Kodiak Perspective who watched with amazement as the man studied the problems of “White to move and Checkmate” and then flipped to the rear section to find the answers. Glancing at the pages, these were very obvious mates, taking no more than 5 seconds to find the answer. The whole book would take anyone who actually plays chess less than 10 minutes to finish. Yet, the publisher is asking $9.95 for this “work” published in 2003.
The question is why did they even bother to put in an answer section, it is either mate or it is not. The Kodiak Perspective hopes that they are better fishermen than chess players.
The Kodiak Perspective made a boo-boo when booking this trip. To avoid an overnight stay in Anchorage, The Kodiak Perspective elected to overnight in Portland, never having been here, he was enticed by proximity and a free shuttle service to book a room at an airport hotel. Now he is stuck a way out here in the sticks. Had he known how good and easy the Tri-Met is he would have chosen a location in the free zone, close to restaurants, bars, and other forms of entertainment. He wouldn't be sitting in a hotel room in the afternoon, writing a blog entry.
Not to feel sorry for himself, he will venture out to see if he can find any signs of life on this desert island of hotels and parking lots. Wish him luck. Tomorrow he will fly home. It is nice to get away, it is even nicer to get home.
The new Seaside public library opened its door is late September, the week before The Kodiak Perspective arrived in town. In Kodiak, the KPLA (Kodiak Public Library Association) has started work on building public support and input for a new library building in Kodiak and has encouraged its members and members of the community to visit other libraries to see what is possible.
The Seaside library has opened its doors, but work is still continuing, so apologies if any comments do not refer to the finished product.
The library is not overlarge, and is also not a box. When one enters there is are public restrooms, and a multipurpose room which can be used for after hours events with a simple key check-out. The library area can be locked separately. Entering the library proper there is a feeling of open space. The building has many windows looking out on pleasant grounds, with comfortable chairs for relaxed reading, and even a fireplace with several overstuffed chairs. The book stacks are in the center, not on the walls, except in small areas of specialties, like a room for multi-lingual materials. This had not occured to The Kodiak Perspective, but is an excellent idea for our community as many of our citizens are fluent in other languages and should have materials in a community library. There is a public computer area, and also the building has a wireless connection for people to bring their own laptops. There are some smaller multi-use rooms within the library proper which may be used during library hours. The one thing that The Kodiak Perspective was not crazy about was a drab color scheme, the entire interior is done in a sand color, which may be a good base for a seaside community, but is uninspiring, maybe some sea green, beach grass green, and sky blue would be more cheery while staying with the motif. As you exit the library, there is a room for the Friends of the Library and sale room. with book bags, mugs, chachki, newsletters and membership information, and some used books. This area is staffed by a volunteer, or by staff if someone is unavailable. This is a constant source of awareness, community involvement, and funds, without being a hard sell.
Ask your local librarian about becoming a friend to your library, and if you are in Kodiak, please join us in our efforts to get a new public library in Kodiak.
If you want to see more of the Oregon coast, there is a good bus system out of Astoria connecting several coastal towns, but don't ask the locals as they may be aware of the bus system but most do not ride it and will misdirect you. Even the Seaside visitor center was little help. There is current information at the website ridethebus.org.
The Kodiak Perspective took a break from the honky-tonk that is Seaside to visit Astoria Oregon, just up the road. What a difference, Seaside is very tourist oriented and sits on a flat piece of land, Astoria has hills, and is more of a working town. The downtown area is rather dingy with older buildings that look neglected, dirty and in disrepair. Astoria looks like a town that has past it's prime.
The Kodiak Perspective was able to score a copy of the David Foster Wallace magnum opus "Infinite Jest" which was readily available in Astoria. The book was unavailable when this trip started, not at Title Wave nor Barnes & Noble in Anchorage, not in Portland, nor at the bookstores here in Seaside, but was seen at two bookstores in Astoria. Maybe it is just a week later, or they may have been available all along. The Kodiak Perspective was surprised at the heft of the novel which comes in at 981 pages of text or 1077 if you read the endnotes. It is not exactly the ideal travel book to read on an airplane as Alaska Air will charge you extra for the weight.
