Update from Rural Alaska – Whiteout!
As I woke up this morning, I laid there for a minute and listened. Hmm… I don’t hear howling wind. Maybe the blizzard has passed. The last few days we have been homebound due to severe blizzards hitting our area; whiteout conditions for several days, with breaks only rarely. Thankfully, we did have a break last night for about an hour while we took Cecelia to the clinic to get her immunizations, unfortunately when we left the clinic whiteout conditions were setting in again.
After we returned from the clinic and were eating dinner, the winds kicked up (reportedly, 50-70 mph). So here we were eating dinner, and I hear this weird noise. Thunk, thunk, bang, boom, thunk. Like someone is walking/falling across our ROOF?? I look at hubb. What in the world was that? Our chimney pipe had blown off! I let him finish eating and donned my winter gear, boots, goggles, and head lamp and headed out to try and locate the chimney. Of course because I had spent so much time putting on ALL of my winter gear, the pipe landed right by the porch door. I could have just walked out with a hoodie on and picked it up! LOL! But then another problem arose. The wind was whipping around so much that it was making a snow drift OVER our exhaust pipe to our oil stove. The stove kicked on, and started making unusual noises and my hubby jumped up and donned his winter gear and had to go dig it out. All night we had to keep going out every hour to check and make sure it wasn’t getting drifted over.
During these past few days of blizzard conditions our Elementary School Co-Ed Basketball team got stuck in Scammon Bay. They have been there since Saturday; I believe they made it home today. We kept hearing reports on the VHF radio from the school announcing that they were well, and had had their clothes washed, and were doing just fine.
Well, needless to say, there were NO planes coming in, so there was no mail. I did pick up a couple of boxes today, and ALAS… I just heard a plane fly over, (standing up doing a terrible imitation of Tattoo from “Fantasy Island” … DE PLANE, DE PLANE!!! Yes I AM that OLD!) so there should be boxes tomorrow.
I spoke to Jon Moller, the Rural Advisor to Gov. Palin on Sunday. He said he was going to be coming back to the YK Delta this week but I am assuming he couldn’t make it due to the weather. Mr. Moller asked me for a list of needy villages I had mentioned to him when I met him in Emmonak at the store. I gave him my list and then he asked me to prioritize it by need. Additionally, he asked for contact information for all of the villages so that he could forward that to Samaritan’s Purse. [Editor's Note: Samaritan's Purse is Franklin Graham's organization. Graham, an evangelical minister, flew to Russian Mission with Sarah Palin last week.]
I received a call from Samaritan’s Purse on Monday, and answered their questions, plus gave them additional contact information from the phone book for villages he didn’t know how to reach. They said that they would be sending 35 boxes of food here to Nunam Iqua, one for every needy family. When I called back on Wednesday, to get more information and check on the status of their delivery they appeared to be quite busy. I was told that they would call me back and answer my questions and give me a date to expect delivery but so far I haven’t heard anything.
Today I was interviewed by “Indian Country Today” for an article! I made certain to emphasize the fact that all of my efforts are only working due to mudpuppies and anonymous bloggers! The reporter emailed me back stating that she would make certain to include the information about the people in their “PAJAMAS”.
GO Mudpuppies and Anonymous Bloggers!!! MORE POWER to the keyboards!!! (paused in writing to do the “Happy Dance” from Perfect Strangers)
I did receive and distribute over 150 lbs of food on Tuesday, Feb. 24 here is where it came from:
1 box from Fairfax , Virginia
1 box from JB Bush a donation order
1 box from Easton , Connecticut
1 box from Milwaukee , Wisconsin
2 boxes from Victorville , CA
2 boxes from Norman , Oklahoma
1 box from Richfield , Minnesota
1 box from Museum Source in Anchorage , AK (Quyana for the reusable bags!)
3 boxes from Merlin, Oregon (QUYANA for all the reusable Walmart Canvas Totes!)
$250 donation from Clayton , GA , a donation made by a church in honor of one of our MUDPUPPIES!!! *wink* J.R. for stove oil.
$20 from Savannah , Georgia for stove oil. ( Quyana M.T)
$20 cash from NYC, NY (Quyana NY H for helping put some gas in my snowmachine for deliveries)
$25 from New York , New York (Quyana M.E.M.)
There have been other cash donations made that are in the City Office, when I get a chance I will go over and record where they are from.
I am still working on my Yup’ik Cuisine story, and hope to have it to AKM soon, assuming Cecelia is feeling better and lets me get some writing done. Well I think that’s about it for now. I need to finish my dishes and bring in some more wood. I’ll have another update in a couple of days.
I encourage you all to visit http://anonymousbloggers.wordpress.com and join the discussions we are having on coming up with LONG TERM solutions for rural Alaska .
Also I hope to start a diary on Anonymousbloggers about my normal day to day activities. So you can, sometime in the future, visit the site to see more about life here in Nunam Iqua from me!
QUYANA CAKNEQ Pajama Clad Mudpups and Anonymousbloggers!!! YOU are what is keeping my people across rural Alaska warm and fed this winter!!
Oh Ann- I’m glad you were home to hear your stovepipe blow off. Wouldn’t blocking the oil stove exhaust be a killer due to backing up carbon monoxide into your house? Should battery operated monoxide detectors be on the list of things to send?
Great idea Kate !!
Ann hope you get that chimney piped fixed! I am not surprised at Samaritians purse, as they lost their BBB cert. in Jan. I was wondering what is being done with the money left over from Dennis’s trip, how it is being used…. as fuel voucher’s or to buy bulk food for y’all? Do you or anyone know? Ann I think when things calm down you should write a book about this or at least contact Michelle Obama and let her know whats going on up there. She has recently said she is Friends with First peoples.
Thank you Ann for the update. Bless you and AKM and the caring mudflatters, anonymous bloggers, and the pajama-clad who do for others what we do because is right to so. It is a good thing to hear that long range solutions are in the works.
We are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers AND yes we can!
South Side Chicago
why does it irk me that a state official is referring to “samaritan’s purse” as the go to source for aid.
just bet their boxes for families are pretty heavy with propaganda.
jeeeeeeezzzzzzz.
oh, and thank you, ann.
Ann, thanks for the update. Please get your stovepipe fixed it is dangerous not to have one!
Stay warm Ann, and so glad you’re not writing in togues
“jksakbcvbvcbdjhhdsjhaskjhjkasdjnjvehyukwnmdh, witch bsmnebruywgcbcb Hail Palin ncnbsdqwkejfjjf Amen.”
I was worried for a couple of days there!
It would be a real coup to count if Michelle Obama visited Alaska….
Thanks, Ann for all you do. I love reading your posts. Please do get that stove pipe fixed.
