Wednesday, October 29, 2008

WELCOME TO THE BLOGO-SPHERE


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.

LATE SEASON SKINNY DIPPING


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.


Tuesday, October 28, 2008

LIBRARY WORK SESSION WELL ATTENDED

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. 

Monday, October 27, 2008

YA OTTER LOVE THE SUNSHINE


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.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

BRAND NEW KODIAK WEBSITE

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.

SPOCK EARS?

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!"

SNOW!


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. 

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

STATISTICAL HEAVEN


The Kodiak Perspective received a packet from his bookie, the Daily Racing Form, Breader’s Cup Advance.

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.

It just doesn’t get any better. 

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

GASOLINE PRICES DROP

Nationwide gasoline prices have dropped to below $3.00 a gallon, to an average of $2.91. A significant drop of .57 in the last two weeks. What does that mean here in Kodiak?

Ish reports that gas has dropped a nickle. No finagling here.

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.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

MORNING INTERLUDE

The Kodiak Perspective was enjoying a midmorning beverage at the Harborside when in walked The Irish Assassin, who glanced at the book on the table.

IA: I see you are reading dead authors again.
KP: Yes. Have you read it?
IA: I read 200 pages then realized there were 900 left to go.

The Kodiak Perspective nodding knowingly and opened the tome to the book marked page, page 200.

Quote from the bottom of page 204.
“Acceptance is usually more a matter of fatigue than anything else.”

The Kodiak Perspective will push on.

Friday, October 17, 2008

TINA FEY FOR GOVERNOR


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.

WHO ARE THESE GUYS?

The Kodiak Perspective received his copy of the “State of Alaska 2008 Official Election Pamphlet” yesterday. Appearing on the Alaska ballot as choices for president are:
Chuck Baldwin, Alaskan Independence,
Bob Barr / Wayne Allyn Root, Libertarian,
John McCain / Sarah Palin, Republican,
Ralph Nader / Matt Gonzalez, Independent,
Barack Obama / Joe Biden, Democrat.

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.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

THE PEOPLE YOU MEET


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.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

OUT WITH THE OLD


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” 

Byeeee!!!

Friday, October 10, 2008

CHESS, NOT BRIDGE

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.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

PORTLAND TRAVEL BOO-BOO

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.

SEASIDE LIBRARY

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.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

ASTORIA

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.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

SPAM AND EGGS

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.

AGAINST THE ODDS

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.

Monday, October 6, 2008

ATTRACTION AT THE BRIDGE TABLE

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.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

LANGUAGE OF BRIDGE

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.

Friday, October 3, 2008

POLITICS REARS IT'S UGLY HEAD

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.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

WHY WE PLAY BRIDGE

Apologies to those of you who don't speak bridge.

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: void Diamonds:KQJ73 Clubs: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.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

EAT, DRINK, SLEEP BRIDGE

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.

SEGWAY PATROL

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).