Bedtime in Alaska – Odds & Ends
Naughty Monkeys -No, not the kind that fling poo. I was going to try really hard not to bring up Sarah Palin again, because frankly, it’s been one of those days where I’m getting dangerously close to Sarah Palin burnout. But it’s worth a quick mention that her “Naughty Monkey” red pumps that were put on Ebayby her niece, have sold for $2025. They come complete with a Sarah Palin autograph, scripted in Sharpie marker. It makes you wonder why the RNC is “donating the clothes to charity.” Actually they’re still sitting around the RNC in trash bags. It sounds like “charity” would have a lot more to gain by putting the stuff on Ebay.
“Mind the volcano!” That was always one of my favorite obscure Lewis Carroll lines, and now I get to use it! Mt. Redoubt is still at orange level, meaning an eruption is possible at any time. It’s far enough away from people that nobody will be in danger, but close enough to Anchorage to see, and possibly get hit with an ash cloud.
Nerd test – OK, I took an online “Are you a nerd?” test. Which probably means I get bonus points right there. My final nerd score was 66. You can see it over at the bottom of the sidebar. This means I am a “Low ranking nerd. Definitely a nerd, but low on the totem pole of nerds.” If I had gotten a less compelling metaphor, I may not have shared this information. But the thought of a “totem pole of nerds” was just too fun not to share. If you want to see where you are on the totem pole, click HERE.
Divestment Update -Kudos to four great Legislators for bringing this to the fore. If the Legislature can take time to talk about the death penalty, we can surely make some time to save the lives of innocent people.
JUNEAU– On Thursday, the House State Affairs Committee will hear bills to stop the State from investing in foreign companies that are complicit in the 5-year old Darfur genocide. It is expected that the legislation will have bi-partisan support this year, after it became an issue in the national presidential election. “We don’t need to make money off genocide in this state. Congress has banned American companies from doing business in Sudan, and we can find better investments than in the few foreign companies still doing business there,” said newly elected Rep. Pete Petersen (D-Anch).
Reps. Les Gara, Berta Gardner, Beth Kerttula and Petersen have filed HB 45, which requires the state, and the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation, to stop investing in companies the international community has identified as complicit in the Darfur Genocide. Rep. Bob Lynn and the Governor have filed similar bills. Roughly 30 other states have already joined the Darfur Divestment movement. Since 2003 the Sudanese government and paramilitary groups have killed over 200,000 of their own citizens, and jeopardized the lives of 2 million others through displacement.
Sarah Wallner, a member of Save Darfur Anchorage, has been pushing for state legislation on this issue for 3 years. According to Wallner, “An estimated 300,000 people have died and 2.5 million have been displaced to refugee camps in the ongoing genocide in Darfur , Sudan . Alaska can add our voice by becoming the 28th state in the nation by implementing targeted divestment of our investments in foreign companies doing business with the government of Sudan .”
Get Well Dennis! Our friend Dennis Zaki is down for the count. After drinking a big glass of tap water right before he left Emmonak, he got wretchedly sick. He says he’s feeling better, but he still sounds pretty bad. Another lesson from rural Alaska. Don’t drink the water. Here’s hoping Dennis is back to 100% soon.
Get Well Mudflats! No, Dennis isn’t the only one afflicted by a super bug. The main computer at Mudflats Central has been hit with a nasty virus. Remediation is almost complete without any loss of data, which is a very good thing. On the down side, the post I had in the works about our House Judiciary Committee, and the raking over coals they did to our Attorney General got delayed ad will have to wait for tomorrow. But suffice it to say, several more vertebrates have appeared in the Legislature!
Over and out!
Re: Dennis and tap water – Is the water from wells or a municipal source ?? Please excuse my question – but if it is a municipal source…….who is responsible for water quality??
Totally OT – O’Reilly offered to “hide” Rove from the Marshals……..that would be “obstruction of justice”…..I would attempt a back-flip if I saw those 2 cuffed together being led out of Fox studios !! Billo is about 1 dumb mofo……..the video is on Huffpo this am.
Todays News: A nearly $820 billion stimulus package passed the House of Representatives Wednesday without a single Republican vote. The bill now moves to the Senate, where it stands a better chance of picking up at least a modicum of bipartisan support.
Approval of the bill is a victory for President Barack Obama and comes only eight days after his inauguration — the swiftest passage of such a massive package in American history. The vote was 244-188, with 11 Democrats crossing party lines and opposing the measure.
>>>> Palin is walking the R line. She cannot vote against the bailout, but she can refuse to take Obamas-Democrats funds. The R are playing and all or none game, Russian roulette if you will. If the nation continues to sink, they’ll say it is from exsessive spending. If it recovers they shot themselves in the head. I think this shows how little they have going for them, to play the ‘risk it all’ all gambling game. They’re down, if they can just play one more hand then they can win back their money. It’s a move out of desperation. That’s how I see it.
Kudos for not supporting Darfur genocide for economic gain. I don’t see blunderbrains name in here. Where’s Sarah?
Hope the rest of you feel better soon. Lots of fluids (not from the tap though).
Looking forward to that post about Spontaneous Spine Regeneration in the AK Legislature, AKM. Hope is a good thing to hang onto!
Paula – Your “risk it all” is spot on. And having SP and Rush out front blathering is actually a good thing.It will always remind people of the last 8 yrs.
People forget.
They elected Bush after for years of hell for another 4 years.
It would be interesting to know who is giving Sarah her talking points and guiding her.
I wish they would write her speech’s. It’s painful to watch her.
I cannot believe that this women holds a degree in journalism.
How horrible for the reputation of that school!
The Repubs. are going to be known as obstructionists. Obama came into office with abt a 70% approval/popularity. The more the Repubs. try to picket the bailout, the more they’ll be known for not caring about the people–after they had pushed the $700 billion bailout for corporations! How much did you get from that last bailout? Any potholed filled in your town? Bridges fixed?
God I hope this works. The R party will be devestated -at the voting booth I mean. If peoples homes and jobs gets saved they will want more Obama. The R will sink like a -well, there’s gotts be an Alaskan line to finish that sentence!
