Suggested reading on proposed bills
Among the bills introduced in the Alaska Legislature this session, there seems to be a variety of matters, unlike some years when the chances of politics being a spectator sport aren’t so good. Of the 120 plus bill list introduced so far, citizens can, and should, spend a bit of their couch time browsing the [...]
Parnell lays out path to gas line
In his state of the State address last week, Gov. Parnell set out a path for reaching Alaska’s hoped for natural gas development. Its two pronged approach looks at getting Alaska gas for Alaskans, and as an ambitious new economic project to serve for years to come. Let’s hope this new momentum holds so that [...]
Reflections of snow
By Naomi Klouda The recent spate of snow storms and blizzards reminds us how vulnerable humans are when the elements turn against us. Enduring the cold to shovel out huge snow drifts is one thing. It’s another matter when even standing outside grows impossible, sharp winds and horizontal snows aimed straight for ones eyes. Homer’s [...]
Navigating the politics of food
A sure way to feel alienated from food is to avoid knowing where it comes from. Alaskans in particular may fall into the danger of that: red tomatoes show up in the cold of winter, loaded off planes from who knows where. Grapes appear with south America stickers. Corn on the cob that couldn’t possibly [...]
What will 2012 bring?
“An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.” – Bill Vaughn It sure seems that the year 2011 will be remembered for odd storm surges. If there were any necessary proof of a changing climate, one only need point out [...]
Shopping small businesses benefits all of Homer
How’s the Shopping Small Business movement going? We’re not hearing a lot about it yet. Are more local people persuaded this season to attend their town’s shops and stores? Like most small beginnings for new habits, you might expect this one to wobble on shaky legs that over time may grow stronger. It takes a [...]
Reading Afghanistan
My reading transgressions this winter have led me to the Middle East. I’m not sure what progression of thought leads to whole swaths of time spent on given geographic locations, like the years I spent in Victorian England, wanting the gloomy Bronte sisters or Charles Dickens stories. Some winters lead me to the Aleutian Chain or the Yukon River. This winter I’ve ended up in Afghanistan.
It all started with the excellent “A Thousand Splendid Suns,” by Khaled Hosseini, which I highly recommend. He is the author of “Kite Runner,” also about Afghanistan. Both books shed light on the past four turbulent decades under first Soviet invasion, then the inter-tribal uprisings until the Taliban took over. And both tell all too clearly the constant living trauma of men, women and children as they survive wars and seek America’s protection.
Are humans growing nicer?
Are humans growing nicer? The Share the Spirit Spaghetti Feed Tuesday functions as a major fundraiser to helping folks out during the holidays. Homer is accustomed to this holiday tradition. Volunteers step forth to cook the spaghetti, to box individual lunches for take out, to drive the lunches to local businesses for drop off and [...]
Leave grudges at home
This spring, news of the halibut catch sharing plan downgrading charter boats to one halibut seared the town in a wave of worries. Upon reflection, it became apparent that any economic squeeze on the charter boats would also pinch hundreds of other entrepreneurs in town. The potter, the sandwich maker, the fish processors, the bait [...]
Thankful for …
One doesn’t have to glance far to find much to be thankful for in any given year. In addition to being thankful for loving families, enough food and warm homes, a look at what we’re grateful for gives a rather telling story about our identities. Here’s our top 10 list of things to be thankful [...]
