Today I was talking to a member of a prominent Alaskan political family, who is a Democrat, as is the family. Of course our main topic of conversation was indictment of good old Senator Ted of the GOP. Couldn't believe that this guy he sympathized Ted's predicament!!!!
Now wait a minute. Isn't holding office is a trust between the office holder and their constituency. Maybe we don't expect those who we elect to be completely above board, but at the same we hope they are. And to one degree or another our laws require it. Those who are caught with the hand in that proverbial cookie jar just may face the consequences of their actions.
Besides listing their campaign contributions and disclosing their income tax returns, why not also keep a contact log for the public record. Who they had lunch with, who they went fishing with and so on and on. Maybe we should even require the topic of conversation be listed! And maybe then we would clearly see who has the ear and the influence. And just maybe the electorate would take take notice and throw the bums out. Then we would have the opportunity to elect those without sin!!
To name the person would be a breach of trust for me. Am sure he was talking candidly, and not worried about his remarks be noted anywhere.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
Capitol Shorts
Here in Juneau their seem to be more DWI's in the Police Blotter. Hasn't it been about 20 years since the penalty for DWI was increased? Seems like inflation has caught up with the fine and it not as much of a deterrent these days. Must be time to raise it again...Ever take your car outside and notice that your gas millage decreases? Juneau is a good place for good millage. Why? Think that the lower speed limits here and less time spent waiting in traffic help. Whenever my ride has gone south, that Capitol City MPG looks pretty good. OK it is not as good as straight highway driving, but almost...Remember when the traffic circle at the Douglas side of the bridge was under construction? Seemed like no one including me thought that there was anyway it was going to work. Spent 18 months in Boston and the traffic circles are maximum scary! But hey, ours has worked out pretty good!....Does anyone seriously think that the CBJ taking over AEL&P would accomplish anything to make our power cheaper and more reliable? Did AEL&P knock the towers down or what. And if in the past they had done anything to shore up the towers in case of an avalanche, would we have been happy about paying for it? Did anyone predict that an avalanche of that force could happen along the line? Hey why not just buck up and if it bothers you so much, invest in some wind or solar power generation for your abode. Wonder if Wall-Mart is doing anymore buz then K-Mart? Looks pretty dead there to me!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Solving the energy crisis using the KISS method: Keep it Simple!
In their book, "In Search Of Excellence," by Tom Peters and Robert Waterman had as an example an effective method used by companies to increase their efficiency: Don't invest in new unproven expensive technology, but improve on an existing methods. To solve our energy crisis it is often suggested that we make great changes. The hybrid saves gas, but it also has the biggest carbon foot print of all to manufacture. Sure ethanol is a bio fuel. However it takes more energy to make then it produces, has a huge carbon footprint and increases the price of food. But starting right now you can easily improve the efficiency of your current vehicle by 10%! Howis this possible? Just turn off the engine while waiting for a red light to change. Do this and your gas millage will improve by 10%! Then we could require all new cars to have a device on them that will shut off the engine after idling for 10 seconds. Step on the gas and the engine will start. Then comes a device for the aftermarket. As a bonus you can quibble all you want over what to do about the air conditioning when the engine is off. Just remeber doing this will slightly lower the temperature of the planet!
Ever think about how much of global warming is due to the heat produced by automobile engines? Engines run at their least efficiency when idling. How much heat is produced at the average intersection during rush hour? In the early '70's, I was a student at the School of Environment & Planning, at was then called California State College, Sonoma, in the North San Francisco Bay area. One day we were looking at an aerial photo of Santa Rosa covered by fog. And there was a narrow line running right up the center of the photo. What was it? It was Highway 101 peeking through the fog! The heat from the traffic was burning through the fog!
Take action starting tomorrow shut off you car's engine at stop lights. Never let it idle! Just think what it would do the price of gasoline if we cut our demand 10% tomorrow!
Ever think about how much of global warming is due to the heat produced by automobile engines? Engines run at their least efficiency when idling. How much heat is produced at the average intersection during rush hour? In the early '70's, I was a student at the School of Environment & Planning, at was then called California State College, Sonoma, in the North San Francisco Bay area. One day we were looking at an aerial photo of Santa Rosa covered by fog. And there was a narrow line running right up the center of the photo. What was it? It was Highway 101 peeking through the fog! The heat from the traffic was burning through the fog!
Take action starting tomorrow shut off you car's engine at stop lights. Never let it idle! Just think what it would do the price of gasoline if we cut our demand 10% tomorrow!
Monday, July 7, 2008
July 4th, The National Holiday of Alaska!
This past Friday, July 4, 2008, marked the 32nd July 4th since I arrived in Juneau in May of 1977. Since then, I have only missed being in Juneau for the 4th twice! In '79, I was camping with friends at a Forest Service Cabin, on Turner Lake, south of Juneau. This was a beautiful sunny day. And is noted as one of the best 4ths ever! Then in 1999, was in Boston, MAs and returned to Juneau in early June for a Bat Mitzvah. After that I vowed never to miss another 4th in Juneau.