Its time more than ever to stand up for Alaskans SP!
Most of us Alaskans don’t have health care, multi million dollar book deals, other people buying us cloths, buddies that just build us are houses for free, old shoes that sell for 2000 plus dollars, tanning beds at work, getting paid to live home, oil money to spend at will on pet projects, subservient spineless yes men jumping to are needs, AG’s that kiss are a**, babies that pop out of nowhere, witch doctors protecting us against non believers, and the ability to lie to the public and waltz away merrily.
You’ve got the gift that keeps on giving. Why not just get on with your national political pageant dream, and give up you set as GOVERNOR.
I fear your self righteous political ambitions, no longer serve the true needs of Alaska. The disregards of ethical violations clearly show that your mentally unstable and self centered at the highest level. Please come down to earth and work for all Alaskans instead of your selected few…….
Not much mention of the 10 billion a month in Iraq……what,at about a cool trillion now ??
So sorry to hear you are sick Dennis, hope you feel better soon. Also to hear the main set caught a bug also, so glad all data was not lost. Nerd Test: Computer Nerd, lol.
I also read an article in ref. to Gov Palin answering questions about going to the Alfalfa dinner, she was beaming with pride to go pal around with Pres. Obama, go figure. I bet he is not real happy about the engagement. I hope he has a chance to eat some of that pepto pie.
Iraq: Closer to 3 Trillion, actually.
Alfalfa: I am sure Obama will get there early to get a seat next to Sarah so he can listen to her spout her infinate wisdom to him.
“Also then, about the bailout. It should be all about national secutiry. And job creation. You betcha. Drill, baby, drill. Then too, also, what we need is a gas line so I can stand on it and see Russian better. Can I have your shirt?”
My bad on the trillion……1,2,3……ah shit……whats the difference??
This is a must-see for all Muddies! Sorry if this has been posted previously. (Sent to me by 2 friends at the opposite end of the politcal spectrum. ) I lost it when I saw a guy from the Islamic Center harmonizing with a female cantor from a synagogue. Enjoy and stand tall!
http://www.bornagainamerican.org:80
Having collected 13 single-spaced pages of Palin’s lies, idiocy, and self-absorbtion, I do not want to be the one to defend ANYTHING she does.
BUT – I am pretty sure she owned the well-worn Monkey shoes way before the Republican convention.
As to the RNC purchased clothes in the trash bags I WOULD like to see them sold on e-bay, with ALL proceeds going to the Villages.
You Betcha Paula, hear ya go….. wink, so as, I better sign it for ya, don’t ya know I get a tax break that way. Giving to the poor is so humbling, makes me feel like supper women, or is that just my perfect boob job that makes me feel that way?
tigerwine,
Was that David Hernandez from American Idol? Thanks for sharing!
Do any Muddies live in Hollis French’s riding? This story came out Wednesday.
http://www.ktuu.com/Global/story.asp?S=9751909
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Sen. Hollis French is polling his constituents about the so-called Troopergate saga, and whether lawmakers should drop the issue or look into it more.
French says the real question is who has the power to enforce and ignore subpoenas.
“What we did was not unprecedented in a legislative investigation,” Attorney General Talis Colberg said.
More than two months later — after the election and the “Truth Squad” briefings — the attorney general faced lawmakers Wednesday.
Colberg was the attorney general when subpoenas in the Legislature’s investigation into the firing of Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan were ignored by the governor’s staff.
But is the public tired of hearing about it? French sent out a survey to his Anchorage constituents.
“It’s running 2-to-1 in favor of letting it go,” French said. “Most think it’s over, it’s done. With the election over let’s move on.”
Full ADN report on the legislators questioning Talis Colberg
http://www.adn.com/monegan/story/671048.html
Hey Sen.French – If someone breaks the law – “let it go” ?? How about blanket amnesty for everyone?? Including Sherry Johnston !!! Hollis is a peckerhead………
OT- oops I forgot to mention something. Did anybody watch the show “Lie to me” last night. Brief history on show it is about investigators pointing out ways to tell if someone is being deceitful. Low and behold guess who they showed, yep you won you get the cupey doll, Gov. Palin they showed she was intimidated and afraid of the press. I almost fell out of the bed. Just thought I would share.
Science baby science baby
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sorry but the only Alaskan’s Barbie cares about are the “Palin’s” and whether or not her “family” can travel with her to swanky dinners and resorts, so she has set up a PAC, aka Barbies Welfare. Now you know the repubs say, no to bailouts, no to spending But when its not their money, WooHoo!!!!
I saw someone snark (I think on ADN? )about Cali being broke….well, Alaska your not far behind with Barbie at the helm. We have many more people here in cali. But just look at what’s happening in the villages to see your future. Its going to get worse before better. And with her not trying to get $ for stimulus funds, someone needs to go over her head or ???
She is not interested in Alaska, only as her stepping stone…A shiny new PAC, swanky Alfalfa club….stairway to heaven….and POTUS. Your Leg. better grow a spine. Oh and I had to laugh when she said she would be meeting Sen Feinstein….lol! Yes MS. Feinstein is not like your Dyson. She actually does stuff!!! She answers every email and letter. She is a real Senator! But you know Barbie….”Well, uh, you started as a Mayor too, you betcha…”
People of Alaska get ready to fend for yourselves…going to be a long 2 years.
Born again American (song rewrite)
I can back from the desert, had a wife and kids to feed.
But there was no job for me, and so I got down on my knees.
Now I work allies.
And I’m supported by… closet gay Republicans.
Now I have food to eat.
Republicans love me.
OT- oops I forgot to mention something. Did anybody watch the show “Lie to me” last night. Brief history on show it is about investigators pointing out ways to tell if someone is being deceitful. Low and behold guess who they showed, yep you won you get the cupey doll, Gov. Palin they showed she was intimidated and afraid of the press. I almost fell out of the bed. Just thought I would share.
___________
Got a link for that? Oh, on TV. Wonder if it’ll be online?
Tewise, come out of the closet. I see that shows on FOX. What r you doing watching fox??? Please do explain :-0 LOL
I know I should wait for AKM post but….