I’m reposting this from the last thread, because I think it’s important to keep an eye on these people.
http://www.thedutchharborfisherman.com/news/show/4983
Looking very Alaskan in bunny boots and insulated overalls, Graham spoke loudly before the food was distributed.
Read on, it’s just sickening.
So glad to hear from you Ann, and to hear that you continue your community organizing for the other villages. I’d rather see help going to those who may not “need” it than for people who need help not get it just because they don’t know to ask or who to ask. Thank you for your efforts!
I thought the Purse has lost its certification? Sure hope you guys WILL get the help you need from them…
Stay safe and healthy! I guess someone asked about the Carbonmonoxide monitors – sounds to me like that would be a very good/lifesaving idea!
@Lance the Boil aka Crust ScrambleNo Gravatar (09:24:19) :
I did read the whole article in the Fisherman and I watched the two videos. Did I really understand that GINO and Graham took loads of food where it was less needed at this particular time? And from Ann’s post, do I understand that Sarah’s (oops, Samaritan’s) Purse has yet to get to Emmonek and nearby villages? Is this not whacked?
For GINO and crew:
‘Bless their hearts…and heal their greedy little souls.’
South Side Chicago
@ dowl………..that is the way I took the article, now I am worried have they helped anybody beside those two villages. Didn’t I read they said whatever was left over then they would send it to others?
Lance the Boil, clicked, read, and yes, steam is coming out of my ears, fire from the nose and major foaming of the mouth. The article highlights (with my notes)
Palin worked the adoring crowds, (were they really adoring? Somehow I cannot imagine they’re feeling real loving to her after months without a response?)
75 boxes of food into Russian Mission — one box for each family. Another 99 were delivered to Marshall. The boxes weighed 44 pounds and contained 15 items. (I know the 7 bozes we mailed so far each weighed over 20-40 lbs a piece, and we don’t have a multimillion dollar budget, so really, big deal. Al this whoopie over 40lds of food?)
“The Bible tells us that God so loved the world that he sent his only begotten son, and that whosoever believes in him shouldn’t perish but have everlasting life.” (I wonder how much of te 44 pounds was a Bible and end times, convert now, scare tactic leterature?)
“The food we have and the things we’ve brought have been given by many Christian people all over the United States who want to help, (Because we know Jews, athiests, agnostics, Muslims, Wiccans and Hinus don’t ever do for others, being evil, ungodly, selfish, elitist liberals and whatnot. And what about the natives own religion? Oh, that’s right. They’re wrong, too.).
“Just know that we ask for God’s blessing over this part of Alaska also and those things the state government can do to assist, we’re here to help.” (Churches, churches, churches… again, turning everything into a religion case for the tongue speakin witch doctor donates…see former comment).
Then Palin handed out cookies — stuffed with chocolate chips — to a long line of children. (How long until she’s bitching about their ‘dental care welfare’ needs from consuming sugar?)
Each box of food cost Samaritan’s Purse $65 (wow, the big rich Christians spent a whole $65. Bet their fancy winter gear for the trip cost more than that).
“Nobody in Alaska has to believe that they’re stuck somewhere and they have to look to somebody else to provide for them.” (In other words, You have no one to blame but yourselves you lazy moochers.)
As an example she used her husband. Todd Palin grew up in Dillingham and became a North Slope oil worker, where people often work two weeks out of the month.
“So perfect for a Yup’ik youngster like my husband who still wanted to be part of the community, to be able have income and still be rooted in the community,” she said.
(e.g. Buck up, get civilized and act like white people like you’re supposed to. Give up this rural village crap, become a Christian and move to town where we’ll greet you like a boatload off illegal Mexicans. Smile. Headtilt. Wink.Wonder how many letters of reference she’ll be writing? )
Lance, this part definitely sickens me:
“I’m so happy to be here, especially to get to meet all the kids in this village.
You are beautiful kids!” she shouted, doing a sort-of gunslinger motion with her index fingers.
——-
Thinking how they would look running thru the snow from an airplane, maybe?
———
“As your governor, we’re here to partner with Samaritan’s Purse and other churches and other people across the nation who recognize Alaska’s uniqueness and recognize that Alaska faces some challenges right now with the high costs of food and high costs of energy,” she said. “Just know that we ask for God’s blessing over this part of Alaska also and those things the state government can do to assist, we’re here to help.”
———–
Makes me want to shake her — what part of separation of church and state doesn’t she get? She earlier claimed she was going in her “personal” capacity. Now she’s speaking as “your governor”?
And praying up a storm — oh maybe it was the blizzard that poor Ann was stuck in for three days.
WurzelhexliNo Gravatar (09:34:08) :
I thought the Purse has lost its certification?
—–
Just from the Better Business Bureau.
In short: Buck up, get civilized, get saved and act like white people like you’re supposed to. Give up this rural village crap move to town
(thought bubble- where we’ll greet you like a boatload off illegal Mexicans)
In other words, You have no one to blame but yourselves you lazy moochers.
Smile. Headtilt. Wink.
Wonder how many letters of reference she’ll be writing?
“The Bible tells us that God so loved the world that he sent his only begotten son, and that whosoever believes in him shouldn’t perish but have everlasting life.” (I wonder how much of te 44 pounds was a Bible and end times, convert now, scare tactic leterature?)
“The food we have and the things we’ve brought have been given by many Christian people all over the United States who want to help, (Because we know Jews, athiests, agnostics, Muslims, Wiccans and Hinus don’t ever do for others, being evil, ungodly, selfish, elitist liberals and whatnot. And what about the natives own religion? Oh, that’s right. They’re wrong, too.).
“Just know that we ask for God’s blessing over this part of Alaska also and those things the state government can do to assist, we’re here to help.” (Churches, churches, churches… again, turning everything into a religion case for the tongue speakin witch doctor donates…see former comment).
Big hug and so many thanks Ann. I keep getting pictures from friends in OHIO and I can`t believe all the ice and snow. What must it be like in Alaska!!
I got some new PJ´s. I only wish I got to hang out in them all day once! Am working on it, because I want to graduate to blogger in PJ. Who issues certificates?
(Still chuckling at Food Bank lady. I feel for her. I probably would have done the same, except that I would have given up and come back to you. PJ´s or not!)
Apparently my comments today are going to spam (you’ll see me there AKM, delete, delete, delete). I said what I needed to say with Moosedog & Jindalberry
letters: I issue them. $9.99 unframed. $19.99 with dollar store frame, made in China, of course
Hi Ann,
Thanks for the update! I would love to hear about your daily life in the village–so different from my own existence, which is pampered compared to yours!