When I tell newcomers and visitors about the 4th, I begin by asking them if they have any idea how big the 4th is in Alaska. They usually shake their heads no. And then I tell them that if we gave presents on the 4th of July, it would be bigger then Christmas!
Juneau, located in the Southeast panhandle of Alaska, which I often refer to as the Alaskan Banana Belt, is the first place in the entire country to shoot off fireworks. They are launched from a barge in the middle of channel, starting just after midnight in the first minutes of July 4th. It seems like everyone in the world gathers along the Gastineau Channel, and then as time and the world world stand still & quiet, the fireworks begin. You can see pinpricks of light from the camp fires of those who camped on the mountains to get a good view from above. After the show, the world springs back to life, engines start, and the crowd disappears. After hour or so for the traffic clears. Those who watched from Douglas have the worst traffic.
The 4th features a parade through Juneau, and then Douglas. Perhaps because it is the capitol, Juneau has the more organized parade. It is another great gathering, with a feeling of of a few less spectators then the night before. Last night's more exuberant celebrators, who are seem to happily so and proud of their condition. Some skip the Juneau parade and head directly for Douglas. Most do both. That parade there begins immediately following the one in Juneau. And traffic is just as bad going to Douglas as it is leaving after the fireworks.
In '77, a young man around 5, stole the show, simply by riding his hipity-hop with style and grace. In those days the parade seemed hookier. Over the years it has gotten bigger, the floats more sophisticated, but it always is a good expression our life in the Capitol of the Last Frontier. '85 was the first time I was aware of the Filipino American krew. They turned off of Franklin onto Front Street, a wild looking cadre, of dark-skinned bare chested men, dressed in grass skirts, beating furiously on conga drums. They looked like they were straight from the jungle! They seemed to virtually split the air as they went down the street! They oozed buckets and barrels full or raw, in your face right in front of you for all good old fashioned sexuality. Hold on tight! Then you might have a chance if they try to grab your loved one loved one with every intent of taking back to the jungle. Their overwhelming sexual feel might just be enough to willing sweep your precious one willing away.
From '82, through '93, I had a street vending cart located right in the center of downtown Juneau. It was called 'Mickey's Bagel Bistro.' The menu featured, bagels, coffee, pastries, and good service with a dash of entertaining wit. The 4th was one of my favorite days. We opened a little later then our usual @ around 8:00 AM, and were gone by 2 PM. When someone signed to work under the umbrella they were told, that a condition of their employment was that they work on the 4th. This usually brought a grimace and a groan. They cheered up a little when I told them it would only be for 4 hours, and they would be paid time and a half. Everyone was required to work. The holiday was a day when young people could stay out late, and wander about without being watched by there parents. They didn't like anything that put a crimp in their plans.
The first few hours on the 4th were quiet. The streets were largely deserted. People trickled by, some stopped for coffee. Some were showing obvious effects of the night before. The streets were cleared of cars, and soon became crowed with people who had come to see the parade. There was an air of anticipation along the parade route. Then the stand would be swamped with customers. There was a little lull during the parade, and then we'd be swamped again. And all of a sudden about an hour after the parade ended it would be over. We'd clean up and call it a day.
Then came on of the most satisfying moments of my time spent under the umbrella. The pay of time and a half was generous enough. But as we parted, I'd reach into my pocket and hand them a bill. At first it was a fiver, and then the last few years I was in business it had increased to a twenty. The bill was always accompanied by a heartfelt thanks and the admonishment to go have fun! And they could with the gift they had in their pockets to spend.
My daughter Sasha was born on Alaska Day, October 18, 2000. Our little family moved from Juneau to the Twin Cities, in August of 2002. Every year though, we returned to Juneau for the 4th. Sasha is a gregarious outgoing, friendly and fearless person. In 2003 we were watching the parade kitty corner from where my stand was located. It was 10 years since I had lowered the umbrella for the last time, but I am still very well known in the community. No matter where in town I go, people are always coming up to me and calling out a greeting of, 'Mickey, how's it going?' The parade was no different. People marching by were calling out to me. Soon I was off the sidewalk, and waving and shaking hands as the different groups went by. Sasha was in the middle of the street, meeting people and marching along for a few feet. It was like we were both working the parade. I decided that was it! From now on Sasha and her Dad would be in the parade, marching and tossing candy to the children in the crowd.
And that's what we have done. For the first years, we organized a group consisting of parents, children, friends and relatives of those who had been born in the local hospital. We called ourselves the Bartlett Babies. This year there wasn't much interest to do it again. So Sasha and I along with my visiting brother, Matt and his wife, Jean, hung some crape paper on a shopping basket, loaded it with wrapped candy, went out and had one of the time of our lives!
After the parade my bother Matt commented that it is really hard work. I suppose it is but it fun and satisfying also. Next year I think we will be our own entry — 'Mickey's Candy Toss.' Anyone who worked for me, was a customer, walked by the stand, or has eaten a bagel from anywhere can come walk, wave, and toss candy with us. And hey feel free to bring your own!