Colberg took the heat calmly, with his voice at times dropping to near inaudible levels as he defended himself. He emphasized his department never told anyone to disobey a subpoena — just gave options to the seven state officials it was representing.
OPTIONS???
I didn’t know that there were any “options” when served a supoena? I thought the only option was to go??? I hope someone goes over these Moose turds heads and brings the feds/Doj in. You know the RNC lawyers gave him the “options”
Paula CochranNo Gravatar (07:17:10) :
OT- oops I forgot to mention something. Did anybody watch the show “Lie to me” last night. Brief history on show it is about investigators pointing out ways to tell if someone is being deceitful. Low and behold guess who they showed, yep you won you get the cupey doll, Gov. Palin they showed she was intimidated and afraid of the press. I almost fell out of the bed. Just thought I would share.
It just totally figures!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
well i didn’t get a nerd score because I refused to answer some of the questions. Is there a curmudgeon test?
Has it been posted that politico said Obama and Palin are the speakers for that stupid dinner? Since it is a roast, I can see Obama having fun, as he has a great sense of humor. But the Queen? She has no sense of humor and has trouble following a speech written by somebody else. I sure hope we hear that she bombed like a bad comedian.
confused here:
fox news is the not the same as fox network. which showed the “lie to me”?
wanna barf? Go here:
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/090127/ny62695.html?.v=1
oh, goody.
i’m “somewhat nerdy”.
i like that.
Fox network is not fox news, but both under the Fox umbrella. Anybody remember when fox news tried to sue fox network because a simpson’s episode had a fake fox news ticker tape thing running at the bottom of the screen? Somebody explained to them that is is silly and embarrassing to try to sue their fox affiliate.
Hey, total OT, but I just saw the funniest thing on the news. A hacker got into one of those flashing caution road signs in texas and changed the messages to things like “Caution, zombies ahead!”
“Governor Palin is a devoted public servant and mother who has set a fine example on the national stage for many families having children with developmental disabilities. As a mother with a Down Syndrome child, Governor Palin has become an inspirational symbol to our IGHL families who are coping with their own children’s special needs. These families look to leaders such as Governor Palin for compassionate attention to the educational and therapeutic programs that are improving their own youngsters’ chances for learning. We at IGHL applaud the Governor for her concern for children with disabilities.”
What a crock of crap. First she starved herself during the pregnancy. Then she flew home while in labor. If that isn’t “God, give me an abortion, please give me an abortion,” in action nothing is.
And what does this Bimbette know about DS or any other disability? If she was so freakin know it all she would never have brought that baby on plane after plane in screaming crowd after screaming crowd. & Didn’t she cut funding for sp ed in Alaska just last year?
BARF! Now I’ll have that taste in my mouth all day.
You can send them an email here: flombardi@ighl.org
Here’s the email I sent:
As the parent of a child who is severly disabled your support of Palin makes me sick -literally.
When you have a child with such a sensative neurologial system you do not drag them from plane to plane and screaming crowd to screaming crowd. He should have been at home with his father or a nanny getting early intervention care.
Are you people out of your minds?
I think I wrote this at the end of any earlier thread but the monkey shoes paled in comparison to Scarlett Johanson’s tissue full of snot. As you may recall, she reported being sick on the Tonight Show…blew her nose into a tissue and signed the plastic bag. I got over $4,000 on Ebay and the proceeds went to charity.
I too wrote an email to that special needs organization telling them they should research Palin’s actual record on special needs citizens before giving her an award she does not deserve. Oh, and I told them to grow some balls and brains.
Good job.
Americablog.com has published Ana’s shopping list – given that it is extremely out of context, you should read what the readers are saying. It is nasty. I am fatigued, MY cringe reflex is exhausted.
http://www.americablog.com/2009/01/typical-shopping-day-in-alaskan-village.html#disqus_thread
We (Natives) are screwed if we keep our mouths shut, we are more screwed when we open them. Ana’s poor humble list is bringing out such uncouth responses and attacks. Diabetes and obesity is a result of these horrendously processed foods – foods that the only village stores have to order due to shipping and storage constraints. Usually these processed foods only supplement our wild foods gathered or hunted.
The base commodities that the missionaries first started handing out with government support like flower, crisco and sugar were not distributed with helpful cooking tips. We usually do make our own bread, but other than smoking and curing our meats, canning and farming are not in our nature. Or possible for that matter. We used to pickle foods in seal oil. . .
Sadly, with the exception of a board like this, I expect these feelings and comments from Alaskans more than I do with Lower 48ers, they do not have an inkling of what it is like in our State and the misinformation about how the PFD and Native Corporation largess is processed at a village level. With the degree of fiscal irresponsibility that any person or family can be guilty of – it is given a bright shining place in Native society.
I wanted to write about a day in the life of a moose hunt, but fear it would bring the PETA types out to criticize our Subsistence way of life. For those of you out there, we prefer the use of way of life rather than lifestyle. Lifestyle infers choice.
Just thinking out loud. And feeling a bit helpless.
I think I accidentally used the term lifestyle in a comment instead of way of life. I apologize. My brain wasn’t working. I’m not even going to go to that site and look at the comments. I’ve had all the ignorant, mean-spirited lip flapping I can stand. Compassionate Conservatism? Don’t make me barf. Add in Ignorant Granolaism and now I have a headache.
Weel, I can see my village, cheer up. Your mistake was assuming people who are “born again Americans” e.g. born again right wing wacked of reigious freaks, give a flying fk about anyone other than themselves. They say they are all about “The Lord” and “Jesus” but if the truth be known they are a bunch of hateful meanspirited cowards (who surely eat more than brown rice and soybeans).
“We (Natives) are screwed if we keep our mouths shut, we are more screwed when we open them. ”
To be sure, there are still a lot of racist uneduated bigots out there. But -as Obamas election shows, they are a minority. MOST people have compassion and a giving heart. Remember all those boxes coming in? I even included marshmellows and stuff. Having kids, I know even in lean times treats make life fun (remember to brush
Keep talking. Many ears are open.
Group hug for Village!
