A feast in Fairbanks, far from the ocean...
Father and Son Iditarod Champions
A father and son in the Seavey clan broke consecutive records in the Iditarod these past two years. I just love the camaraderie and respect in this video.
Choose Respect
Juneau's Choose Respect rally on March 28, 2013, was a reminder to us all about the harsh reality of violence against women in Alaska. According to the 2010 Alaska Victimization Survey, 58 percent of women
in Alaska have experienced intimate partner or sexual violence; 47.6
percent have experienced intimate partner violence; and 37.1 percent
have experienced sexual violence. The facts are bone-chilling. And this tragedy has got to stop.
Alaska Governor Sean Parnell is one of very few governors who is focusing on reversing this epidemic. In 2009, the Parnell administration began the "Choose Respect" statewide movement with a goal of ending the epidemic of domestic violence and sexual assault in Alaska. In just a few short years, Governor Parnell's initiative has expanded to more than 120 communities across the state. What was prioritized at the upper echelons of state government can be continued deep down into the fabric of this state.
We need Alaskans to take a stand. We need men, women, children... politicians, secretaries, oil execs... hunters, miners, mushers... fishermen, baristas, tour guides... Alaska Native men, village leaders, and elders... to all take a stand. A stand to Choose Respect.
We need YOU. Join us.
Velvet, the Pet Reindeer
When I first visited Nome in the summer of 2011, I was hanging out at the Safety Roadhouse and admiring all the junk on their walls. There were thousands of tattered dollar bills, old Iditarod memorabilia, and this very interesting photo of a reindeer. Camped out. ON A COUCH.
A picture of the picture.
I soon learned that this was not just any couch-surfing semi-domesticated caribou. This was Velvet, an actual pet reindeer in Nome! Don't believe it? See for yourself.
I had to see this big beautiful animal in the flesh. So when I was in Nome earlier this month for Iditarod Week, we searched high and low. Well, actually, we didn't have to go far. You see, Velvet has her own fenced area at her owner's house near the Nome Recreation Center. Her pad is decked out with decorative "Reindeer Crossing" signs and rope lighting that spells out "Velvet Eyes." I can't imagine a more whimsical home for a pet reindeer.
Velvet is indeed very velvety.