I guess the Iditarod has gotten dogs on the brain. I’ll be posting a story about the Iditarod in a couple hours. But in the meantime, this is a painting in the UAF Museum of the North entitled “Rescue Dog.” I cannot remember who the artist is, unfortunately.
Congratulations are in order for one of my favorite Mudflatters and occasinal Voices from the Flats Contributor Dana Stabenow! For those hooked on Kate Shugak, this is a good day. And we’re all waiting breathlessly for the forthcoming Kate Shugak TV series which will be filmed right here in the great state of Alaska. Stay tuned for details on that as they become available, but in the meantime…. (trumpet fanfare) …
At last, at last, it is publication day for A Night Too Dark! The seventeenth Kate Shugak novel is now officially a book. Although perhaps the most fun news today is that the City of Palmer, Alaska, has declared this very same day, February 16, 2010, to be [modest cough crossed with a loud "Ta Dah!"] Kate Shugak Day. Thanks, Palmer!
The Poisoned Pen Bookstore is hosting the launch party at 7pm this! very! evening! at the ritzy Arizona Biltmore in Scottsdale, Arizona. Diana Gabaldon and Laurie King will be joining me, so you get a three-fer, and best of all, the event is free. Books by all three of us, food and drink will be available for purchase.
If you can’t attend in person, click here to order your very own signed on publication day copy of A Night Too Dark.
The rest of Le Book Tour ‘10 as follows:
On Wednesday, February 17th, at 7pm, I’ll be at the Mysterious Galaxy in San Diego.
On Thursday, February 18th, at 7pm I’ll be at Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills in Portland.
On Friday, February 19th, at 7pm, I’ll be at Barnes & Noble in Anchorage.
And on Saturday, February 20th, at 12Noon, I’ll be at Fireside Books in the aforementioned Palmer. Kate would be there in person to express her thanks to the citizens of Palmer, but she’s on a case. You can read about it next year.
While you’re waiting to clutch the book in your hot little hands, go here to read four excerpts. And after you read it, go here to download the Reader’s Guide.
Here’s one of my favorite poems that seemed to fit today. I wrote this sonnet out and gave it to my first crush on Valentine’s Day when I was in 7th grade. I think it’s safe to say that the recipient did not fully appreciate my token. But you, gentle readers, are a more refined breed, so consider it my Valentine’s Day present to you!
Sonnet #29
by William Shakespeare
When in disgrace with fortune and men’s eyes
I all alone beweep my outcast state,
And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries,
And look upon myself, and curse my fate,
Wishing me like to one more rich in hope,
Featured like him, like him with friends possessed,
Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope,
With what I most enjoy contented least;
Yet in these thoughts my self almost despising,
Haply I think on thee, and then my state,
Like to the lark at break of day arising
From sullen earth, sings hymns at heaven’s gate;
For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings
That then I scorn to change my state with kings.
Feel free to share your favorite poem below. If it’s very long, provide a link instead.
Do you want to wish someone a Muddy Christmas and a Bloggy New Year?
I got an email from Newt Gingrich’s “Human Events Newsletter” that told me all about what I could buy those special conservatives on my Christmas List. The list ranged from Glenn Beck’s book “The Christmas Sweater” (I get itchy just thinking about it) to Sarah Palin’s “Going Rogue” (even itchier…) and the conservative children’s book “Help Mom! Radicals are Ruining My Country!” (Get the Calamine Lotion!). So I thought it would be fun to put together a list of some alternatives that might be more appealing; something you wouldn’t want to unwrap and immediately hurl into the fireplace. Here’s a compilation of some items that you may remember from throughout the year on The Mudflats. Many of the links shown go to the Mudflats Amazon Shop, which will not only get you a great gift, but it’ll throw a few coins in the Mudflats cookie jar which is always appreciated!
We’ve just got to start right off with Going Rouge – An American Nightmare. There are three contributors from Alaska to this book compiled by Richard Kim and Betsy Reed, editors of The Nation – Shannyn Moore, Elstun Lauesen, and myself. Other contributors include Gloria Steinem, Jim Hightower, Matt Taibbi, Max Blumenthal, and many more. I have read the book, and I assure you it’s way more palatable than that other one that looks sort of like it. I hosted the book salon at Firedoglake yesterday with guests editor Richard Kim and Colin Robinson of OR Books. You can click HERE to read our conversation and HERE to buy the book!