Maybe you could get a giant map of the US/Canada and put a pin where each location where a donation came from, then post pictures. I can see they’re from all over. Each of us “anonymous bloggers” might be sitting by ourselves (in our PJ’s) at our computers, but I feel like we are a community of friends helping each other.
Quyana to YOU, and let us know if there are any specific things we can send that you need.
this pajama clad blogger person has to admit that full-time pj posting is not all it is cranked up to be.
because of upper respiratory infection i am a bed confined, pajama wearing, no activity doing mudpuppy this week.
enough is enough.
i hate to desert all my fellow pajama party patriots …but i just hafta get out of this bed and put on some jeans.
(then i’ll return to my imposed bedrest in full dress mode)
@Paula – Thanks! Do I need a cellar?
Ann, thanks for the update and stay safe.
@Fawnskin, hope you’re feeling better soon.
Really quick,
That update was for yesterday. Which was a beautiful day, the eye of the storm evidentally. Today we have a blizzard again with BIG TIME white out conditions. Worse than before.
Our stove pipe is fixed. Now we are debating between using the woodstove or the oil stove today. The winds will blow up drifts around the exhaust pipe again but then again these winds will also make our wood stove burn faster and eat up more wood. And yes when the exhaust pipe is covered carbon monoxide then filters into the house. Every house here was given a carbon monoxide detector last year. We have ours up and thankfully it hasn’t gone off yet. Well it went off one time when the battery was dying and gave us a scare at 3 am, until we realized it was just the battery LOL
The elementary basketball team made it home. In fact 3 other elementary basketball teams flew in here yesterday and they were having a basketball tournement last night. Now I guess those teams will be stuck here until the storm breaks.
I am off for a bit, need to give CC her breakfast. She is fevering today so I don’t know how much time I’ll be able to be online. Thus far the storm hasn’t affected our phone lines but it might cut off my internet access if it gets worse.
Ann Strongheart
Nunam Iqua Food Drive
c/o Ann Strongheart
P.O. Box 7
Nunam Iqua, AK 99666
nunamiquayouth@yahoo.com
http://anonymousbloggers.wordpress.com/
@ Crystal
Brilliant idea my dear, about contacting the first lady! Hmmmmm, we’ll have to develop that idea. Can you imagine Michelle Obama reading Ann’s stories and updates? I think she’d be giggling like crazy while learning about First Peoples in Alaska. Ann’s humor gives substance and reality to the underlying problems in such a way that the stark reality is very serious, but there is HOPE, too! You can’t read about Ann S and not just want to reach out and grab her for a big hug!
@ Ann
So how would you feel about the First Lady in Nunam? I’m SO excited about the interview from Indian Country – that is a very big organization with a far and wide base. Those little boxes just keep coming in from all over and I love hearing where they originated from, thank you! I am proud to be a pj blogger! And proud to know YOU! Thank you for everything you are doing for your village, I know it’s all very hard work.
@ Ann
And give little feverish CC a hug for us, too! I can only imagine the work you have cut out for you if your child inherits your action, humor and wit. Geez – you are in for a ride!
Oh my, how I admire all you are doing Ann, from taking such good care of little CC, hubby, along with all your village and then taking time to keep us curious pj clad, or fully dressed bloggers up-todate. I know it is a tall order, so I’m hoping you take a little time to pamper yourself once in-awhile. I was so glad to hear that some cash was coming in for heating fuel and also to help you with gas for your snowmoble. I’ve been a few blizzards and know how challening they are when traveling. Do take care, we are all very concerned wanting you to be safe and warm.
I assume Mr. Moller is providing information to more organizations than just Samaritan’s Purse– hope that’s the case.
AKM and all mudpuppies….this from ADN…Alaska Newsreader:
HEY, FIRST LADY, WHAT’S WRONG WITH ‘MOOSE’ FOR A DOG NAME? (The Mudflats blog): “While not nearly so offensive to our four-legged friend as the ‘harvesting and consumption’ of his kind, he nonetheless suffered a surprising and stinging insult recently at the hands of Michelle Obama. The insult came during an interview with CNN about the Obama’s family dog.”
And it links directly here:!: Maybe that’s why we’ve had a few uninvited guests lately…from the ADN trolls….?
Ann,
Is there any chance the school in Nunam Iqua could write letters? They could encourage the Obama girls to urge their mother to visit or, at least, read about you and Victoria and what you have accomplished.
Jane
@ Jane
TREMENDOUS IDEA!
Ann,
Did Moller’s office say that they would share your information about people in need with any other faith-based groups besides Samaritan’s Purse? Did they say that they would pass any information along to organizations such as the Association of Village Council Presidents?
What is the contact number for Moller’s office? Also, the state refuses to give me his office or cell phone number. So far, I’ve had to go through the governor’s office, and they rarely call back. Did he pass it on to you? If so, you can email it to me at mungerniklake – at -gmail – dot – com.
Hang in there – spring is just around the next few drifts…
Regarding the article in the Fisherman and Samaritan’s Purse. If the article was correct, they have boxed up 44,000 pounds of food in Wasilla, and on this junket delivered 174 boxes at 44 pounds each. That would mean they have another 826 boxes worth to deliver elsewhere, which is not “leftovers” by any means. IF they follow through, this will be a decent contribution by Samaritan’s Purse (he says with mixed feelings).
Were the 174 boxes really unneeded in Russian Mission and Marshall? Who knows? You’ll recall that some of the elders in Emmonak took issue with Nick Tucker about whether they really needed outside support. I suspect there are families in Russian Mission and Marshall who could really use the boxes; the question is — will the needy families get the aid?
The other question that comes to my mind is: how did GINO decide on these two villages for the initial distribution, complete with Franklin G. Are they particularly accessible, or large, or picturesque, or notably Republican? I’m sure they weren’t picked at random.
I’m also sure that Samaritan’s Purse would never have been brought in on the act without the voices and spontaneous generosity of the PJ-clad, anonymous horde. The private-individual response to this crisis has been a model for how a mature civil society is supposed to react to disaster.
Unfortunately, the response of the AK State Government has, so far, been a model of … disaster.
Phil: you might also try the Alaska Ombudsman’s office if State officials refuse to provide contact info.
