FEBRUARY 8, 2010 - 7:39 PM
It is time for hair-brained complaints against our governor for doing the job of governor to stop, once and for all. The latest complaint leveled at Governor Sean Parnell because he appeared and spoke in a television ad for the non-profit corporation Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, an ad in which he speaks about domestic violence, is just . . . well . . . come on guys.
Last I checked, Sean Parnell is the Governor of Alaska and believe it or not it is the job of the Governor to . . . be Governor. Taking the lead to educate the public about the evil and harm of domestic violence and to promote safety and respect for women, sounds like the sort of thing we should want and expect of our Governor. It sure doesn't sound like something anybody should be complaining about.
FEBRUARY 8, 2010 - 6:50 PM
A friend is angry at Steve Haycox’s Feb. 5 column for not liking the best-known books of J. D. Salinger and Howard Zinn. Haycox criticized both for their “pessimistic view of society and power, distorted and corrupt in its assumptions of the right to rule.”
I don’t angry at people who for not agreeing with me, especially someone I respect like Haycox. I can learn from them.
I was not a teenager when I read Salinger’s “Catcher in the Rye.” So I did not identify with the “angst-ridden Holden Caulfield.” I thought he was quite a believable character who reminded me of the teenagers I had run across. Haycox appears to interpret the book as a condemnation of authorities in our society. I interpreted it as an accurate portrait of a snotty teenager. Maybe that’s because when I was a teenager, I rebelled against the tendency to rebel against authority. I decided to rebel against the other teenagers.
FEBRUARY 8, 2010 - 5:08 PM
State Sen. Bill Wielechowski, D-Anchorage, hopes to pass legislation that would treat the most serious cases of animal cruelty as felonies, bringing Alaska up to the standards of 46 other states. It's scheduled to be discussed on Friday.
Anchorage Animal Care and Control supports the bill. What do you think?
Check out the sponsor statement for SB 214 below, then view a PDF of the bill.
SENATOR BILL WIELECHOWSKI
Sponsor Statement: SB 214
Animal Cruelty
The intent of SB 214 is to ensure the most heinous crimes of animal cruelty are treated as felony offenses.
FEBRUARY 8, 2010 - 4:25 PM
From Sean Cockerham in Anchorage --
Candidate for governor Ralph Samuels is calling for a halt to a T.V. ad featuring Gov. Sean Parnell that’s being aired by a non-profit advocating against domestic violence and sexual assault.
But a third candidate running in the Republican primary for governor, Bill Walker, says it is Samuels who needs to back off.
The Samuels campaign wrote a letter Friday to Parnell’s campaign manager, Michelle Toohey, complaining about the ad and saying KTUU Channel 2 pulled it from broadcast after hearing Samuels’ concerns. The Samuels campaign wants the ad scrubbed from any other stations as well.
“While this is an important message for Alaskans, using Governor Parnell, a declared candidate for election in a contested GOP primary, as a television spokesman raises serious questions about whether these ads constitute a political use of television airtime,” the Samuels campaign wrote in a letter Friday to Parnell’s campaign manager, Michelle Toohey.
The Samuels campaign is arguing that the ad could represent “an improper in-kind contribution” by the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault to Parnell. Samuels’ campaign manager, Suzanne Armstrong, also cited the fact the group receives government grants and said it’s not allowed to advocate for a candidate as a nonprofit.
Armstrong said that, in order to avoid possible campaign finance violations, the Parnell campaign should reimburse the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault $600 to cover the ads that have run so far on Channel 2.
There are four television ads in the campaign, which has a theme of “Alaska Men Choose Respect. The Parnell ad features the governor talking about how his grandfather was an abusive alcoholic, and how his father chose to be different and taught Parnell and his brother to respect others.
The Parnell campaign hasn’t responded to the criticism of the ad, although the governor’s office sent a statement saying that:
FEBRUARY 8, 2010 - 3:19 PM
The past few days have apparently been hard on police cruisers.
