Alaska Blog and Journals

Please share this everywhere you can think of, it's crucial.
I thought I knew, but had no idea how serious this really is; now I've researched it, and written two petitions (they have to be done separately as only different branches of govt. can help), something I've had experience with for over 15 years now. Most people will never see the full petitions (below), since the petition site just has you do a very brief thing, and no one really checks or has time to read more.   Probably everyone thinks they know, but as you can see, it's far worse; basically us ordinary people against powerful and wealthy special interests.  While big oil is invested in Alaska, Safari Club International and related very wealthy organizations are the current opposition; they're the same ones who do "canned hunts", opposed by normal hunters as well; this extraordinarily cruel mass slaughter is being done the way it is, for "fun".  Really, I've checked it all thoroughly now; of greater concern is the very low numbers of wolves.  If they aren't stopped, the few wolves remaining in our country will be extinct before long.  This will also lead to widespread and very serious ecological damage, as we need predators of their kind very badly (and bears, cougars, and others are getting similar treatment, the bears most directly now, in Alaska).
The reason spreading this around is so important, is the media black-out about it; if you do a search on H.R. 3663, the only thing (I could get anyway) is another petition someone did for the House.  Obama also has to know these things, and isn't acting on it, which shows the intimidation factor the bad guys have in politics.  That's why the best hope, very possibly even more than the litigation underway, is to demonstrate that enough Americans know what's really going on; if we can really do that, it would work.  The net is our best hope, if you have a site or know people who do, etc.  It's of grave concern that the most respected non-profits (in this case forming a coalition) depend mostly on funding from us.  It's also well established that those who have the least, give the most (both in % and real amounts); so of course, lack of funding is a serious concern.  We're starting to learn to use our power, as Americans, but have barely begun, and few realize how much power we really have, if it's tapped.  Time to start, even if we can never match what we owe our wolves.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/8/please-dont-let-our-wolves-be-killed

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/support-paw-we-can-save-our-wolves

Also all other petitions you can find active, numbers count. All help promoting is greatly appreciated.  There's no other approach that can work, Obama can't stop Palin, and people haven't heard of any of this.  Full text below:

Dear Mr. President,

We’re writing because of profound concern for wolves in the Northern Rockies. Their population is already tenuous, and the very premature removal of Federal Endangered Species Act protections presents a serious threat to their survival; the delisting allows 70% of the region’s wolves to be slaughtered, and thereby reduce the region’s wolf population to far less than a sustainable number. If this decision is allowed to stand, wolves remaining in the Northern Rockies will suffer genetic damage, followed by extinction. There are very few wolves remaining in our country, and we’re extremely fortunate in the historic reintroduction of wolves from Canada, in 1995; most people would believe this requires Endangered Species Act protections, and our failure to apply them would be disastrous, for a species so exceptionally beloved by the American people.

As we’ve been blessed by such a promising start to restoring wolf populations, rational, scientifically sound protections could allow our wolf populations to become sustainable, and legitimately eliminate the need for Endangered Species Protections. It’s devastating that our wolves would be betrayed for political gain, to brutal mass slaughter, as Secretary Salazar has done. As the delisting occurred in the face of overwhelming public opposition, it insults the American people, as well as violating our most cherished values.

The delisting claims to be for the purpose of harvesting predators; this is a defiance of any scientifically supported position, and transparently false. The states in which the wolves reside, have planned hunts allowing decimation as fully as the aggressive delisting plan, including allowing wolf killing without a hunting license. These states’ policies are the primary reason for the Fish and Game Service’s strenuous opposition to state based wolf management. The wolves’ primary opponents are sport hunting organizations, and state wildlife agencies are funded mostly by hunting fees and related revenue. Wolves have lived beneficially with the same species as they are now, in far greater numbers, and are an invaluable part of good ecology, while most hunters are ecologically illiterate. Only 1/10th of a percentage point of livestock loss is related to wolf encounters, and extensive programs to support ranchers’ relations with wolves are in place. Of course wolves have rarely killed humans throughout our nation’s history, and no healthy wolf ever has.

We’re sure you’re aware of the litigation against this unfortunate decision, by an alliance of widely respected non-profit organizations. This litigation has had to be done before, and is supported primarily by funding from private citizens, while its opposition is funded by powerful and wealthy special interests. The American people, and our beloved wolves, are only represented because of our own extraordinary efforts, in our legal system; it’s disappointing that we aren’t represented at all by Secretary Salazar, who appears to have violated your administration’s promise to consult conservationists, scientists, and other stakeholders on key issues, before making decisions.

Please give this crucial concern your best consideration, and respond positively, in support of truly American values, as you have in so many other ways.

The Undersigned

Dear Senators,

We’re writing because of our profound concern about the mass slaughter of wolves in Alaska; aerial hunting has been illegal since 1972, and the claims used to evade the law are in opposition to available data and scientifically supported wildlife management. Neither are they intended to be taken seriously, as Governor Palin has been documented in complaining that wildlife conservation threatens gas and oil interests.

Aerial gunning is an exceptionally cruel practice, being used against mothers and cubs in their dens. Wolves forced to run from aerial assault have been documented vomiting due to terror and stress; they are run to exhaustion, at which point aircraft land, if they can’t finish killing them at point blank range otherwise. Wounded wolves also suffer terribly if they die of wounds, by collapsing where they’re difficult to reach.