An interesting article below (and book review, I guess). This is what maddens me about Palin/Graham visit. It’s not a plan to help natives, it’s a plan to destry a culture in the name of THEIR God.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/15604/native_spiritualism_vs_evangelical.html?cat=34
In Southeast Alaska many Native American groups have begun to face in the past thirty years the issues of contrasting culture that many Plains and Eastern Natives dealt with in the late 1800s and early 1900s. One of the central issues is the clash between traditional Native spiritualism and the influx of Evangelical and Pentecostal churches. In Kirk Dumbrowski’s book Against Culture: Development, Politics, and Religion in Indian Alaska (2001) he asserts, “both church members and their critics continue to view native culture and Pentecostal religion as hopelessly at odds” (p. 6). Dumbrowski (2001) writes that there are twenty to twenty-five Evangelical and Pentecostal churches in the villages and even larger towns of this area. This large presence that has grown in the past thirty to forty years has created conflicts religiously, culturally, socially, and even politically. In Native Alaskan communities, society works as a force over political and economic problems, as well as problems with the clash between traditional views and the encroaching modern views of American society.
OT:
Posted by accident last thread, Opps!
from HuffPo:
The Wingnut Revolution
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bob-cesca/the-wingnut-revolution_b_170361.html
After nearly three decades of Reaganomics in which the wealthiest two percent have grown exponentially wealthier while middle class wages have remained stagnant, a growing faction of super rich Americans is seriously pissed off — and their Wingnut Revolution is upon us.
Boy the Big babies are kicking and screaming! Wahhhhh! American tea party, led by no other than JTP
That’s rich…. 
Ok wingnuttery……
Phil: The online Alaska State Employee Directory:
http://www.state.ak.us/local/whtpage1.html
lists his number as 465-3500. I guess that is just the governor’s office? If they won’t forward you, I think the ombudsman may help.
someone. somewhere in these threads posted an article that mentioned that one of these towns had a pentacostal church and that was the reason the “mission” went to there. the presecense of church members to cheer gino on might explain all.
i find the article from the only “journalist’ present to be rather strangely written. certainly not objective.
“went there”
Our prayers are with all of your up there in Alaska for your safety. We are thinking of you!
http://www.correntewire.com/thomas_muthees_seven_mountains_and_coded_messages
An interesting look at Palin, Munthee & the seven mountain.
@ strangelet
I don’t remember either of those villages being mentioned by name here on Mudflats or on the Anon blogger site. I wonder if that’s why. (usually it’s the phrase “other villages”)
@ Paula
There are some “interesting” links at the bottom of that website, too.
the website seems to be a sort of “Wikipedia wannabe” (I checked the “what is Associated Content” link)
In part:
“Associated Content publishes authentic, useful and informative content on nearly every conceivable topic, produced by real people sharing real-world expertise from diverse perspectives.” Hmm.
fawnskin -I did not write it, just copied part of it. It went on to refer to an academic paper on the topic, which I didn’t buy, copy or paste. Anyway… these people are scary.
Google search came up with:
Moller, John PO Box 32425
Juneau, AK 99803 C: 907-301-7348
(907) 790-4278
jmofish at yahoo.com
Nan- I was reading some of them. Pro Palin & Bible. Opposing sides. Interesting reads. Thomas Jefferson must have bed sores from rolling over in his grave so many times.
@ fawnskin
Dennis Zaki was trying to find a way to be included in this jaunt, but only the handpicked “journalists and photographers” were included.
D’you suppose it’s a case of – if you have a beef with “the media,” you’d best provide your own – ?
Nan
Could you please let me know where a cash donation can be sent to?
A friend of mines mother died and I would like to make a donation in her memory.
Thank you.
@ Paula
Whirling like a veritable dervish, I betcha (ouch)
I did see a couple that might have shown some promise (re “native vs ‘modern’ medicine”) but they didn’t seem to live up to the promise. Not a lot of substance, just bare bones sketch, really.
Just came across this and thought every mudpuppy should have it in front of the computer for those bad politcal news days.
“First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you, then you win.” — Mahatma Gandhi
Nan- I do a lot of research for a living and sometimes going from link to link to link to link you end up somewhere and find a real gem. Lots of stinkers on the way, but sometimes stinkers offer a lightbulb idea, too.
It hard to find a whole lot of detailed material on that seven mountains thing. It must be one of those things they keep locked away in dark secret rooms. You only find tibits here and there. I just hate to have to buy the books, but I might. My curiosity is peeked.
@ Diane
The best place to find the info is here: http://anonymousbloggers.wordpress.com/
I’m sorry about your friend’s mother. But that’s a lovely tribute to her. My sympathy to the family and friends; she must have been a very special person.
Nan
@Diane (12:03:24) :
If you go to the http://anonymousbloggers.wordpress.com/ link, there are a bunch of options along the righ hand side that will allow you to make donations in any number of ways.
Nan–ah, great minds thinking alike and all that!
Nan- D’you suppose it’s a case of – if you have a beef with “the media,” you’d best provide your own – ?
I assume that Palin isn’t at all anti-media, so long as it’s biased media working in her favor. If she can handpick her media (Great, Fox Noise) then she gets the message out that SHE wants out. It’s not reality, but it’s her reality.
@ Lance,
I read that and couldnt believe it! The obviuos is that GINO is avoiding any real action, and the fact that Nick went to hand her the letter he wrote 6 weeks, as a GOVERNER< she really isnt addressing it. I still view this on behalf of the “faith based groups” but yet… let us see if those boxes end up where it is needed most.
She mentions and they talk about an elder speaking about fishing. But, what about state regulations there. I see more going out of state. But, I also see that the people might be afraid to fish. It would be nice to have Native voices on the board to decide such issues. And, it would be nice to be able to get that when they typically run.
Its all a blame game for SP, but it bugs me how she uses her husband who isnt even native, There is a big difference between a native-and a descendant. Again, to clear this up, show us the paperwork. But-somebody pointed out he went to school with her. How can he be a wasilla hillbilly and native at the same time. Are the reports wrong that she married her high school sweetheart?
@ InJuneau – yep!
@ Paula
Thanks for the Ghandi quote – I think we’re in the transition phase twixt ridicule and fighting
In grade school, it was a challenge to use the encyclopedia; I kept getting sidetracked by the “for more information, check [this]” suggestions. (I used to read the cereal boxes too – weird kid)
Do you think the public library might have any of those books? It might beat ordering ‘em.
Nan
who really should be vaccuuming (hoovering for our UK buddies)
@mt (12:13:54) :
the Dud could be both, assuming he actually identified as Native. There are LOTS of Natives who live in urban areas…
Nan- I use the libray but never check out books. I am really bad about due dates. I generally order books on Amazon, buy used. I like to have a book in hand, write in the margins, etc. It’s tax deductable so long as I eventually write something on the topic!
Last year I was doing writing on witches/wicca/pagen for a magazine. I have this whole box of books & always laugh thinking of my born again neighbors showing up at a yard sale seeing this case of “evil” texts! Hey, maybe one of you can use them? Free books, you pay shipping???