Comment from 4 minutes ago: Wow what an eye openner. I would think its time to move away from there. I do feel bad for them but right now its bad everywhere. I wish them the best. What is their popular governor doing to help bring in fuel to the people. She bragged and bragged about have all the oil to supply the country. Why can’t she help the people in her own state and bring the cost down.
See, those with open ears and hearts hear you. Screw the rest of the backbiting hypocrits.
Hmmm, my Nerd Score was 67, so I’m not as nerdy as I think. But then most of those had to do with science. I need a literature nerd test and my score would be much higher. LOL
I hope Dennis is better. Getting sick from drinking the tap water is not a good thing, for Dennis or for the people who live there.
AKM & fellow Mudpup’s OT ;This is a cool website I was told about . I think you all will like it Also.
Today’s Cool Site.
Front page news:
The news is part of my morning ritual. I enjoy reading it while I drink my coffee. I’ll bet the news is part of your morning ritual, too.
Of course, many of us have been making changes lately. Fewer of us are getting our news from printed newspapers.
Instead, we visit news sites online. There are many advantages to news sites. First, the sites are constantly updated. So, you’re not reading day-old stories.
We can also read stories from around the world. That means we have a broader understanding of what’s happening in the world.
But, I still miss printed newspapers. There’s nothing quite like seeing the front page of a newspaper.
Well, online news sites just got a little more interesting. At Newseum, you can browse front pages from almost 700 newspapers! And it covers 72 countries.
Newseum presents you with a map. Roll your mouse over the map, and you’ll see the front pages appear. Just click to see a larger picture of the front page.
Once you peruse the front page of a newspaper, you’ll want to read more. In that case, you can click through to the newspaper’s site. How cool is that?
Newseum warns that some front pages may contain objectionable content. It urges you to use discretion. That’s good advice, no matter where you are online!
TO VISIT TODAY’S COOL SITE, GO HERE:
http://www.newseum.org
——————————————————————————–
A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps!
Libby – Can’t help you there – don’t watch American Idol.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I forgot ……..To go directly to the map page of newseum this is the link
http://www.newseum.org/todaysfrontpages/flash/
Pat, I agree we you on the nerd test. I only managed a 64, and I know I’m way nerdier than that! I mean, there were hardly any questions at all about obscure biology, literature or dinosaurs. What’s up with that?
who is c. rock and why does that all seem like so much spam?
Please excuse the duplication, but due to “I can see the village from my house” post made me a bit sad, I wanted to bring over two posts from the previous thread that folks may not have read. The first is from me obviously, then comes Ann Strongheart’s enthusiastic reply. I will post them separately.
Martha Unalaska Yard (01:11:28) :
@ Peaceful Granny
I heard from Ann today before 8am, and she reported that 9 boxes arrived yesterday! She’s very excited about the help. She received around 14 boxes last Friday and it just so happened that a reporter from the Tundra Times was there while the delivery was made:
“Today, the Tundra Drums came here to interview not only me but also anyone else that was willing to come forward. Also when she was here we received our FIRST food drive boxes at the youth center we got nearly 100 lbs of food, diapers, wipes, and toiletries in. So the photojournalist took pictures of my husband and I carrying it in and opening the boxes and one of the elders happened to be there watching me open the boxes and the photojournalist got a picture of her watching me. Plus she took lots of pictures of Nunam Iqua and one family actually invited her into their home. It was a GREAT DAY!!!”
I’ve been checking the Tundra Drums and the article has not come out yet…don’t know why since Ann thought / hoped it would come out by Monday.
She is experiencing what those of us who have been to or lived in villages know – there is not complete consensus about whether the attention is completely a good thing…but Ann is dealing with the situation with grace and lots of energy! She’s one of those people that can’t stand by, or can’t sit still when there is lots to be done…
I know the feeling – in a very different context – but it’s how I feel about all the attention the SP has brought to Alaska. Much of the attention has attracted negativity, derision and criticism from folks who normally wouldn’t give a second thought to AK. Those are the people who just say the stupidest, weirdest, most clueless things about Alaska now that they feel like they are mini experts. We shake our collective heads…and don’t bother with them because they have ZERO imagination or curiosity. Of course they can’t understand our state and lifestyles! And frankly, we don’t want them to and would be happy if they just forgot about us all over again.
Then there are the “future” Alaskans or adventurous travelers – they ask a million questions, ooh and ahhh and want to know what it’s really like, or tell us how long they have wanted to come visit (or move here). Those folks come with an open mind generally, and put their judgments aside when they just don’t apply to life in Alaska.
We need to be respectful and mindful of the ways of rural Alaskan residents / villagers and keep the stupid comments to a minimum. This is a fascinating story involving a land and a people that are very real and much in need of our understanding as much as anything. And it’s a very long story…
Did you know that I’m standing on a box marked “SOAP”? Well I am.
Reposting:
Struggling_in_Nunam_Iqua (05:38:26) :
Morning All,
I posted this late last night on the daily wrap up and not sure how many would go back and read it. I just read Peaceful Granny’s question up above so I thought I would cut and past it here.
Struggling_in_Nunam_Iqua (22:24:14) :
Evening Mudflatters!!!
OOOH man I almost peed my pants when I read the posts referring to “You need to read up on village life before you go all granola on them. ”
I have refrained from as AKM says “Feeding the Trolls”. Even though sometimes it’s really hard not to make comments back to them. But then I just read on and see y’all taking care of them.
Ok, ANYWAY, an UPDATE here in Nunam Iqua….
We received 6 boxes of food yesterday, I would love to be able to say how much the total weight was but some of the flatrate boxes are coming in with no weight recorded on them. We received boxes from Houston, TX, Wahpeton, ND, and Honolulu, HI. And rumor has it there was a lot of boxes on the flight that came in tonight, don’t know that they are all for the food drive but I am keeping my fingers crossed.
I received a call from the Emmonak Tribal Council this morning and they asked me for a list of those in need here in Nunam Iqua and asked if someone could come get boxes. I put in a call to Grant Aviation in Emmonak and thought well it never hurts to ask… “Can Grant possibly bring the boxes down for us?” Emmonak Grant manager replied and I QUOTE “I would be HONORED to bring them down, and we won’t charge you anything, we’ll bring them down for free” HONORED!! WOW That word stuck with me all day. So hopefully sometime soon we will get boxes from Emmonak.
