More loveliness from the campus of the University of Alaska Southeast in Juneau. I’d heard that the hanging stuff is called “deer moss” but after a Google search, I’m not convinced that’s the actual name, nor am I convinced that it’s even moss, and not lichen. If there is anyone in the know, please leave a [...]

I was in an Anchorage Assembly meeting a few weeks ago, and the question came before the body – Should synthetic cannabinoids be illegal? I had never heard of “synthetic cannabinoids” and thought that this sounded like some kind of manufactured drug that had the same effect as marijuana. After a few questions, I found [...]

This is the view from one of the conference rooms at the University of Alaska Southeast. Half the table faces in and half the table faces this. Wonder which side gets filled up first? I haven’t had much time since I got to Juneau, but posts are forthcoming. And let me say that if you [...]

There aren’t many instances when you can feel comfortable with a guy named Brian coming out of the woods, dressed only in fur and peering in your window. Fortunately this was one of those cases. Yes, he still makes me jump, but the photo op is the best.

You may remember that earlier in the month, Alaska Public Offices Commission (APOC) held several days of workshops so that people could better understand the proposed changes being made to their regulations. The workshops went quite well (I attended them all by teleconference) and I was very pleased not only that APOC had them but [...]

Hey folks, Snoskred here. Some of you already know that I am a massive fan of Alaskan photographer David Jensen. I have mentioned it here on the blog before. David is looking for reptiles to photograph - Talking to Animals Model Search 2012 Leapin’ Lizards, Slinky Snakes, Acting Amphibians or Rockin’ Reptiles!!! Bring them to [...]

“We have all been reading about Wisconsin and the other attacks against public employees throughout the country. The time is at hand to stop wringing our hands and start taking some action.” —Pete Ford, Alaska Public Employees Association (APEA-AFT) (Juneau, AK)—With almost no advance notice, a large crowd in Alaska’s Capitol converged on Dimond Courthouse [...]

The news organization that broke the story about the unauthorized distribution of the draft manuscript of Blind Allegiance to Sarah Palin – A Memoir of Our Tumultuous Years has issued a statement. After being contacted by Bonfante Steinbeck, the legal firm representing authors Ken Morris, Frank Bailey and Jeanne Devon regarding use of their copyrighted [...]

I made a call. The open thread tonight is early by several hours. This is for two reasons. First, I forgot to post one last night. Let’s just say the past 36 hours have been a little bit hectic. And second, we all need a little moment of Zen. Breathe deep, Mudflatters… And enjoy Sleeping [...]

I was off the grid today, visiting the Village of Tyonek. I’m not going to lie to you… I liked being off the grid today. And in addition to that, the trip was really great.  I attended a hearing regarding the designation of the land surrounding the Chuit River and its tributaries as “unsuitable” for [...]

This is one of my favorite pictures of all time. It used to belong to a dear friend of mine, but now she is gone and it sits atop my desk.

When the word “lobby” is used in Alaska, the first thing that logically springs to mind is Big Oil. However, there is a very powerful lobby which has reigned supreme in this state longer than the oil companies and it revolves around Alaska’s favorite drug-of-choice, alcohol. Why is the alcohol lobby so influential in Alaska? [...]

Great taping of Moore Up North with Shannyn Moore tonight at the Taproot Cafe in Spenard. The show will air Saturday at 4pm and Sunday at 9am on KYES, Channel 5. Topics covered a wide variety of issues such as the gas line, the uprising in Wisconsin, Sean Parnell and healthcare, and who wants Sarah [...]

Alaska is different. It’s said a lot, and it’s true. Things that work in the contiguous 48 states don’t necessarily work here. The lack of understanding by those “Outside” of this phenomenon contributes to Alaskans’ slightly xenophobic, and more than slight libertarian bent. “Get off my tundra, you meddlesome kids.” Nothing defines Alaska quite so [...]

Just a shot I clicked from a walk today. Each of these little cones is about thumbnail sized.