The bus stop in Seaside is at the cinema, 12th and the highway, 12 blocks over at the end of the "Prom" as it is locally called (promenade), and a half dozen blocks up. Across the way is an outlet mall if the visitor is inclined to shop for name brands without the tourist markup. Here the American consumer can load up on Nike, Eddie Bauer, Black & Decker, Pendleton, Bid Dogs, Harry & David, and other purveyors of goods to be foisted upon our already overwhelmed budgets.
Rather than shop, The Kodiak Perspective spent the afternoon on the beach enjoying the sunshine, catching a few rays and watching people flying kites. The water here is very different from Kodiak which is filled with small islands and rocky shoals seen from coves and bays. Here in Seaside, there is a long sandy beach and nothing on the horizon but an expanse of water, it is very peaceful.
One of the fun aspects of travel is dining out. In Kodiak our choices are limited, so going somewhere else means new dining experiences. If you travel to Seaside Oregon, there are many eateries steakhouses, seafood, cultural cuisine, to casual dining. The best discovery is a little place outside the tourist area, but just outside (an easy walk, less than one block outside), called NoHo's Hawaiian Cafe. NoHo's is located at 748 1st Ave and is open Tuesday - Saturday "Hawaiian Time".
The appetizer (pupu) special was Span Menuhu (apologies if the second word is wrong) which was spam and eggs packed in rice and rolled in seaweed, served with cabbage. The entries were tasty and plentiful. Two entrees and pupu were $20. NoHo's is the best eating find of this trip so far.
At the Seaside bridge tournament there were over 2100 tables during the six days of play. That is 8,400 individual entries at 18 sessions of bridge, a bit over 466 players per session.
On the last day of the tourney, there is a team game. Most times, bridge is played as a pair game, you and your partner, in a team game, two teams of four play a head to head match. Our E-W plays their N-S and vice-versa over 8 boards during this event. A perfect match would yield a score of 0-0, much like a pitchers duel in baseball, where one mistake can cost a team the game. It is seldom so, but as you only have to win a match against one pair, not every pair in the game, the strategy changes slightly, and the bidding and play are more cautious.
Even though bridge is a game of skill, there is still some element of luck involved. Several times The Kodiak Perspective and his partner made bids that were probable, but failed, where the other team was passive and did not seek out good scores. We had 2 slams (taking all but one trick) fail because our side lacked a small card. It is disheartening when your partner had too good a hand that cannot make because of duplicated or wasted values. It is worse when the other team is rewarded while not even trying for a good score. Losing a hand like that in a team game is very hard to overcome in a short match. Had the slams rolled home we would have won two more matches.
This was the first bridge tournament The Kodiak Perspective has attended in 8 years. It sated his bridge hunger and was great fun. Thanks to district 20 and the Seaside unit 471 for a wonderful time. The hospitality was great with salt water taffy during the day, and in the evenings they had special treats, one night was free clam chowder, and another night was free beer.
Now that the tournament has concluded, The Kodiak Perspective will return to more non-bridge topics. Thank you for indulging these entries.
There are many reasons to play bridge. Some of the attractions include a sociable setting, something to keep your mind sharp, the thrill of competition, and the opportunity for travel. As has been pointed out, bridge is enjoyed largely by an older crowd, and many enjoy their later years with travel and bridge. One thing you may notice at a bridge tournament is that the room is filled with silver foxes. There are many wonderful, beautiful, older ladies at these gatherings. They dress to the nines, and keep themselves mentally and physically attractive. As the Kodiak Perspective approaches his age of increased leasure time, the bridge circuit is a good place to find women. The Kodiak Perspective is not quite to that stage in his life, but the future looks promising.
After the post, for which their was an apology for the language, The Kodiak Perspective received a comment from a reader, and a post from the KoKon. Bridge does have its own language so other players can appreciate what happened at the table. Much like a martian reading about baseball, those who don't play will not get it.
"It was an 0-2 count with one aboard in the top of the seventh. There was a shift on in the outfield for the pull hitter as the hurler went into his windup. A slider on the inside corner was driven hard up the middle advancing the runner. With two aboard and two outs, Hank stode to the plate with heavy lumber in his hand . . . "Huh", says the martian.
A pastime or game that develops a language so that it can be written about in many newspapers, books and magazines, must have quite an attraction. If you give the game a try, you may soon end up confusing or boring your friends with your own tales from the table.
This is a bad week to be an Alaskan who is traveling. If you are identified as such a person, you will have to deal with the Sarah question. The Kodiak Perspective is on vacation to relax, play bridge, and sit on the beach with some Parrot Bay and a bikini clad woman. Well two out of three ain't bad.