I am soooooooooo happy Grant Aviation is going to bring them down because I really didn’t want to send someone all the way up there because it has been WELL below freezing all day. Right now at 10 p.m. it’s -10 below zero and dropping still.
(LOL I am still giggling about the granola comment!!) I was laughing so hard I couldn’t hardly explain to my husband what was so funny.
We have been giving out all of the donations the same day they arrive. And I can’t tell you how happy and thankful everyone is!!!!
OOOH and AKM sorry my “Shopping in Nunam Iqua” crashed the site!!! Who could have imagined???? WOW I mean WOW!!! Do y’all have a hit counter? wonder how many people it takes to crash a site??? LOL
Quyana everyone for all of your help!!!!
Paula Cochran (10:40:20) :
Are you telling me the orange tree, pineapple bush and banana plant I mailed won’t grow in Alaska?
OOH Noooo do I need to watch out for these and send them back Paula?? LOL
hee hee,
Ann Strongheart
Nunam Iqua Food Drive
c/o Ann Strongheart
P.O. Box 7
Nunam Iqua, AK 99666
@ I can see the village from my house
We knew that this Rural Alaska issue would bring out the creeps and trolls because we’ve been dealing with these creeps and trolls since September. I was flipped out at first by reading comments on newspapers throughout the country to find such negativity and down right bullying from so many folks.
Well, here’s a touch of what I’ve learned in my almost five month journey:
Most of the creeps write so badly they could never write a Letter to the Editor, so they are stuck making rude blog comments
They have always been there – we are just more aware of them now because they have found a forum that they can hide behind, being racist, stupid – you name it. They don’t have to sign anything or give a name or even address. Chickens!
We have had eight years of hell in politics with a leader who couldn’t care less about anyone but himself. This has fostered idiots and creeps throughout the country, and furthered already selfish and narrow-minded tendencies.
People have been sort of quiet – tired of having their voices struck down – but that’s CHANGING! Be part of the change, and here at Mudflats and elsewhere, WE WILL TOO. We respect you, we care!
HUGS FROM HERE TO AK VILLAGERS EVERYWHERE
c. rock….thanks for the newseum link. it is one of my favorite places to visit in washington.
Many years ago, during an interview with President Carter and First Lady Roselyn Carter, the First Lady said something about Reagan that I have never forgotten. I think it applies even more to people like George Bush. She said that Reagan made people feel comfortable with their prejudices.
womanwithsardinecan – re: zombie sign……..yep……happened about 10 blocks from me….right near the UT campus……..the only guy with the code to re-program the sign was on the other side of town and couldn’t get there until about 8:30am…….it was on a major street….those kids…….a computer nerd for sure!!!
2009
sauerkraut (09:37:52) :
who is c. rock and why does that all seem like so much spam
Iam a big fan of AKM & all of you here on this wonderful site.
I have been visiting here since the Palin thingy. Iam mostly a lurker here . I feel uncomfortable to post much.
Sorry if my comments seemed like so much spam, I did a copy and paste of a email my sister had sent me. I just thought if there was any news junky here that they my enjoy the site.
Low Level Nerdy lol
Am wondering…… since NO REPUBs had the integrity to vote FOR the stimulas package ….. then maybe they should refuse the funds — or we should cut the funds to their districts by 50%
Is that extortion or bribery ?
Sorry (my) might enjot this site. See thats why I do not post much LOL
@C.Rock (10:30:39) :
C.Rock–Thanks for the reminder of the great daily newspaper resources from the Newseum! I visited there once before they moved to their new site and would love to see the new building. I’ll have to go check out the links.
@ C.Rock
Don’t you go anywhere! Keep posting. The more you post, the easier it gets! I’ve even read several comments here and on other blogs that posting has helped them with their typing and spelling skills. Go for it! The more, the merrier!
Just got back from the grocery store (the one that sells dented and off brand stuff). Here’s what I spent:
Qty Each Total
6 Cons. Apple Juice 0.5 $3.00
5 1 lbd. Bag noodles 0.69 3.49
2 elbow noodles 0.79 1.58
2 fish sticks (18 ct) 1.49 2.98
2 Green cleaner 1.49 2.98
1 laundry soap 3.99 3.99
12 cans offbrand soda 0.1 1.2
16 cans coke 0.25 4
3 bottled juice 1.49 4.47
3 seasoning mixes 0.33 1
1 ketchup 0.99 0.99
3 paper towels 0.69 2.07
12 canned cat food 0.33 3.25
1 gallon milk 4 4
1 7 sandwich steaks 1.99 1.99
1 dish soap 1.99 1.99
8 gallons water 0 0
6 1 lbd. Box spagetti 3 3
$45.98
The dented water was free. The total bill was actually $47.62 as non-food items are taxed in PA (Prepared food IS taxed, like when you eat out or at a deli).
Hey Alaskan, I am trying to get this story in the paper I write for.
Editor wants to know: “So how much do they make a year over there??? Where is it anyway? ”
Details please (my email is in the forum).
Thanks.
FEC says they were mistaken in saying Palin declared for the 2012 presidential race when registering her pac.
http://www.alaskadispatch.com/palin-watch/10-palin-watch/666-palin-declare-shes-running-for-president
Huff Post: The race for the next chair of the Republican National Committee is being waged along lines that separate the party into factions: social conservatives vs. moderates; south vs. north, outside Washington vs. the insider crowd.
In this context, the Thursday report by Melissa Merz of NDN, that as part of his already controversial holiday CD, candidate Chip Saltsman included a song called “The Star Spanglish Banner,” should be considered news. The song is a generally derisive take on Latino immigrants, composed by Paul Shanklin, the same musical-comedian who penned “Barack the Magic Negro.”
Guess we know what this means -the north has rejected Palin. The racist Repubs in the south have embraced her. Another proud moment for Alaska. Egads!
TewiseNo Gravatar (07:10:49) :
saw that. loved it.
well, about that nerdy test…….”22 not nerdy but definitely not hip”
guess I can try to play in both camps, which is what I do. Seems like I may be unclassifiable (maybe certifiable, though). …..that suits me fine. Thanks for the diversion, AKM.