A vehicle driven by Rex Wilhelm of Anchorage struck a stopped patrol car on the Glenn Highway near Fort Richardson about 3:40 p.m. Saturday. The officer,Jesse Elmore, had been waiting inside with his emergency lights flashing as another officer was dealing with a vehicle in distress ahead on the highway.
Injuries were minor, and no one required medical attention. Police attributed the wreck to severe weather conditions.
Then this afternoon, a troopers vehicle stopped along the Parks Highway was rear-ended in a collision that injured three and set a vehicle on fire. My colleague Rindi White is covering that wreck from the Valley. Check out her story here.
FEBRUARY 8, 2010 - 3:00 PM
From Lisa demer in Anchorage --
One of the state House leaders is proposing a big change in how road and other transportation projects are paid for in our state.
State Rep. Peggy Wilson, R-Wrangell and chair of the House Transportation Committee, talked to reporters this morning about a proposed constitutional amendment to create a new permanent fund, just for transportation.
She said the federal money is drying up and the idea is to create a pot with state dollars. Projects wouldn't have to go through all the federal red tape though they'd still have to meet the same construction standards, Wilson said. Her committee has been working on this since last year. Members traveled to villages and communties, looking at roads and airports. She introduced two measures to accomplish the idea on Friday.
FEBRUARY 8, 2010 - 2:44 PM
An Anchorage bank robber whose identity was revealed when he showed his own photo ID card to a teller during the heist has been sentenced to 12 years in prison, according to the U.S. attorney.
Jarell Paul Arnold, 34, previously pleaded guilty to one count of credit union robbery.
According to prosecutors, Arnold walked in to the Alaska USA Federal Credit Union on Juneau Street last August and gave his real name and account number to the teller as he inquired about his balance. He showed his picture ID.
After the teller told Arnold his account was empty, he handed over a receipt with a note scribbled on the back. “I have a gun. Give me all the money in your drawer,” it said. The FBI said Arnold stuffed about $600 in his jacket and took off.
FEBRUARY 8, 2010 - 2:00 PM
A small boat delivers a local with her fresh catch of fish right in front of our hotel.
Ah, the fresh breeze blowing through my hair on the veranda of our lakeside hotel in Flores, Guatemala. We arrived about 1pm after a short one-hour ride from Tikal.
After four days of hiking and climbing pyramids, we're ready for a little R&R before we fly out tomorrow to Guatemala, City and then drive to Lake Atilan for the next part of our journey.
While our stay at Tikal was wonderful and amazing, I'm glad to be out of the jungle and bare bones accommodations. I don't miss the bed bugs one bit and we'll have to get clothes washed as soon as possible before they rot. Everything we have is in a limp state due to the jungle's high humidity.
Right before returning to our hotel in Tikal yesterday, I commented on my last request to make our stay perfect. I wanted to see a Toucan flying in the wild. Meters outside of our hotel, you guessed it there was one lone bird hopping through a tree. I was thrilled and did several fist pumps. The perfect ending to a great stay.
FEBRUARY 8, 2010 - 11:32 AM
From Sean Cockerham in Anchorage –
Alaska Sen. Mark Begich was among a group of Democratic senators who spent the weekend of Jan. 29-31 in Miami Beach at a fundraising event that included dozens of corporate lobbyists.
A guest list for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee event was obtained by Politico, which said it involved a “who’s who of 108 senior Washington lobbyists,” including representatives of banking, tobacco, oil and drug interests.
Begich spokeswoman Julie Hasquet said the Alaska senator did not do any fundraising in Miami. “He was a guest at a fundraiser for the DSCC,” she said in an email.
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee raises money to help elect Democratic senators.
Begich was among a dozen Democratic senators at the DSCC Winter Retreat at the Ritz Carlton South Beach Resort. The event included receptions and “informal conversations with senators.”
Companies with representatives who signed up for the Democratic fundraiser include Altria (formerly Phillip Morris), the American Banker’s Association, Eli Lilly, the defense contractor Lockheed, Walt Disney, Anheuser Busch, Marathon Oil, Ford Motor Company, and many others. Top independent lobbying firms also sent representatives.