Todd is as native as I am Irish-Italian-German-Scottish. Give me a break. Guess next she’ll be telling us she’s black?
@ Diane
Do you know what you want your cash donation to be applied to? And do you have Ann’s village specifically in mind? If so, you can write a check to the City of Nunam Iqua if you want the cash donation to be used for village fuel vouchers. OR, you can send a donation to Span Alaska and it will be posted on an open charge account for Nunam Iqua (or Pilot Point / Ugashik now as well), which Ann S or Victoria can use that for ordering larger, bulkier items that don’t work well in one rate boxes. You can send a check to Ann S also, and tell her how to distribute the money (such as some for her snowmachine gas expense, and some for the City fund for fuel).
If you want to run over to
http://anonymousbloggers.wordpress.com/how-to-help/
and post a quick question or message, one of us will respond and help you figure out the best way to handle your donation since there is so much info I don’t want to make a huge long post here at MF with all the options.
And last but not least: THANK YOU THANK YOU! I am sorry to hear of your friend’s loss, but what a great way to honor the memory of their mother. She must have been a really good person to honor her in such a way. You have a strong heart, just like Ann!
@ Nan
You and I must be clones, ya think? Thank you!
dear paula…
somewhere i have bookmarked a paper from the 7 mtns people.
let me try to find it.
yours truly,
Shocked? Doubt it! From HP:
Remember that story Bobby Jindal told in his big speech Tuesday night — about how during Katrina, he stood shoulder-to-shoulder with a local sheriff who was battling government red tape to try to rescue stranded victims?
Turns out it wasn’t actually, you know, true.
In the last few days, first Daily Kos, and then TPMmuckraker, raised serious questions about the story, based in part on the fact that no news reports we could find place Jindal in the affected area at the specific time at issue.
Jindal had described being in the office of Sheriff Harry Lee “during Katrina,” and hearing him yelling into the phone at a government bureaucrat who was refusing to let him send volunteer boats out to rescue stranded storm victims, because they didn’t have the necessary permits. Jindal said he told Lee, “that’s ridiculous,” prompting Lee to tell the bureaucrat that the rescue effort would go ahead and he or she could arrest both Lee and Jindal.
But now, a Jindal spokeswoman has admitted to Politico that in reality, Jindal overheard Lee talking about the episode to someone else by phone “days later.” The spokeswoman said she thought Lee, who died in 2007, was being interviewed about the incident at the time.
mz paula,
do you have this:
http://www.talk2action.org/story/2008/11/5/13585/8320/Front_Page/The_Palin_Scandal_in_The_Living_Room
@ Martha Unalaska Yard Sign
ROFL
But clones of – what? Er – “Who?” (yep, that’s it – clones of who?!)
Nan
fawnskin- I have seen it. Is that some scary stuff or what? The very reason we all have to stay on top of things and be sure our voices are heard & our vote counted. Any why we need to support agents of civil liberties and seperation of church and state. This is exactly what the founding fathers hoped to avoid.
LOL! Just imagining some troll coming on to read we’re now cloning on mudpuppies, gasp!
Must return to the other world… beam me up Scottie!
Enjoy the day
Off Topic But a BIG RUH-RO:
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/02/poll-gop-field-for-2012-wide-open-palin-has-small-lead.php
@ Paula & Martha Unalaska Yard Sign
Wow, what a thought! Mudpuppy clone… I can deal with that. lol
7 Mtn thing: very scary. I’m gobsmacked at the implied purpose for the Everest venture. Really. How on earth could a “Christian” group claim they can raise the dead, and in the next breath take credit/blame for Mother Theresa’s death?
(I do feel that prayer can be incredibly, even miraculously effective; but that’s not the domain of any single church or religion or denomination)
@ Greytdog ? OT OT OT OT
Don’t worry too much, a lot of the smartish conservatives are getting tired of the trainwreck of SP, too. They need to have their act together, esp after Jindal Roger’s pathetic speech, and the non-whacko Rs really DO want to have a decent candidate (which is unlikely to be SP at the rate she’s goin’).
http://www.thealaskastandard.com/?q=node/521
Palin is in the lead poll show on CNN/Opinion on Friday. What a joke . Iam happy with that Obama will definitely have a second term.
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/02/27/cnn-poll-gop-2012-gender-gap-use-this-version/
Seems my Star Trek transporter needs new batteries…
Marhta:
“her every word, gesture and situation will be subjected to a level of scrutiny that will make what she’s already endured seem like a day at the beach… self-confidence unsupported by judgment, knowledge and savvy is nothing but arrogance”
Twenty bucks says she’ll never learn to think before she speaks, take the time to learn all she is lacking, which is where her arrogance will forever overpower her judgment, knowledge and savy. As far as her days at the beach, I think they will leave her sunburned, blistered and licking her wounds.
Delivered food where it didn’t matter?
Palin does not have to be intelligent to have a sinister agenda…the interview she gave during this photo-op food drop is very, very telling…
“Palin begins Proto-Fascist Campaign to Move Rural Workers Into The Big Oil Economy”
at http://nailinpalinnow.blogspot.com
@ Martha Unalaska Yard Sign
“smartish conservatives” & “non-whacko Republicans” may be in the minority in their own party by the time 2012 comes along. Lately, it seems as if it’s all the wack jobs getting the attention, from Rush to Steele to Jindal (sp?)
Twenty-nine percent of Republicans questioned in a new CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey released Friday say they are most likely to support Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin for the GOP presidential nomination in 2012
_________________
The good thing is those 29% are the base – right wing born agains. That’s all she has. Doubt she can get the number much higher than that. No one in the middle will come back, they know she’s out of her mind. Nothing but a late night laughing stock.
@ Martha Unalaska Yard Sign (or whoever posted the Alaska Standard link)
I thought this was telling, “By now, it’s obvious that Sarah Palin has many of the qualities that would make her a compelling leader – most notably, an enviable degree of self-confidence. But self-confidence unsupported by judgment, knowledge and savvy is nothing but arrogance.”
Written by a former Palin supporter. I think she nailed it.
LOL this is Russian Mission. I should have guessed.
http://www.kicy.org/?page_id=4
Russian Mission and Marshall are down near Bethel, about 20 miles apart.
http://www.kicy.org/?page_id=5
@ Nan, OT OT OT (Sorry Ann – don’t mean to keep talkin’ about SP on your blog today – I’m done now)
“…smartish conservatives” & “non-whacko Republicans” may be in the minority in their own party by the time 2012 comes alongI”
I KNEW you would say that – see, we are beginning to prepare for cloning Mudpuppies!