Last night was the V-PILF debate and was the topic of conversation in the playing hall. Instead of the more important discussion of the game, people were side tracked from the important events of the day here in Seaside OR.
Who won the debate? As usual, if you are a Republican, then Sarah won, and if you are a Democrat, then Joe won. In the end, people don't choose who to support because of a V-PILF choice.
Now can we get back to what really matters . . . oh, you want me to rub some lotion on your back. Pass the Parrot Bay, please. Ouch, I've got sand in my tuckus.
Today the Kodiak Perspective is paired with a wonderful partner, Jack, who has earned many thousands of master points, has fun playing the game, and is just a delight at or away from the table. Many players are scared away by the thought of having to play in flight A, and would miss this great opportunity.
The most fun happened on board 18: N-S Vul Dlr E Sitting South, The Perspective picks up a monster hand, Spades:AK Hearts: voidDiamonds:KQJ73Clubs:KQ9742
Dealer Passes, South opens 1 Club, pass, 1 Diamond by partner, dealer who is not vulnerable enters the fray with 1 Heart, now is the time to show the beauty of the South hand with 2 Hearts (support of Diamonds, and strong), East supports partners Hearts and locates the Ace of Clubs with a cue bid of 3 Clubs, such a wild auction, but now it gets even better, Jack sitting North gives a western cue of 3 Spades showing the Ace of Hearts while denying a high Spade! Three cue bid in a row!! Dealer passes as the auction is now too rich for her blood, and it is decision time, partners bid opens up the chance at 3NT, but with this holding it is time to unleash 6 Diamonds.
The play is uninteresting, as the hand plays itself, but what a joy for a +1370. This is a 2 session game, so there will be more fun tonight.
On the ride from Portland to Seaside The Kodiak Perspective met two other travelers who were on their way to play bridge, one from Honolulu Hawaii, and one from Chicago Illinois. The game has such a powerful draw that people will travel thousands of miles to play.
Amtrak arrived at Seaside after the first night festivities had started, not that the Perspective was in any condition to play after the trip from Alaska, so after checking in to the Seashore Inn, The Perspective strolled over to the playing site and found Kodiak citizen Stosh enjoying the opening session. We agreed to meet in the morning for a game (9am).
Taking a walk around town reveals that Seaside closes up at 9pm in the off season, finding dinner proved a challange, fortunately there are places with bar menus, and The Perspective enjoyed a bowl of Chowder.
Nine am came early after a nights rest, Stosh and the Perspective enjoyed a session together, playing respectably and earning some "red" points. In a bridge game, points are awarded for playing well enough. At bridge clubs the points are "black" or regular, at tournaments you can get "color" for the strength of the game as well as the number of sessions to earn them.
The early game ends too close to the afternoon start to get away for lunch, so back to back sessions means that your brain is active and engaged for a long period. The Perspective finds a partner and a pair for a team event, but we are knocked out of the competition as are half of the teams entered.
After dinner at Guido's and Vito's, antipasto, the evening session takes its toll on the ageing crowd, as some people are caught napping at the table. The Perspective notices his own lapses, and knows that tomorrow will be easier.
The Kodiak hookup did not work out, as CK1 was out playing golf with his dad, so most of the day was spent people watching, reading and napping. The Kodiak Perspective does not feel rested after overnight air travel.
Portland is full of characters, the streets are full of pedestrians even on a weekday, and there is a party attitude. Some of the pastimes The Perspective observed were hacky-sack, hula hoop, musical performed on the street, political activism, and sidewalk chess.
Bicycles are everywhere, chained to posts, on the road, aboard busses and aboard the light rail. This town is very bicycle friendly. There are more makes and models, than the Perspective has seen on organized bicycle tours.
The downtown area is patrolled by cops on Segways, The Perspective even saw one cop navigating the walkway while texting aboard one of these silly machines. Still, one has to feel sorry for these fellows aboard the Segway, especially since they have to wear helmets on a gyroscopically stable platform, only GWB can manage to fall off (he didn't turn the machine on).
The Kodiak Perspective left the island for only the second time this year. Kodiak citizens always ask how one can leave when the weather is so glorious, and indeed Sunday was sunny and warm. The best answer is that you are sure that the planes are flying. When traveling off of the rock, good weather is a plus.