FEBRUARY 7, 2010 - 1:58 PM
What consenting adults want to do behind closed doors is their business. All I ask is that if I come over for dinner that they not use the same kitchen utensils to prepare the meal that they use in the bedroom.
It was in that spirit that I paid no attention to the sexual preferences of military personnel who served with me when I was in the US Air Force. There were doctors, nurses, medical technicians, pilots, commanders and many others and their sexual preferences never entered into the workplace. Military people tend to be much more focused on the job than other issues.
As a physician, it could be a touchy subject. Sexual activities are an important part of a medical history. Presenting problems and certain diseases are still associated with sexual behaviors. How exactly do you incorporate "Don't Ask" into the equation?
FEBRUARY 7, 2010 - 12:48 PM
It took 21 combined games split between the Providence Bruins and Manitoba Moose, but erstwhile Alaska Aces sniper John Lammers finally racked his first American Hockey League goal of the season today.
Lammers' second-period goal stood up as the game winner for Providence in a 6-2 win over Worcester. Lammers went +1 with two shots on goal.
In 10 games with Providence, Lammers owns 1-3--4 and +3 totals. Earlier this season, he went without a point and was -7 in 11 games with Manitoba.
For the Aces, Lammers owns 20-15--35 and +7 totals in 25 games, and still leads the club in goals despite missing 23 of the team's games.
FEBRUARY 7, 2010 - 12:31 AM
By MIKE DUNHAM
Tchaikovsky’s “Eugene Onegin” had never been performed in Alaska before Saturday night. It’s a difficult piece in many ways, not least intellectually. Unlike German and Italian operatic traditions, where conclusions take us to summits of eternal love, glorious death, jubilant triumph or all three at once, Tchaikovsky's climaxes lead to resignation and doubts - which makes "Onegin" one of the most "modern" works from the age of grand musical theater. Yet Anchorage Opera managed to make it both a musical and theatrical highlight of the arts season.
Voices count most and Anton Belov in the title role has a rich, hall-filling baritone. As Tatyana, the country girl turned princess, Veronica Mitina proved to be both a convincing actress and a fine soprano; her vocal personality matured along with her character as the timeline progressed. The opera may have been unfamiliar to many at the Discovery Theatre, but the final scene between the two leads had most on the edge of their seats.
FEBRUARY 7, 2010 - 12:05 AM
End of the Dream?: Mac Danzig pummels Fairbanks-native Justin Buchholz during their 15 minute tilt at UFC 109
Justin Buchholz has gone further than any Alaskan mixed martial artist. While a handful of local fighters have made it to the highest level of the sport, the Lathrop High graduate has actually emerged from the UFC Octagon victorious, and used his energetic style to put together a small career in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. But after losing a unanimous decision at UFC 109, it's likely over.
FEBRUARY 6, 2010 - 11:06 PM
Decent finish to tonight's Aces-Condors game, eh? You know, if you like small miracles and the home team winning in overtime.
I mean, you know, getting a crazy bounce off the glass with goaltender Frank Doyle pulled for an extra attacker and generating the tying goal, Judd Blackwater's marker for the hat trick, with just 63 seconds left in regulation.
Maybe that was meant to be. Blackwater already was scheduled to sign autographs for fans after the game at a table the Aces set up each night, so at least he had something to talk about as he signed.
And the Aces took advantage of a, um, brassy call by referee Keith Kaval in OT, when he busted Bakersfield's Eric Regan for tripping. Looked like a trip to me. Also looked like Regan was a very long way from the puck as he and T.J. Fast chased it into the Aces' zone, so it took, um, quite a pair to blow that whistle.
FEBRUARY 6, 2010 - 9:53 PM
The following situation is based on a true incident earlier this year on the Kenai Peninsula. But I don’t have all the facts; so let’s treat it as a hypothetical case. This is not an essay about partisan politics, but about an idea and a principle.