I don’t think it’s possible for them to be the minority – they aren’t going to convert into whackjobs during the next four years. Remember, R’s don’t LIKE change, including in their own party. Don’t ya just think that Obama’s platform “The Change We Want, the Change We Need” just grated to the core from day one? They are just laying quiet right now, probably quite disgusted at the winger nut jobs and the toppling of the party’s name and power.
However the whack job peanut gallery is just getting LOUDER and more stupid and obnoxious. I don’t think they are getting bigger at all. The R party has a fight going on within, and if you listen and read the blogs of these idiots, they are FOR a third party with Salad-mouthed Sarah as their leader. They know they aren’t on the same platform as the fiscal conservatives, and they’ll try to bloody that side, too before long.
We just eat popcorn, continue our expose and many discussions re: the follies of Sarah Palin, emailing and writing our representatives, and let them duke it out. We won’t change the whackjobs – but we CAN affect the moderates and undecideds just as we did in the last election. Unless the whackjobs perfect cloning, there won’t be nearly enough of them to win anything as long as the party remains divided.
Sarah Palin’s record in Alaska shows she’s a Socialist Superstar
http://alaskadispatch.com/tundra-talk/1-talk-of-the-tundra/275-sarah-palin-is-the-nations-socialist-superstar-.html
@ Martha OT OT OT (oops, been forgetting)
Good point. Points, even. Pass the popcorn, please?
Nan
wondering if AK has enough popcorn lol
Done with the shanghai-ing, sorry about that, y’all. Stay warm in that whiteout!
OT but I had to post this from Yahoo News – Does the Obama team prefer Coke or Pepsi?:
“Though Pepsi is available in the West Wing mess, it is rarely, if ever, seen out in the open. On Thursday, the recycling bin outside White House spokesman Robert Gibbs’ office contained six cans of Diet Coke and one can of Sprite Zero, which is also a Coca-Cola product. In another part of the building, I asked a White House official, who had a can of Diet Coke sitting on his desk, if the Obama Administration had a clear bias for Coke over Pepsi. “I think that’s true,” the official responded, with a smile. “Don’t most Americans?”
I’m thinking Pepsi sounds like a gosh darned Republican!!!!
@Nan (13:52:38) :
No, we really aren’t going to have enough popcorn at this rate if all this stuff keeps up…
@264 Crayons (14:11:56) :
Well, I don’t like either, so someone would have to assess me based on my choice of lemon-lime flavored sodas or root beer or more natural sodas!
Uh, oh! InJuneau’s getting “mavericky”!
OT but I had to post this from Yahoo News – Does the Obama team prefer Coke or Pepsi?:
_______________________________________
I read a loooooong time ago about a survey – Coca Cola was preferred by liberals, and Pepsi by conservatives – which I thought was strange because Coca Cola has been around for eons, and Pepsi calls themselves the “new generation” — hmmm? Seems odd, but if true, I’m sure glad the White House folks are drinkin’ Coke
Yeah, that’d be me, all mavericky and rogue and stuff!
For those who were asking about Samaritan’s Purse and their accreditation from the Better Business Bureau here is the link:
http://www.nwnc.bbb.org/commonreport.html?compid=1507
On January 16, 2009 BBB revoked Samaritan’s Purse’s accreditation because SP failed to meet BBB’s standards of charitable accountability.
give.org is the BBB’s website for charitable organizations. No organization is required to be accredited by the BBB but the standards they set give donors a better idea of how effective the funds they donate will be.
Almost all of my friends and family members are blessed to not be in “need” of anything. Years ago I decided instead of shopping, I would give everyone baked goods and a handmade holiday card with a list of organizations that received cash donations in their honor. give.org has been my source for determining which organizations most effectively put the money where their cause is. You can never be certain how effective an organization is but the percentage of income that goes to administration and fund raising vs the actual charitable work is an excellent starting point. The fact that Franklin Graham is paid almost $500,000.00 by Samaritan’s Purse (about 1/5 of it coming from affiliates) would exclude it from my consideration. His salary is documented here but realize the financials are from 2006.
http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=4423
The first sentence of Samaritan’s Purse’s mission statement says they are a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization. Is that an oxymoron or is there something I don’t understand.
IMHO I don’t think Charity Navigator sets as high a standard as BBB.
WOW !! You mean Jindal was fibbing ?? Isn’t that on page one of the GOP manual ??
Ann,
Thanks for checking in! Your story fascinates me. I do hope you write a book!
Blessing to you and CC and hubby and for all your hard work for others.
Ann, you are a hero to those people. Thank you so much for representing us, our hearts, thoughts and wishes in a real and palpable and measurable way. And thanks for mentioning us all.
You are truly doing the work of angels.
Be prepared to be the face of the efforts. We would have it no other way.
Thank you.
@Philip Munger
It really pisses me off that you can’t get in touch with Mr. Moller through the Gov’s office. What the h-e-double tooth pick? What if you were a person in need? Shouldn’t ALL public officials be accessible? How does Palin’s administration get away with this crap? Transparency my rear end.
OT, but someone up thread was speaking of civil liberties, and I notice a bit ago while musing over AK State website, that 5 top positions on the Human Rights Commission are not filled. Wonder who is in charge of hiring there? With unemployment up like it is, doesn’t it stand to reason that someone has applied for those positions? Maybe we need to help them advertise and encouage them to actually filling those postions.
@ karin in ct
@ Phil
I called the Rural Adviser’s office today, and the number is indeed the Gov’s office at 465-3500. But you don’t have to identify yourself, just ask to be connected. Once connected, Katy was the person who answered the phone, and she was very nice. She said the Mr. Moller would return to work in Juneau on Monday, since he is still up north somewhere (I didn’t ask where). The address is PO Box 11001, Juneau 99811, which is the same as the Governor’s office.
He flew up to Anchorage last Tues morning, the 17th, so his trip will have been about two weeks if he returns this weekend. So possibly he’s just not returning calls while he is out of town? He should have plenty to talk about after he gets back. And then he needs to go BACK up north because he did not make it into Nunam last week as intended, very likely due to the white-out conditions most of the last week.
Let it be known that I’m hoping he’s a good guy, and actually effective, so I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt for now (for standing up Nunam). The minute he makes this look like a political and not a cultural / humanitarian effort, I will be crawling down his back like nobody’s business.
@Ann S: Thanks Ann for all you do. You are such a gem. I hope CC feels better. And thanks for the wonderful humor in adversity. You are definitely special. Stay warm and safe.
@ Peaceful Granny
There is a state hiring freeze on right now – which sounds good but doesn’t mean a lot really for upper echelon management who can ask for a waiver & wait for it to be approved if they really need to hire staff during a freeze.