Quyana, Thank you to those who took a minute to express support for Ana’s list and the trolls who question where she lives or what she eats. I also too, was heartened via your responses, progressing our cause. I know we ‘won’ so why should I take their uneducated and unsympathetic comments seriously?
I wanted to address the drinking water situation – I’m sorry that Dennis got sick. Unless a village was a recipient of water and sanitation projects from Uncle Ted, most villages don’t have running water, and if they have an old washeteria, the water can taste atrocious. I went to Mekoryuk when I was in H.S. for a basketball game and the water tasted so bad, we all fought over sugary drinks to mask the taste. I later learned (had the epiphany with our dental epidemic) that that is why we have such bad eating habits. If we aren’t drinking rain water, snowmelt or melted lake water – you have that horrible sulfur option. So that is why many Native families drink soda pop (no one thinks to ship in bottled water, seems like such a luxury) or Kool-Aid. Bad habit fostered by modern conveniences.
The new water and sanitation facilities are a godsend, in terms of curbing illness and such, but the new water bills are something else our cash poor villages have to worry about. No one mentions that the honey bucket has made a come-back since they can’t afford to pay their water bill. That is the first to go. And in these doubled or tripled up family households (to save on the bills) illness and social discord is bourgeoning. Scary. And sad.
Don’t mean to be a downer. As you can see, there is lightheartedness in people like Ana (am I in danger of coining a Joe-the-sixpack demographic? : ) Ana the Strongheart – now that sounds better. . .
Many families are amazing in the face of adversity, they hunt, trap and craft to make do, and help out their neighbors as much as they can. Life in the village is hard, but there is an enduring functionality even if the State is chronologically remiss.
Here’s to keyboard activism!
@tigerwine
Great video. Thanks for passing it on.
I was so glad to hear from Ann Strongheart, via this blog, today. I just makes me so proud of the younger generation. Tears of joy are flowing. Keep on keeping on…we will get through this winter.
@Paula Cochran (10:46:23) :
That is a difficult question to answer. Are you looking for the statewide average wage or that in a specific community? If you want the data for each individual community, go to this link: http://www.commerce.state.ak.us/dca/commdb/CF_BLOCK.htm
You can search for any number of factors for each community in Alaska. Choosing just the “Economy, Employment, Income and Poverty” data type option will be the quickest way to find that info.
OMG, I scored as high level nerd…. why? why???? just because I know my periodic table and who those dudes were!? I’m a science geek, perhaps, but not a nerd!!!
*ack*
Paula, bear in mind that most of that data on the State’s website is based on the 2000 census, so it’s prob. at least somewhat out of date. There is also wage data available here: http://almis.labor.state.ak.us/?PAGEID=67&SUBID=218
Thank you, I can just forward the link to her.
I am curious. I know Emmonak missed their fishing season. Yet on the site it lists emplyed in : Farming, Fishing & Forestry as zero. If they do this as a living how could it be zero? Just curious.
Wow, I actually tested as ‘somewhat nerdy’! Imagine that. I’m so proud…
Wow, here’s my nerd Score: 76% scored lower (less nerdy).
What does this mean? Your nerdiness is:
Mid-Level Nerd. Wow, it takes a lot of hard nerdy practice to reach this level.
Huh…
I don’t even the need the test. I am 100% nerd. Read, write, use the computer. No TV. Rarely listen to music. Listen to news in the car. Maybe 90% nerd, cause I like to drink & I smoke.
Paula, that is odd, though the description of the Economy says this,
“The City experiences a seasonal economy as a center for commercial fishing, purchasing and processing on the lower Yukon River. Yukon Delta Fish Marketing Co-op and Bering Sea Fisheries process and export salmon from Emmonak. 101 residents hold commercial fishing permits.Subsistence activities, trapping and public assistance support income. The majority of the community travels to fish camps during the summer months to dry salmon for winter use. Moose, beluga whale, seal and waterfowl are also utilized.”
There must be some oddities in the way the Census gathers data…maybe?
Ann’s good news was juxtapositioned next to CNN news story of the senior that froze to death back east. He lived in a nice house in nice neighborhood, with plenty of people around that wanted to help, but the power company had shut off his electric….and we all ask, “How could this happen in our time?”
Related to Rural Village Update – scroll thru if not interested..
A lovely article from today’s Juneau Empire!
http://juneauempire.com/stories/012909/loc_382695461.shtml
This is required reading for anyone who has opinions about the rural Alaskans. It’s just beautiful.
RE: Memoir chronicles life of Native leader William Hensley
AKM – would it be possible to add Hensley’s new book, “Fifty Miles From Tomorrow,” to the Mudflats book store?
I’m a so-so nerd: fifty more, fifty less…lol:-)
Good to hear from Ann and I can see the Village from my House; keep the issue in front of us. After two orders from Span Alaska, I now am filling two flat rate boxes (heh heh); Costco had lots of dried fruit on sale. I may have to duct tape the boxes, to keep them from exploding-
OT – nerd test – midlevel Nerd! All those years of progressing as a network administrator paid off! (sorry love the “progress as verb palinism)
OT – Love the “Progress this Blog” at the top on the right! ROFLMAO!!
AKM – hope the ‘puter feels better soon – can’t wait for the latest on Colberg!!
BTW another OT (sorry!) – In Virginia they celebrate Robert E. Lee and Andrew Jackson’s birthdays, which just so happen to be within days of MLK’s! (deep southern accent on) These are two favorite sons of Virginia, and uhm, don’t you forget it. (deep southern accent off) I live out in the “real Virginia” where you still find many a confederate flag, and McCain Palin signs yet, too, also. Ugh!
Tundra Drums has a new article on the food packages and how difficult it is to qualify for food stamps. There’s also a good letter from someone who has moved to Anchorage about trying to survive there. I don’t want to put a link to it because that opens the writer up to a larger world he may not have bargained for, including the granolatrolls.
Maybe I will put my Obama signs back in the yard. When the snow melts? Maybe.
Did you see Palins letter in the JE?
OT! (what is the topic anyway?)