A thank you and shout out to "bridge partner" for a ride to the airport, we left early and had lunch at Java Flats, it was a nice afternoon to sit out on the porch and have a sandwich.
Arranging travel is always an adventure from Kodiak. This trip included a lengthly, 8 hours, layover in Anchor Town. Unable to locate a copy of "Infinite Jest" that the Perspective was hoping to read on the plane, The Perspective instead found a book called "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society." Guernsey is an island that fascinates the Perspective since reading "The Book of Ebenezer LePage" about a Guernseyman.
The Perspective arrived in Portland Oregon, his first time in this state, and getting downtown from the airport couldn't be easier. The lite rail is only $2.35, and is free in the downtown area. After a cup of coffee and this post, The Perspective hopes to hook up with another Kodiak Islander on vacation here in Portland before heading out this evening for Seaside.
The Kodiak Perspective will be leaving the island for a few weeks. In the past this has meant a hiatus from blog posts, but this time The Perspective will be in touch, traveling with a laptop, and a new gangsta fone.
A gangsta fone is a throw away mobile devise, no plan, pay as you go, perfect for those who dislike phones, but may need use of one while away. Theses disposable devises are called gangsta cause you use em and toss em so’s you cain’t be caught with the shizzle, dig.
Part of this trip will be spent playing bridge, so the posts may be about the game, or it may be about travel, but there will be posts that is a promise.
It has been a while since The Perspective has left the island and these ventures out into “civilization” often provide a chance to apply the perspective to the “real world.”
Congratulations to Bill and Susan Oliver, our club director and scorekeeper on a fine game. The Oliver duo have not been playing as much since their retirement. They enjoy travel and family. They are soon off again, but on Wednesday they had their game face on.
Cowboy Cobis made a delicious pan cookie with apricots.
If you are looking for a dark time activity, you might consider joining the Kodiak Bridge Club, Wednesdays at St James the Fisherman Episcopal Church, 421 Thorsheim, at 7:pm.
For more information about the game of bridge, online lessons are available at the ACBL web page. You can also find books at the public library.
Bridge is a partnership game (pinocle, euchre, spades). Players sit at the points of the compass (N, S, E, W). Partnerships try to figure out how many “tricks” they can take (pinocle, euchre, spades). At home, best 2 out of 3 wins (rubber).
You can’t get much for a penny, but it is hard to make change without them. The most stable coin, design wise, is getting a new look for 2009. The Lincoln cent debuted in 1909, one hundred years ago, and has only seen one major design change, from the wheat back to the memorial, and that was 50 years ago.
All the special coinage of the past ten years has reignited an interest in coin collecting, and made getting change fun. Have you found an Alaska Quarter yet? Have you been looking?
A UPS driver told the Kodiak Perspective that UPS has already exceeded last year’s volume of parcel and FEDex is maxing out street time as purchases arrive on the island from internet and catalog shopping due to the distribution of the permanent fund. Parcel volume is also reported to be very heavy at the Kodiak Post Office.
Give people money and they will spend it. At least most of them will. Many live by the adage “A bird in the hand . . .”. Who knows, you might die tomorrow and leave that money unspent. Why wait?
The Kodiak Perspective will be out of Kodiak for the next two weeks, and so will miss the election on October 7th. Fortunately there is an easy way to take part in the political process, the absentee – in person vote.
Stop by the Borough Offices anytime between now and the 7th, and you can cast your ballot, thus saving you the trouble of remembering to vote on the given day.
After reading over the election packets sent out by the Borough and the City, the Kodiak Perspective wondered if there was even a reason to go to the polls, there are more positions than candidates. But then he remembered that there is the proposition to bankrupt those in Kodiak who already can barely afford housing.
YOUR VOTE COUNTS: Look at the race in the primary between Andy and Dave. It was settled by 17 votes. Just a handful of voters. So don’t think that your vote is not important, it is.
Q: What do you call a school without nuns? A: Public School.
St Mary’s will be without nuns in June 2009, after the school year. Currently there are only 2 nuns left, but their presence is important to the school.
As a product of 11 years of Catholic Schools, the Kodiak Perspective knows that even if your teacher isn’t a nun, the nuns still pulled all the strings and set the tone in the building.
Without the nuns, who will beat the children? The Kodiak Perspective has seen the success of have an education beaten into children. Say what you will, it works.