Speaking of Max Blumenthal, remember when we welcomed him to Alaska? I got the opportunity to meet him at Netroots Nation in the summer and then visit with him again when he came to Anchorage promoting his book Republican Gomorrah. It’s a fantastic read, and Mudflatters will find it extremely informative. There’s even a chapter on the ex-Gov. Plus, Max is a great guy and you’ll make him happy. He is also famous for one of the most endearing photo poses with our Mudflats mascot, Brian the Moose. Buy the book HERE.
Then there’s the other “Going Rouge,” a hilarious coloring book for children and adults alike. There are activity pages galore!
These would make great stocking stuffers, delightful treats for progressives on your list, or funny office gifts. Snag a dozen and become the most popular guest at the party. Read a guest post on Mudflats from one of the creators HERE. Buy the Going Rouge Coloring Book HERE.
“New media” made a huge difference in last year’s historic election. Read individual stories that illustrate the importance of bloggers to today’s national political dialog in Bloggers on the Bus by Eric Boehlert from Media Matters. There’s even a whole chapter on Alaska bloggers in which you will learn about my eating habits during the election cycle (hint above)! Featured most prominently is Phil Munger of Progressive Alaska and his fascinating and compelling story. Buy it HERE.
And you just never know when you might need… your very own Brian the Moose! I know I was VERY happy I had him stashed in my bag when I got to meet Rachel Maddow earlier this year! So don’t get caught Brianless! You just never know. He can sit atop your computer tower and gaze at you as you drink your coffee. He can travel in stealth mode in coat pocket or handbag. Bring him to work, and he can act as a secret sign to draw out other Mudflatters in your office. And I know there are Mudflats widows and widowers out there whose spouse would love one of these. Buy a SINGLE for yourself, or a SIXPACK of Brians to share.
For something really special for those on your list, you will not find a better or more delicious Alaskan gift than a scrumptious gift from the Ugashik Wild Salmon Company. Support a Mudflatter (and Anonymous Blogger!) in Western Alaska, and enjoy the very best wild Alaskan salmon products including cold smoked lox, hot smoked salmon, caviar pate, and more. Remember, friends don’t let friends eat farmed fish! If you can look at that picture and resist, you are stronger than I. Check out the deliciosity HERE!
I had the pleasure of sampling the wine from Bear Creek Winery this fall. Alaskan wine? Before you scoff, let me tell you that the Black Currant Wine I tried was HEAVENly. It was deep, dark, purple black and tasted like ripe berries and warmed you from the hair folicles on the top of your head to the tip of your toes. I was unfortunately by myself, but if I had had a designated driver, I would have definitely gone back for more. Unique, delicious and amazing. There are also other Alaskany flavors like Blueberry, Sno Goose, Strawberry Rhubarb and more. Check out the whole list HERE.
And let’s not forget that the season is all about our dreams of peace on earth. Robert Greenwald has an excellent documentary out from Brave New Films called Rethink Afghanistan. It addresses the war from multiple angles including the risks of destabilizing Pakistan, the conditions for women, and the cost to America in blood and treasure. $25 will get you two DVDs. Keep one and pass the other on. Between now and December 31, part of your purchase using THIS LINK will benefit both Brave New Films and Mudflats!
And don’t forget to browse The Mudflats Shop! Mousepads, T-shirts, tote bags, coffee mugs, pet bowls, and now for the first time, a 2010 Mudflats Calendar with landscape shots from all across South Central Alaska. You can click and view all the months from the page. Browse Mudgear and more HERE!
If jewelry is on your shopping list this year, remember to support those jewelers who have pledged to use “No Dirty Gold” in their manufacture. These jewelers (including Tiffany, Ben Bridge, QVC, JC Penney, Fortunoff and more) have pledged that they will not purchase gold mined from the proposed Pebble Mine. They recognize that even though they need and use gold every day, some places cannot be risked. They understand what is at stake in Bristol Bay and they know that sustainable fisheries are more important than gold. Support them with your purchases and thank them when you do. They need to know it matters to you. Click HERE to read about it and follow links.