Jeb sells heroin to Zeb. Zeb dies from an overdose. The police arrest Jeb and try him not only for selling heroin but also for manslaughter. In effect, the cops are making the case that Jeb is partially responsible for Zeb’s death.
You’re on the jury. You have incontrovertible evidence on videotape and the testimony of several eyewitnesses that Jeb sold the heroin to Zeb. So you vote to convict Jeb as a drug dealer.
FEBRUARY 6, 2010 - 7:17 PM
Most of the commerical grade ice melt that is available on store shelves is not what should be used if you have pets, especially if those pets are walking in the area you throw the ice melt on. There is a chemical in it that burns their feet when they walk or stand on it. It seems to affect the dogs with little to no hair on their feet. You can purchase ice melt that is specifically made for the homeowner with pets at your local pet supply place. If your dogs comes inside hopping on it's feet (and yes, sometimes it is the cold), or is crying like he/she is injured and you know that isn't possible, check your icemelt.
FEBRUARY 6, 2010 - 12:57 PM
Winger Tim Wallace of Anchorage returned to the NHL today, when he played for Pittsburgh in a 5-3 loss at Montreal.
Wallace logged a modest 5:50 of ice time, with an even rating. But, hey, he's in the NHL, and making a pro-rated $500,000 for however long he stays up.
Scott Gomez, the veteran center for the Canadiens, pitched in with one goal and one assist -- and a -2 -- in 20:54 of ice. Of course, he should probably be putting in a hard day's work -- he's an $8 million a year player, and that's a pretty sweet gig.
FEBRUARY 6, 2010 - 12:56 PM
The Gran Plaza in Tikal archaeological site, Guatemala
Tick it off the bucket list. I'm currently in the Guatemalan jungle, not far from where Survivor Guatemala was filmed, visiting the impressive, remote Mayan archaeological site of Tikal. It was one of the Mayan civilization's major cities south of Mexico.
It's not an easy site to visit. The ruins are a thirty minute uphill walk from the entrance via eroded steps and rooted ground. If it's raining, the hard mud ground becomes slippery as snot. (Sorry Mom, not a good description, but true.)
It is amazing to climb pyramid two and view the Gran Pyramid straight in front of you as in this photo. Today was extra special as I was the only one up there for about 30 minuets before two young men asked if they could join my meditation. Why not? I replied.
This is a little slice of heaven if you can ignore the buggly wugglies, snakes and crocs (not the shoes)! Hey this is the jungle and they come along with 90 degree temps and 90% humidity. Plus no air conditioning so you don't want to get downwind of many people. Amazing that I have access to the Internet if only for an hour.
FEBRUARY 6, 2010 - 10:01 AM
UAA senior winger Kevin Clark, who bagged a pair of goals in Friday's 4-4 tie at St. Cloud State, is among the WCHA's league leaders with it comes to solving goaltenders.
Clark's 13 goals in 23 league games ranks third on the circuit behind Wisconsin's Blake Geoffrion (16 strikes in 19 WCHA games) and Minnesota-Duluth's Justin Fontaine (14 goals in 21 league matches).
And Clark's team-leading 16 goals, the most by a UAA dude since Curtis Glencross buried 21 goals in 2003-04, put him fifth in the league in all games.
FEBRUARY 6, 2010 - 9:56 AM
Just another weekend in the life of fifth-year pro goaltender Chris Holt, the former Alaska Aces backstop who always has a packed suitcase in the closet, a travel toothbrush handy and is ready to roll at a moment's notice.
Holt was sent down from AHL Binghamton to ECHL Elmira on Friday -- at least that's when the transaction was published -- and was in Elmira long enough to pick up a cup of coffee and a 27-save W in a 5-1 win over visiting Wheeling. Of course, today, Holt was called back up to Binghamton.
Not that any of this is new -- Holt remains King Of The Transactions Wire.
He's appeared on the AHL transactions wire five times already this season -- a quick perusal of that wire indicates his career-high is 12 AHL transactions as a rookie in 2005-06 -- and, by my hurried, rough count, 37 times in his career.
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