But any unfilled, non-critical position would not be filled during a freeze. As our great state Senator Kim Elton says, it’s hard to quantify a freeze’s benefits and it’s a lazy way to save money. But SP had to do something public, that EVERYONE would hear about, to keep her rep nationally as a fiscal conservative so this move is right up her alley: hard to quantify, and lazy.
Will someone please SLAP me for bringing SP into Ann’s post one more time! Geez! I’m off to put myself in a corner for a bit.
OK y’all I said I’d try…
I said I was going to work on putting up a diary and here it is complete with pictures!
http://anonymousbloggers.wordpress.com/2009/02/27/diary-of-a-proud-yupik-mom/
Enjoy!
Ann Strongheart
love, love, love it, ann.
how do i say thanks ?
LOL @ fawnskin mudpuppy
Quyana Cakneq (Yup’ik for thank you VERY much)
OT
And the winner is…………us.
“There is no leader in the party, unfortunately,” said Rep. Tom Tancredo, R-Colo., who was a presidential candidate for a while leading up to the 2008 election. “I don’t want the leader to be someone like Obama, who has become a cult figure. But this is a huge problem for us — huge.” From here http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/02/27/conservatives-seek-ronald-reagan/
Well, I don’t see Obama as a cult figure – I see him as an amazing communicator.
But I do agree, this is huge for them. Transparency has arrived for the GOP.
Quyana Cakneq , ms ann
@Ann: Love the diary. CC is a doll. You can look back at the diary in the future and wonder how you ever got through it all. Again, thanks for all you do.
Sarah is withholding the Governmental assistance to force starving people to accept Faith-based assistance instead
She is forcing her own flavor of Christianity upon the native population at a time when they have no choice but to accept and become bound by Samaritan’s Purse’s moral obligations.
This is the equivalent of theological hijacking of an entire region of Alaska.
So I am not knocking Sarah and the Samaritans food drop
FOOD is better than no food!
But she had a month or more to ponder this issue.
In one photo she was peering proudly into one of the donated boxes
http://www.gov.state.ak.us/photos.php
oodles of noodles and kraft boxed mac and cheese..
Like I said Food is Food! ..and maybe I am weird because I personally find that stuff tasty, of course, but freak plastic “food”
I remember when Mr. Bush and his crew dropped food over in the middle east for “something” .. I only just started following political things
and they made a point to send packaged “culture type” foods
People here talked “soundly” about freeze dried foods, nuts, jerky’s “Real Food”
Im probably making too big of a deal out of this ..
wayney, I don’t think you are making too big a deal of this. I saw an earlier photo (from the packing warehouse?) that showed essentially the same. Basically carbs and sugar. That said, when you are cold, those things are good to have around. But real nutrition should have a balance, I agree. It looks like a lot of “bad” carbs and processed sugars were making up those boxes.
Thanks Ann for your dedication to your village and the ones you adopted. We do so appreciate your updates – they are interesting and helpful. After posting, I’m heading over to anonymousbloggers to make another donation.
WRT GINO, I read a comment on ADN that Sarah’s trip represented another case of being in the wrong place (Marshall vs. Emmonak) at the wrong time (should have been 6 weeks ago). I thought that hit the nail right on the head!
Ann,
Be careful about the “germs” you may be picking up with your deliveries. Nurses are trained to “detoxify” when they come home. Be sure you wash well before you greet CC.
As a Dietitian I would like to help with what we send to the villages. How many of the people are diabetic? Maybe we should work on better balance in the diets.
If the need is more than calories, it may be better to choose the types of foods sent.
Martha Unalaska Yard SignNo Gravatar (16:41:01) :
snip
Let it be known that I’m hoping he’s a good guy, and actually effective, so I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt for now (for standing up Nunam). The minute he makes this look like a political and not a cultural / humanitarian effort, I will be crawling down his back like nobody’s business.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
He’s already referring people to Smaritan’s Purse – and I have not heard of any relief offerings based on Government resources.
CC is beautiful because her mom has a beautiful spirit. CC’s dad has to be wonderful (too also)! Thanks Ann for all that you do and for being blessed to do it.
South Side Chicago
Ann, Thank you for the diary. I love it. I haven’t seen fry bread in years.
OT, maybe?
why would we EVER vote for anybody from the religious right in ANY capacity? early settlers were escaping religious dictatorship, were they not? separation of church and state and all that stuff. the preachy repug fundy conserv should be made aware of that …stop trying to run for political offices and just open up your own church and leave it at that.. they can schmooze with one another and eat their young if they want…LEAVE US ALONE!
@ BigSlick
We just need to be a little patient while we figure out where the RA is coming from, since he’s brand new and just getting his feet wet. He may just be using a resource that has already been set up (Sam Purse), although we haven’t heard of any deliveries to the villages that we stay in touch with here (Nunam Iqua, Pilot Point, Ugashik). It’s still winter up here, and as you can tell, quite difficult to get around in W Alaska due to weather. I’m not defending him, but we really want to encourage all the help we can and not alienate someone too soon who is in a position to help.
However, I’m so thankful and grateful to all the folks who are sending food to the villages “under our wing”. Just think how disappointing to be promised food by Sam’s purse, but having to wait two weeks for it while people are hungry! Our stop gap measures, even if small, are SO IMPORTANT right now. Most of all, we didn’t give promises – WE SENT FOOD.
Nan & Physicsmon,
I ran across this article and included a link in an early post on anonymousbloggers…
http://www.whatkidscando.org/specialcollections/student_research_action/russian%20mission/index.html
It’s about a program that has been initiated in a Russian Mission school thanks to a grant from Bill & Melinda Gates and others. School curriculum is enhanced with the inclusion of subsistence living skills and an appreciation of traditional culture.
it seems like a program that would benefit all rural villages.
TIP: if you hold down control and scroll up with you mouse button, the type will become big enough to read comfortably — it’s a good read!
Maybe SP had an ulterior motive. She could say “even teaching them life skills they can’t make ends meet” or she could take credit for the successful program. It didn’t matter which way the wind blew.
Just my first thought when I saw her head to Russian Mission.
FYI
Samaritans Purse Called me today, they are bringing out 1540 lbs of food to Nunam Iqua on Sunday. Heard they visited Pilot Point/Ugashik today. Will let you know when we hear for certain!
Anyone know if Palin caught Putan rearing his head last week? LOL
Just reported of my local news that 2 Russian planes were intercepted by 2 Canadian Military jets and 2 US F15′s. Canadian out of base in Alberta and ….drumroll…. U.S. out of Alaska!! Caught flying in Arctic over Northwest Territories the day before Obama visited Ottawa.
thanks, Canada…lucky we have you up there, because palin is useless
Jane, that looks like a great program that could really make a difference. But it doen’t jive so well with the comments from the elders in that article about SP and SP’s trip to that village, IMHO.
