TRAVEL WEARY

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.

GOIN GANGSTA

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.”

HIT COUNTER TURNS BINARY

OK, the Kodiak Perspective is not nearly as popular as other Kodiak Blogs, but it is fun to know that some people enjoy the musings here.

Today, the hit counter returned to binary, and a palindromic number.

There are 10 types of people in the world:

Those who understand binary. . .

WEDNESDAY BRIDGE

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 BASICS:

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).

A SHINY NEW PENNY

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.

For 2009 the reverse, coins have an obverse (heads) and a reverse (tails), will depict events in the life of Lincoln. 

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?

One design that was rejected by the mint was for the Lincoln Navigator, sponsored by Ford.

Sarah Palin Sex Tape

This is a short animated film (nothing explicit).

CHRISTMAS IN SEPTEMBER

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 merchant class thanks you.

ABSENTEE – IN PERSON

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.

No Penguins in Kodiak

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.

EARLY RETIREMENT

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. 

Peterson Redux

Looks like that poor puffin could use a smoke.

READY FOR FALL? BRIDGE ANYONE

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.

If you are interested, there are many ways to learn the basics including online instruction from the ACBL (American Contract Bridge League), or maybe the Kodiak Public Library.

To meet other players or to see the game being played, stop by the club, and you may even be treated to some of the fine baking of Cowboy Cobis.

The Kodiak Perspective hopes to see you some Wednesday at St James the Fisherman, 421 Thorsheim St, 7:pm. Everyone is welcome.

WHITE MAN’S “MAGIC” DESTROYS AGAIN

The Kodiak Perspective became aware of the situation in Adak from reading Alaska Real, a blog by an Alaskan Native. For the Native perspective please read her blog.

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.

Adak is a remote island in the Aleutian chain. Trees do not grow there, it is volcanic with rough terrain, and is beset by harsh weather conditions. Not a very hospitable place to live, but people choose to live there.

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. 

BAD TIMING

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. 

WELCOME TO KODIAK

Don’t dare to try to have any fun.

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.

The Kodiak Perspective did not know which parcels of lands are claimed be Lesnoi, but was able to find maps at the website of the State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resourses, Division of Mining, Land, and Water.

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. 

ENDORSEMENT

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”.

SARAH MEETS THE PRESS

Just in case you missed Sarah's interview with Charlie Gibson, or were in line at Taco Bell,  . . . 

No, that is way too serious, instead here is her interview with BLOGMONKEY.

DRESS LIKE A REPUBLICAN

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.

With our Governess in the spotlight, maybe the money she sent you could be used for a make over and a new wardrobe. One that the Republicans would be proud to wear. Like this one featured on Lilly Pulitzer of Palm Beach: Phipps Pants $195, Bradley Argyle Sweater $225,
Men’s Cashmere Socks $75, and a D-Ring striped belt $75.

Or you can choose to go Kodiak chic with a new pair of XtraTuffs Boots, Grunden Fleece Pants, and a Kodiak Marine Supply Sweatshirt.

CAN A BRIDGE REALLY GO NOWHERE?

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.

PUFFIN WITH PRIDE

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.

Wouldn't you, Barracuda?

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.

INDEXED

Here is a timely card from our friend at indexed.

Maybe the Palins should read her blog.

GOODBYE DAVE

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.

KODIAK REACTS (REDUX)

Governess and VP Nominee Sarah Palin spoke at the Republican National Convention

How did Kodiak react to the speech?

Huh?!

I was in line at Taco Bell!

WRITE-IN FOR BOROUGH ASSEMBLY

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.

GOOD TO BE KING

LUDZIDZINI ROYAL VILLAGE, Swaziland (Reuters) - Tens of thousands of bare-breasted virgins competed for Swaziland King Mswati III's eye on Monday in a traditional Reed Dance.

The king is expected to choose his 14th wife. 

Meanwhile back in Kodiak, the Perspective is still hoping to find his one true love. Someone who has eluded him for 45+ years. She is quite elusive, or perhaps he is not a very good hunter.

KODIAK REACTS

Kodiak reacts to the news of Sarah Palin's nomination as the GOP VP.

Huh?!

I was in line at Taco Bell!

VANDALS ATTACK MILL BAY ROAD

There are many chunks of pavement missing on Mill Bay Rd. some quite large, at least large enough to cause damage if a car or bicycle were to travel directly over one of these patches. Yet there are no indicators. 

If this is actual authorized road work there would be orange safety cones, warning signs of changing traffic patterns, or some evidence of road repair equipment, and flaggers with their walkie-talkies directing drivers to slow down.

Until these miscreants are brought to justice, keep a sharp eye out while traversing the Kodiak streets.