You can also learn about the real gold in Bristol Bay – red gold. Yes, that’s our salmon. The Red Gold DVD will make the perfect stocking stuffer for anyone on your list who’s fond of clean water, and fishing.
And don’t forget our wonderful advertisers! They have been supporting Mudflats, most of them for many months, and they’d love your support in return! You can click their links in the side bar or here:
Landis Designs – Beautiful, luminous, striking artwork for your walls. Browse the gallery and be transported.
Porterfield Watercolors – Flowers, flowers all year long! These stunning watercolors come on mugs, mousepads, tote bags and all the other goodies in a cafe press shop.
Functional Design - Give the gift of body heat! Tired of the solitary life inside your “mummy bag” while camping? Wish there was just enough extra room for snuggling? (or breathing for that matter!) These clever extenders give new life to your old bag! Several sizes are available.
Living Playing – Fantastic, well-made toys and games for creative play. Search by age, find Montessori and Waldorf products and more. Feel good about what you give to the kids on your list.
The Mudflats Amazon Store - You can browse around without the crowds at the Mudflats Amazon Store! I’ve put together a collection of FABulous political books and DVDs, other movies I love, Democratic goodies, Brian the Moose and other fun stuff you can purchase. AND you can just click through the links I have and purchase anything off Amazon you like. Anything you buy will benefit Mudflats, whether I feature it in the store, or not. As long as you enter Amazon through my magic portal, Mudflats gets a little tip! Nice!
Tip Jar!
If you’re just feeling extra giving this holiday season and want to make a donation to the organizations and people who have meant something to you this year, you have many choices:
Ann Strongheart – The organizer of the food drives for the village of Nunam Iqua last winter and this winter, she’s also the Mudflatter who moved on to co-found the blog Anonymous Bloggers which addresses the many needs of rural Alaska. Ann lost her husband and partner Segundo at the tender age of 38 earlier this year, and went on to have their baby Glenna this past November. Ann is raising Glenna and her active toddler CC in Ugashik with the help of her fellow blogger Victoria (See Ugashik Salmon Co. above!) To give Ann an extra helping hand this winter, and to thank her for her incredible devotion to really making a difference in the lives of her people, you can make a donation to the Strongheart Memorial Fund.
Cook Inletkeeper – These Alaskans do great and valuable work. Their mission is to protect the Cook Inlet watershed and make it sustainable for all the creatures that depend on it for survival. Think endangered belugas, wild salmon, and people too! They are the eyes and ears focused on oil and gas development, tank farms in the way of active volcanoes, and the looming specter of coal. Here’s the amazing part – If you donate $150, matching grants from various organizations will turn your donation into a whopping $600! If this is more than would ever be in your budget, now’s the time. Don’t you feel rich and generous? Donate in the name of a conservation minded friend on your Christmas list! Get a group of friends to chip in! Click HERE to donate and learn.
But sadly, after all that holiday cheer, there is one particular Christmas treasure for which it is too late. The bidding on eBay closed December 9th, so I’m disappointed to have to tell you that the hockey stick that appeared with Levi Johnston in his Playgirl photo spread will not be making an appearance under your tree this year. The lone $50 bid on the item which was put up for auction by “studleyman_mn” was not high enough to meet the reserve. Same story for the pads and the rest of the gear. So, unless studleyman decides to give it another go in the new year, I guess you’ll just have to play naked.
And lastly, if your heart is moved to do so, don’t forget your favorite blogger(s)! The ones I know are the hardest-working, most dedicated volunteers you’d ever want to meet. They put in blood sweat and tears and gas money to share what they know, go to events, bring stories to light, inform, amuse and entertain. Most blogs (both national and local) have a donation button in the sidebar that you can click to say thanks and show your support.
So, there you go! Now you can sit back in your chair and have fun clicking around, spreading cheer and knowing that your hard-earned money is supporting the good guys.
And don’t forget the four-legged creatures on your list!
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