@ kateincanada
Granolatrolls – like the ones at Margaret & Helen’s who say they are liberals but don’t want to hear about helping people more than one or two posts a week? hee hee
The Tundra Drums also has three full pages of photos from Emmonak.
@Martha Unalaska Yard Sign (12:09:58) :
Eh, no OT on this thread, as it’s Bedtime in Alaska-Odds and Ends!
http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2009/01/28/2363050-american-indians-could-reap-almost-3b-in-stimulus
The Senate Appropriations Committee on Tuesday included $2.8 billion for Indian tribes in its portion of the nearly $900 billion economic stimulus bill, and a House version to be voted on Wednesday includes a similar amount. That includes hundreds of millions of dollars for schools, health clinics, roads, law enforcement and water projects. …
Julie Kitka, president of the Alaska Federation of Natives, asked Congress for stimulus dollars at a Senate Indian Affairs hearing earlier this month. She describes chronically underfunded Indian and Native Alaskan communities as “emerging economies” similar to developing countries around the world that can be hardest hit by an economic downturn. She says this is a chance for tribes to boost their economies for years to come
“It’s an opportunity to do things right,” she said.
So, can natives bypass Palin’s obstruction? Cheers for Julie Kitka
@ Paula..
“Did you see Palins letter in the JE?”
Where is it? I just read my delivered copy and didn’t see it?
I just read the article on Hensley that Marth Unalaska Yard Sign posted. It states that Hensley was a senator also (snicker @ sarah word) John Sackett was a senator. I’m wondering why Ben Nighthorse Campbell is credited as being the first American Indian to serve in the senate.
Martha, you can find it here:
http://juneauempire.com/stories/012909/opi_382696129.shtml
Since the media is not allowed in the Alfalpha gathering I have been hoping the guy who bought her shoes shows up (in them) and hangs around talking to the media about them. Maybe Joe the Plumber bought them. It’d be fun to see him in drag stalking SP!
@ Paula
Yeah yeah drill baby drill. I say “shrill, baby, shrill” when I hear her speak!
She obviously didn’t write the letter – there aren’t enough alsos and toos and progressing the oil fields in it. Well she has all these ridiculous spokespeople now so I’m sure she has ghost writers, too. What DOES Sarah Palin do all day besides making constant plans to escape from blue Juneau?
This must be her hometown paper. Am I right?
http://www.frontiersman.com/articles/2009/01/29/opinion/letters/doc497942dfa6247466932756.txt#blogcomments
LOL, a desperate plea to make her look good for 2012, I can’t believe she’s that desperate to beg for americas support. Quite a few good comments.
I hear she spends her day with her pals on Facebook.
Well, she might’ve written *this* part of it, anyway:
“As I traveled throughout the country campaigning for vice president, I was glad to hear politicians, including then-President-elect Obama…”
Um, he wasn’t President-Elect Obama until 11:00PM EST on November 4th 2008. Up to that time and date, he was still Democratic Candidate for POTUS Obama.
Paula – re: shoes…….I think Beck or Rush got the shoes and will put them on the Sarah blow-up doll that you KNOW they have !!
I was happy to get some history on Hensley and the founding of the Alaska Federation of Natives which I learned about from Kim Murphy- LA Times.They have a relief program for all villages-AFN/Village Relief Fund. You can make cash donations to that name and mail to Gladys Charles AFN 1577 C Street Suite 300 Anchorage, Alaska. 99501…..Hi all, this is my 1st time posting and please excuse me if I am duplicating info.
@ jim
You are spot on – she confuses tenses as much as she butchers grammar – funny!
WELCOME AnnA!
Most of the Republicans who are well educated will want absolutely nothing to do with Sarah around primary time. Unless of course they are the slimy ones and then cerebral education doesn’t seem to trump the other brain.
Since when is AK a “province”? Is this an AIP position – seceed and then join Canada? LOL
@here_in_PA (12:45:48) :
He was a State Senator, not a US Senator. Ben Nighthorse Campbell was the first Native US Senator.
ahhhh, thanks for the clarification. Boy, history buff in the JE article Palin: Dinner Offers audiance w/ Obama really said it outright, I hope she reads his comment.
Yeah, that was a good comment! So few of them are on the JE…
This comment is so completely OT that I stepped back here to the open thread to make it. My mom just found out that our dear governator (Ahnold), as part of fixing our fiscal disaster, wants to put a 9% tax on veterinary services. 9%!! What does he think taking pets to the vet is? A luxury item? Well it sure will be with that kind of tax. My mom is so mad she called our representative and complained. The person she talked to said he also wants to tax golf courses. Mom said that made a lot more sense. lol.
My husband only found out 2 weeks ago that he will still get a paycheck in February instead of an IOU from the state. Can you imagine the Queen running a giant messed up state like ours instead of her much smaller Alaska government?
As I am enjoying a cup of Joe and next to the wood stove it is – 20 degrees out surfing one of my favorite sites, I followed along and went to the americablog, my first visit. My nice quiet enjoyment of rolling my eyes at the Palinantics, i start reading this bunh of garbage.
I sat here pecking away at my laptop with my response until my husband said that I needed to step away from the computer (he is worried about my gaskets or blowing gaskets) and something about steam in my ears….
Here is my response…
cereal, you are a total and complete moron.
ALL YOU OTHER BONEHEADS…..
Do you suppose that this person hopped on the snow snowmacine and drove 25 miles to Kroger? King Supers, the A&P.
Safeway?
Give me a break they went to a village store. Let me see what is it you suppose they stock in that store, do you imagine that there are just rows and rows of groceries and produce. How naive of you.
We are talking about a store the size of your local blockbusters. Not only does that store carry food but also, OTC meds, bath and first aid products, cleaning, laundry and some hardware supplies.
There is a very small selection of products, and it is very difficult and expensive to ship and store perishable products. And in these village stores when fresh stuff does come in the quality is poor cost high but still don’t last long on the shelves. And of course most of you seem to have no idea what so ever that, you are transporting products that will freeze long before you get it home. I could go on and on but I will move on.