When I tell newcomers and visitors about the 4th, I begin by asking them if they have any idea how big the 4th is in Alaska. They usually shake their heads no. And then I tell them that if we gave presents on the 4th of July, it would be bigger then Christmas!
Juneau, located in the Southeast panhandle of Alaska, which I often refer to as the Alaskan Banana Belt, is the first place in the entire country to shoot off fireworks. They are launched from a barge in the middle of channel, starting just after midnight in the first minutes of July 4th. It seems like everyone in the world gathers along the Gastineau Channel, and then as time and the world world stand still & quiet, the fireworks begin. You can see pinpricks of light from the camp fires of those who camped on the mountains to get a good view from above. After the show, the world springs back to life, engines start, and the crowd disappears. After hour or so for the traffic clears. Those who watched from Douglas have the worst traffic.
The 4th features a parade through Juneau, and then Douglas. Perhaps because it is the capitol, Juneau has the more organized parade. It is another great gathering, with a feeling of of a few less spectators then the night before. Last night's more exuberant celebrators, who are seem to happily so and proud of their condition. Some skip the Juneau parade and head directly for Douglas. Most do both. That parade there begins immediately following the one in Juneau. And traffic is just as bad going to Douglas as it is leaving after the fireworks.
In '77, a young man around 5, stole the show, simply by riding his hipity-hop with style and grace. In those days the parade seemed hookier. Over the years it has gotten bigger, the floats more sophisticated, but it always is a good expression our life in the Capitol of the Last Frontier. '85 was the first time I was aware of the Filipino American krew. They turned off of Franklin onto Front Street, a wild looking cadre, of dark-skinned bare chested men, dressed in grass skirts, beating furiously on conga drums. They looked like they were straight from the jungle! They seemed to virtually split the air as they went down the street! They oozed buckets and barrels full or raw, in your face right in front of you for all good old fashioned sexuality. Hold on tight! Then you might have a chance if they try to grab your loved one loved one with every intent of taking back to the jungle. Their overwhelming sexual feel might just be enough to willing sweep your precious one willing away.
From '82, through '93, I had a street vending cart located right in the center of downtown Juneau. It was called 'Mickey's Bagel Bistro.' The menu featured, bagels, coffee, pastries, and good service with a dash of entertaining wit. The 4th was one of my favorite days. We opened a little later then our usual @ around 8:00 AM, and were gone by 2 PM. When someone signed to work under the umbrella they were told, that a condition of their employment was that they work on the 4th. This usually brought a grimace and a groan. They cheered up a little when I told them it would only be for 4 hours, and they would be paid time and a half. Everyone was required to work. The holiday was a day when young people could stay out late, and wander about without being watched by there parents. They didn't like anything that put a crimp in their plans.
The first few hours on the 4th were quiet. The streets were largely deserted. People trickled by, some stopped for coffee. Some were showing obvious effects of the night before. The streets were cleared of cars, and soon became crowed with people who had come to see the parade. There was an air of anticipation along the parade route. Then the stand would be swamped with customers. There was a little lull during the parade, and then we'd be swamped again. And all of a sudden about an hour after the parade ended it would be over. We'd clean up and call it a day.
Then came on of the most satisfying moments of my time spent under the umbrella. The pay of time and a half was generous enough. But as we parted, I'd reach into my pocket and hand them a bill. At first it was a fiver, and then the last few years I was in business it had increased to a twenty. The bill was always accompanied by a heartfelt thanks and the admonishment to go have fun! And they could with the gift they had in their pockets to spend.
My daughter Sasha was born on Alaska Day, October 18, 2000. Our little family moved from Juneau to the Twin Cities, in August of 2002. Every year though, we returned to Juneau for the 4th. Sasha is a gregarious outgoing, friendly and fearless person. In 2003 we were watching the parade kitty corner from where my stand was located. It was 10 years since I had lowered the umbrella for the last time, but I am still very well known in the community. No matter where in town I go, people are always coming up to me and calling out a greeting of, 'Mickey, how's it going?' The parade was no different. People marching by were calling out to me. Soon I was off the sidewalk, and waving and shaking hands as the different groups went by. Sasha was in the middle of the street, meeting people and marching along for a few feet. It was like we were both working the parade. I decided that was it! From now on Sasha and her Dad would be in the parade, marching and tossing candy to the children in the crowd.
And that's what we have done. For the first years, we organized a group consisting of parents, children, friends and relatives of those who had been born in the local hospital. We called ourselves the Bartlett Babies. This year there wasn't much interest to do it again. So Sasha and I along with my visiting brother, Matt and his wife, Jean, hung some crape paper on a shopping basket, loaded it with wrapped candy, went out and had one of the time of our lives!
After the parade my bother Matt commented that it is really hard work. I suppose it is but it fun and satisfying also. Next year I think we will be our own entry — 'Mickey's Candy Toss.' Anyone who worked for me, was a customer, walked by the stand, or has eaten a bagel from anywhere can come walk, wave, and toss candy with us. And hey feel free to bring your own!
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