Many people have their retirement accounts in the stock market through 401k programs. These people have seen their account value decline significantly with the collapse and crisis in the credit market. These people are now looking at putting off their retirement.
Many companies are at the same time trying to streamline their operations by offering early retirement programs. Some companies are reducing staff through layoffs, or reductions in force.
If someone is depressed about their financial future and dreads the prospect of working at the same jobs for many years to come. There is an alternative.
Suicide: The ultimate VER
(Voluntary Early Retirement)
This slogan came to the Kodiak Perspective while listening to “Fresh Air” and a story about David Foster Wallace, who hanged himself. The Kodiak Perspective does not advocate or encourage suicide, it just came as a funny slogan to put on a t-shirt.
This past week the weather has felt autumnal as we quickly approach the equinox. There is a chill in the air, more days of rain, increasing winds, and the horizon rises more quickly to snatch the sun out of the sky.
It is time to start considering indoor activities for those dark evenings that are approaching. The Kodiak Perspective enjoys playing Bridge, a wonderful card game that can be enjoyed on Wednesdays at St James the Fisherman located at 421 Thorsheim St at 7:pm.
Bridge is a game that can be enjoyed on many levels: social, intellectual, or competitive. If you enjoy playing cards, bridge may be the game for you.
Alaska Real also states that she has received many unfeeling comments about the situation. Don’t be a “hater”. Bloggers put time and thought into their postings. You may disagree, but please don’t disrespect.
“I ask these people to look at the history of Adak - the real history. Aleut/Unungax people have lived there for thousands of years.”
The power of white man’s magic to destroy is awesome. Here is a culture that has survived thousands of years, and yet, in a short time, less than 200 years, the natives have become dependant on Diesel Fuel, and have to abandon their homes.
I do not know how the indigenous people survived life on Adak, but I admire that achievement.
When white people come, they change everything. They trade pieces of paper for goods and services. White man’s goods can be bought for cash, things like Ipods, boilers for heat, alcohol, that were not part of society and which change culture. Now you are dependant on white man’s power, electricity or fuel oil. Which cost more money, and now more than you have. Mostly because you do not fit into white man’s economy.
It is sad, but it is very hard to rediscover your original lifestyle, and white man’s magic is so enticing, you may not wish to return to a time before. So the culture dies.
Little pieces survive, like grass basket weaving, but white man has destroyed your way of life.
During the week that the Kodiak Daily Mirror reported that many Kodiak residents do not have affordable housing, while the news on the economy worsens, reports that Alaskans carry the highest credit card debt, the Borough Elections Pamphlet arrived with the proposal to issue up to $115,300,000.00 in bonds for a new high school.
This is just one of many projects that has been sold to the public as a must have, some from the city and some from the borough, a Police Station/ Jail, Fire House, Library, Travel Lift, a swimming pool (in progress), to name a few.
When citizens are already overextended, the Kodiak Perspective wonders what kind of drugs our elected officials are on (and where can we get some).
Maybe it is time to explore other options, distance learning provides one model, or graduating motivated students who pass the exit exams and moving them into the private sector. There must be many ideas that can be explored without these massive costly projects.
ALSO ON THE BALLOT
After the defeat of the “Clean Elections” proposal in the last election, the Borough offers a proposal to relax financial disclosure requirements for those seeking office.
Seems that the “Corrupt Bastards Club” is flexing their political muscle. The City of Kodiak has already lowered their standards, and we live with the results.
Whatever your views on these issues, the Kodiak Perspective urges all to register and vote. This election will be held on October 7th.
The Alaskan experience conjures images of pristine lands, pure waters, abundant wildlife, adventuresome souls. Hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, and just being out of doors at every possible moment.
This will not be tolerated on Kodiak Island, where you will have to ask permission to go hiking on popular trails, thanks to Lesnoi, Inc, or Woody Island Natives. There has been much debate since the Kodiak Daily Mirror reported that Lesnoi would start issuing land use permits for non-Lesnoi people to enjoy the land.
Lesnoi holds most of the Kodiak road system, including many popular hiking trails. To hike to Termination Point, one has to pass through land held by Lesnoi, and the Ouzinkie Native Corp.
In the other direction, if you wanted to hike up to Heitman Lake for a afternoon of swimming, you would need a permit from Lesnoi.