I bake 70% of the bread and even pasta we eat. But let’s just consider what it takes to make that bread, like take your baking source, be it propane stove/oven, or oil stove/oven, woodstove. (Woodstove ovens very expensive). Just so you know propane freezes at about -35 to -40 degrees. You will not be baking anything at those temps. Most people do use propane but remember that is also expensive and hard to transport. Electric stoves NO WAY if you think fuel is expensive well you would just love one of the electric bills from a utility that has paid $ 9.00 a gallon for diesel fuel.
Oh and I love the one about lets all be gardeners, hahahah, I am a gardener myself, I happen to live in an area that is somewhat conductive to growing certain things. But I would like some of you to Google this word. “PERMAFROST” and when you’re done educating yourselves with that one, try learning about TUNDRA, ARCTIC, CLIMATE, AGRICULTURE ZONES, and just so I am sure you understand this,
IT IS WINTER HERE THERE IS VERY LITTLE SUNLIGHT! Now for you naysayers who believe that say well geeze you also have the MIDNIGHT SUN for a few months well let me ask you to refer back to goggled word “PERMAFROST”.
And lastly HOW THE HELL MUCH STUFF DO YOU SUPOSE THAT I CAN STORE IN MY 20 X 30 CABIN.
There’s been some discussion over at PalinDeception.com/blog about how Sarah Palin came to be considered for McCain’s VP. I’d seen the name of Adam Brickley come up, and so, Googled him.
He started an unofficial Sarah-Palin-for-VP blog in March 2007, and apparently a number of conservative columnists and pundits picked up on it as the months went on. It’s quite educational — so are some of the comments that accompany each blog entry.
What makes it so valuable from our POV is that it has a huge number of linked articles and references that answer some of OUR questions, as well as those for whom the blog was intended…
Check it out in your spare time.
WOW!!!!!!! We distributed over 700 (YES SEVEN HUNDRED) Pounds of FOOD today here in Nunam Iqua. The Emmonak Traditional Council sent down 600 lbs of food for our village today ADDITIONALLY we received over 100 lbs of food in the mail. It came from:
Seattle, WA
Miami, FL
and Wahpeton ND
It was a wonderful day!!! We gave food to 30 families!!! It took me and my volunteers (hee hee cousins and aunt) 4 hours to sort, inventory, and fill boxes and deliver them to those who couldn’t come and get them. I am on a food drive/giving HIGH right now LOL. I am soooo proud of all of you muddflatters and others for making it possible for us to help my village
Quyana Cakneq (Yupik for THANK YOU VERYYYYY MUCH!!!)
I need to go make dinner for my family now but wanted to update y’all.
Ann Strongheart
Nunam Iqua Food Drive
P.O. Box 7
Nunam Iqua, AK 99666
nunamiquayouth@yahoo.com
That is wonderful news. People are going to bed with full bellies tonight. Screw all the fake christians who sent nothing but spite and callousness.
@ The Rubber Room Hotel
GREAT post! I’m an Alaskan who has only visited Southeast villages, and I learn constantly from these posts. I just wonder at the folks who open mouth and insert foot, as though in ten minutes they have figured out all the factors of a lifestyle like yours? I think they just want to see their comment in writing as a sort of graffiti, rather than a thoughtful response. It’s one of the oddities of the “blogoshphere” and its anonymous nature. Sometimes people just need to wait FIVE MINUTES or so before they post as a mini expert on a topic they are clueless about. Why not more questions about your lifestyle rather than judgments?
My husband knew Ben (Nighthorse) Campbell when he was a judo competitor in California, both before and after Campbell’s efforts competing in judo in the 1964 Olympics. From what I remember of him, he was always known just as “Ben Campbell” in those days.
He didn’t start using his “Nighthorse” name for quite a few years after that — resurrecting the name when he started his political career. I mean, what I remember of him, he was just a large fast-moving athlete in a “niche” sport.
Sorta like someone who plays up the “hockey mom/maverick” title, he played up his Indian heritage to separate his persona from the political pack. Actually, I remember when he entered politics he touted his judo training as part of that exotica, too.
Glad I stopped back and found that post from Nunam Iqua.Happy to hear that supplies are arriving …
Ann, I’m so thrilled my boxes got there! I just KNEW my 4 guys were some of the “rumored” boxes on lastnight’s flight. Got the confirmation notices this afternoon. I DO hope that troublesome Box3of4 (he seemed to be slow out of the starting gate in Kent,WA for some reason) made it too, its confirmation merely said “Notice Left”
NUNAM IQUA AK 99666 01/29/09 1:14pm
All the others said “Delivered”. They were all mailed same time on Monday,Jan26th by 5:15pm. All large Flatrate boxes. New price is now $13.95each for everyone’s info). Didn’t insure, just paid 65cents each for Confirmation, so that I could track them. Arrived today Thursday,Jan29th by 1:14pm.
So those Flatrate priority mail boxes are getting there fast! Unlike the 1-2 wk lag times people talked that we should be expecting.
YAY for “me and my volunteers (hee hee cousins and aunt) 4 hours to sort, inventory, and fill boxes”. Glad you’re not having to do it by yourself, I knew there would be willing volunteers! That’s a LOT of wonderful WORK!
@ C.Rock (09:09:36) :
Welcome and thanks for Newseum site! I will be sure to check it out.
Ahem, I THINK what might have gotten your post off to an uncomfortable start was the ‘tag’ you inadvertently must have hauled along too from that site. LOL Reminds me of once dragging a string of toilet paper, caught in my pantyhose, while getting to my seat in church:
“——————————————————————————–
A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps! ”
- – -
AKM gets so many folks trying to sneakily snag people over to their OWN blogs, there’s a tendency to be wary. Sorry, you ran into the mishap, I look forward to seeing more posts from you.
Took my own advise and sent and emails to LifeLoc.
Can not listen to limbaugh on the radio, so I went to his website.
This company advertised there.
http://www.lifelock.com/about-us/about-lifelock/contact-us?oplisting=2
Feel free to email them. I told them I shop elsewhere and would not support a business that supported Rush and his un Ameriican views.
Satisfying. Also sent an email to my R congressmen. Voiced my displeasure with his vote the other day.