Ann – the 1540 lbs of food coming your way is WONDERFUL NEWS! Bet their boxes won’t be as cute and bright and have writing all over them like ours do…but nonetheless, I’m so excited!
Oh…are you going to have help with that much food coming in at one time? I guess your aunt’s house is going to be pretty full – oh my. Any chance of using the Youth Center?
That would be the elders’ comments here: http://www.thedutchharborfisherman.com/news/show/4983
Lainey (19:33:08)
I can’t see Russia from my house!! Just a few miles too far west. I’m in Toronto.
Ann — so that’s 35 boxes at 44 pounds each. Is that about right for your village? Hope so.
Regarding carbs and sugar and whatnot: my late wife was a dietitian, so I have a healthy (heh) respect for nutritional balance, but when you’re in a short-term shortage situation, calories are calories, and non-perishability is mostly more important than balance (short-term).
EXCEPT, of course, for diabetics (thank you, sandra) and folks with other metabolic disorders. It would be extremely cool if a PJ-clad dietitian could define a supplemental fixed-rate box for diabetics. Of course, this assumes that the diabetics actually know they are diabetic.
Different topic: how do you pronounce “Quyana Cakneq”?
@Martha
No we are distributing it right from the airplane. So Auntie is off the hook, thank goodness. Samaritans Purse will call me Sunday to let me know when they will be here and then I will announce on the VHF Radio and also call around and try to get as many people up that are I can to get their boxes. The ones that can’t make it up, we’ll deliver.
Samaritans Purse wanted to make certain we got some people up there. Photo Op? He mentioned something about wanting to let us know that Jesus cared. Hmm impromtu church on sunday at Nunams airport?
@ Jane in Miami
That’s wonderful! Would there be any way that the info could be shared among the villages, or other villages take part, or whatever? Would there be interest in it?!
Universities have anthropology departments, some of them have field work for their students. Universities also have “communications” departments – film makers, photo-journalism, etc. It seems that there might be some kind of benefit to the area(s) from that.
I once read about some woman who was trying to learn how to build a web site. She set up some kind of “Tumbleweed farms” thing to practice with. Now she’s selling tumbleweed like mad. Go figure.
Aha! here ya go:
http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/0003/ep3666038.htm
There are answers, probably more than one. I have to remind myself that it’s not my choices that matter here, but if ideas are tossed out there, surely, eventually, there will be something that might resonate with somebody!
Is there a brainstorming thread on the forum, anyone know?
@ Strangelet
Ok we all know I didn’t grow up here but in WA state so this is MY version of what I hear when they say Quyana Cakneq
qweye YAWN ah Juk knock
Lordy I hope that the right Cakneq pronounciation, hubby isn’t here, the storm broke and they are having elementary basketball games at the school.
The are two words Juk knock and Juk nuk one means “very much” and the other means “straining” like when you #2 LOL I can’t really hear the difference I am ALWAYS getting them mixed up. I’ll double check with hubby when he gets back.
But I believe that is the right one.
@ Ann
“impromptu church on Sunday…”
Maybe? Then again, how cold do you expect it to be on Sunday, anyway?
Lordy, I just had a mental image of taking communion right there on the tarmac. lol
Nan
who is entirely too irreverent sometimes…
@Canadian Neighbour
LOL…….yep, a little far to keep watch, so you’re off the hook.
I visited Niagra Falls once when i was young…I remember how beautiful everythng was.
Ann,
I just too a look at the pictures you posted. What a little darlin’ you have!! Such a sweet smile for a little one not feeling well.
Peanut butter and jam sandwiches. Oh, oh, good!! Guess we never grow out of eating them!!
Be well, be safe, be warm
thanks to those of you who earlier offered help with contact numbers for John the Rural Advisor.
My dealings with the Governor’s office and governor’s press office today were disheartening. I’ll be writing about it at my blog this evening. Ann’s post at anonymous bloggers and the letter from the village leaders council that Dennis has posted at Alaska Dispatch are great. And Alex’s article at Dutch Harbor fisherman, along with Ann’s post here are exmples that Palin can’t distinguish between her evangelism and her job. Sheeeeesh……!
Ann: Thank you. You’ve also just convinced me never to try to say “Quyana Cakneq”, since I don’t even want to think about what it means if I get the “Cakneq” part wrong.
But I can still write it: Quyana Cakneq for your support of your community.
God Bless ya Ann…And to all the many people around the country that are helping …SP needs her butt kicked all the way to Russia…Will do whatever i have to , to make sure she never gets elected to the WH..Keep you guys in my prayers…
@Philip Munger (20:48:38) :
Will be anxiously awaiting your post … you put out good stuff, just like AKM!
has anyone had luck reading the new thread ?
Strangelet: thank you for the astute observation that in times of scarcity, calories are the important thing. Many native Americans have problems with diabetes, and this is also true with some Alaskans. This is a healthy thing in times of hunger, so the stop gap food wouldn’t matter very much.
I would not fill flat rate boxes with light foods such as macaroni and cheese or fried noodles. Light things I have sent parcel post. I’ve been filling the flat rate boxes with things like dried beans, peanut butter in plastic jars, tomato paste, and powdered milk. I’ve sent some vacuum packed tuna, but I’m not sure how welcome that is if they are able to catch fish.
I hope there are dietitians in the health service who are helping individuals with special dietary needs and that multi-vitamins are available.
The important thing is to get enough food there so that choices can be made.
just lookin’ for someone named Cynthia….
@ sandra in oregon (10:38:49)
That’s the way I did it too with the flatrate boxes. Can pack more beans, split peas, lentils into smaller space. Rather that all the air space reqd for macaroni and cheese type stuff. However, I found that spaghetti noodles didn’t take up much space, weighed heavy, and laid nicely flat on the bottom (Ann said the Villagers use them in soups). And, like the beans, will double in size when cooked.
I’ve just posted a letter that Ann and Victoria will soon be submitting to The Alaska Dispatch. It includes many thoughtful suggestions to improve life in rural Alaskan villages.
http://anonymousbloggers.wordpress.com/
It’s a must read – must comment!
Thanks!
Jane
I’ve just posted a letter that Ann and Victoria will soon be submitting to The Alaska Dispatch. It includes many thoughtful suggestions to improve life in rural Alaskan villages.
anonymousbloggers.wordpress.com –sorry, I got blocked before, link?
It’s a must read – must comment!
Thanks!
Jane
Ann & Victoria’s letter has been published!!
http://www.alaskadispatch.com/tundra-talk/9-talk-of-the-tundra/895-a-future-with-dignity
Jane