What this means for the Kodiak Audubon Society sponsored hikes remains to be seen, will each hiker need a permit? “The Guide to Birding and Hiking on Kodiak Island” may need to be amended to advise of the new requirements. remains to be seen, will each hiker need a permit?
Enforcement of this new policy may prove problematic, as the area is large and entry points are spread out along the road system. Even though the trails are popular, use is sporadic.
Maybe the “white” people will do as they have always done to the indigenous peoples, and do as they please.
With the Presidential election just months away, and the attention drawn here in the State of Alaska with our Governess nominated as V-Pilf. Some may be wondering which way the Kodiak Perspective is leaning in this contest.
This is an art exhibit opening in Carmel, CA in October.
From his political debate
“I can’t blab such blibber-blubber, my tongue isn't made of rubber”.
With the first round of pay outs for this year’s Permanent Fund Dividend, with an energy kicker expected this weekend, Alaskans like to go shopping. What do you do with this “found” money? Put it into heating costs, college, pay off some debt, a new big screen TV or computer, travel? There are many possibilities.
The Kodiak Perspective does not know the origins of the sound bite “Bridge to nowhere”, perhaps it is related to “A fool’s errand” or Don Quixote’s “Impossible Dream”.
Take a look at Kodiak’s own “bridge to nowhere”, better known as the Near Island Bridge. At one point this project was also labeled with the moniker, but look what has happened since. There are public parks, hiking trails, a beautiful float plane airstrip, trident basin, the Fisheries Research Facility, The Fish Tech Center, a boat harbor, and endless and often fiery speculation about development plans on the spaces now easily accessible.
A bridge often is just a vehicle to someone’s dreams, even if those dreams change and mutate as possibilities open. The Kodiak Perspective encourages everyone to look beyond the words used to disparage, at what is possible.
Kudos to Peterson Elementary School whose new shirt logo is “Puffin with Pride.” The Kodiak Perspective is heartened to see that the school is teaching wholesome American values, to question authority, to throw off the shackles of tyranny, and to be really cool smoking that ciggy.
Perhaps the wordsmith did not intend or realize the pro smoking message, but it is hard to imagine that the connotation was lost on everyone involved in the design.
America wasn’t built on being passive sheep, and here in Kodiak we are proud to teach those values that made this country great to the next generation of patriots.
When Sarah Palin takes to the stage, the Heart song Barracuda in played to introduce the Governess who is now the GOP Vice Presidential nominee, much to the dismay of Anne and Nancy Wilson who have asked the GOP to cease and desist.
This comes after ASCAP has asked for royalties to be paid for the music used as torture in Guantanamo Bay, which is worse than waterboarding.
Music as torture was brought to the public attention when high volume music was played to drive out Panamanian President Manuel Noriega.
Will the Barracuda be defanged, The Kodiak Perspective doesn't think so.
Today the Kodiak Perspective heard the sad news about a former Kodiakan who lost his life, Dave Skimmin.
The Kodiak Perspective knew Dave and his wife, Sally, when we were all volunteers at KMXT, and it was my pleasure to serve on the Board of Directors with Sally.
At that time, board members were encouraged to produce testimonials to air during the fund drives. Dave jumped in and had us all laughing with his, “I listen to public radio because my wife makes me.”
Dave had a zest for life, being a rescue swimmer in the Coast Guard and a Surfer, he was forever smiling.
Sadly the Skimmins rotated out to Hawaii, and we lost touch, as so often happens. So we must be grateful for the good times that we have.
Dave died during a training flight when his helicopter went down. The Coast Guard does a great job helping out our fishing fleet here in Kodiak, and these training missions keep their skills sharp. Unfortunately, things can go awry.
Our thoughts are with Sally as she deals with the events. Sally, our thoughts are with you here in Kodiak.
There are two candidates for three seats on the Kodiak Borough Assembly. The filing deadline has closed with a lack of interest from political wannabes.
Now is an excellent time to find someone with no political ambitions, and start a write in campaign. Even a small movement could easily prove successful.
The Kodiak Perspective believes that the current makeup of Assembly members is too closely tied to Kodiak City, and would like to find someone who will be the voice of the villages. Please help the Kodiak Perspective find a concerned villager who would be willing to serve. As to the logistics, I am sure there must be provisions for teleconferencing since travel would be a burden.
If you have someone in mind, first ask if he or she would be willing, then leave the name in the comments. Let the villager’s voice be heard.
True words.
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