Other states, in which wolves were only reintroduced in 1995, are now planning to use aerial gunning against them, and Alaska is also using it against bears, also during denning and birth season. It’s well established that aerial gunning is only done for the benefit of “sport” hunters, even though many hunters oppose it. Private aircraft are typically used, with wolves’ corpses often displayed on the aircraft; Governor Palin also issued a $150 bounty for the legs of aerially shot wolves, thankfully overturned by a state court.

Governor Palin and the Alaska Board of Game, all of which is Governor appointed, supports this savage practice in spite of overwhelming opposition from Alaskan voters. State game agencies are mostly funded by hunting and related fees; it’s clear the only reason for this brutal decimation of our remaining wolf population is purely political, for the benefit of special interests, while the American people are horrified at the loss of one of our most precious national treasures, and the violation of our most cherished values. Most of our wolves are in Alaska, but their numbers are low there; the possibility of extinction of wolves in our country is very real, and far too near.

In addition to having no legitimate rationale, or serious attempt to pretend any, this destruction of our wolf population is extremely damaging to the larger ecology, in which wolves have a crucial and complex role. Wolf and bear management must be done by qualified, ecologically intelligent people.

Alaska Wildlife Troopers have presented strong opposition to this barbarism, and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game are concerned about risks to humans, in outdoor activity areas at their peak season.

Alaska is one of the most beautiful and ecologically wealthy places on Earth. Our nation is deeply impoverished by this cruel and irrational practice, and certainly disgraced.

The PAW Act, H.R. 3663, introduced by Representative George Miller, would end aerial “hunting” for good. We urge, in the strongest possible terms, that you give the Protect America’s Wildlife Act all of your support. Please give this your best consideration and support genuine American needs and values. We are waiting for your response, because wildlife can’t.

The Undersigned

Hey, Sorry i havnt been on here much.

So i have had a 6 day weekend so far. Just because of snow and ice on the mountain. The mountain is like 30 mins away from me. We get nothing down here. So i think its kinda funny from moving here from alaska and you get out if there are snow clouds. In Alaska you still had to go to school if it was -70. Yeah that was the cold days lol. It doesnt even get that cold here. But I  miss alaska. Im going back my senior year. Im graduating with all my friends i grew up with. Im so ready to leave now. I cant stand it here. Everyone here is all about drama and shit. But in alaska everyone knows eachother and there family and everyone is just so chill there. I love alaska. Oh well. Ill live. Well ill be back later.

 

-Mr. Miller.

Diddy, Puffy, Sean Combs shouts it out!!!

I love when he says "respect, man, but what the hell????" hahaha

 

 

 

I hate packing. I really do. When it comes down to what to take and what to leave it becomes a real pain in the ass. I love to travel don't get me wrong but I've been trying to figure out for almost a month and all my bags are still totally empty. I mean what the hell? This should really be that hard.

Going to Fairbanks, Alaska (for thoses of you who don't know) for about a week and as much as I'd like to go because my aunt is guaranteeing that it's going to be totally kick ass, which I don't doubt for a second because she knows how to have fun. But I really don't want to spend a whole week with my father because well we're not on the best terms since well forever or a least it feels that way. But that's a different story that I'd rather not divulge in. Also it would give me a chance to see how it is living alone, you know see if I'm a bit more responsible than my parents think I am.

Anyways going to check the weather report and then start packing. That is if I don't get caught up in something else. Most likely will happen cause I hate packing.

Later

Hi everybody! Guess what. I just got bak from a cruise o Alaska. Sorry I didn't tell anybody before I went I was spastic about plane rides and being on a big boat. lol. Pics will be up as soon as i get them from my familythat had cameras. Thanks for reading my journal!

I don't feel like being poetic, or particularly insightful in this entry. I feel like being frank and rude with a hint of pessimism. I am hurt and disappointed. The Hush Sound is one of my favorite bands EVER. I recently set up an interview with them for August 10th in Austin. This is the most excited I've been about anything. Except for learning that oreos are in fact vegan friendly... Anyway.

I was setting up plans for my summer, and I have come to find that I am going on an Alaskan cruise with my entire family, all from Beverly Hills. I see my family about twice a year, because I don't think my Dad and his mom get along very well... among other reasons. So this Alaskan cruise departs a Seattle Port at 12 noon, August 10th.

So I had to choose between interviewing my FAVORITE band, and going on a cruise for ten days to one of the most scenic areas in the world. I have the eyes of a photographer and the brain of a puppy, I swear.

And OH the repercussions. I go on the cruise and I mope the entire time, surly and unhappy. I go to the concert and when my Dad gets back, HE'S mopey and surly, not to mention I would probably be disowned. Except I wouldn't care at that point if he was angry. I would have interviewed my favorite band, and most likely had the best time of my life at the concert. But then again, the cruise would be a great opportunity to bond with my family, and my Dad would be so happy I went, he'd most likely BUY me The Hush Sound. (Hear that, Chris? ;])

I picked the cruise. Regrettably.

are amazing. I love my new computer.

Last night Baby and I went to my mom's for dinner. We all played with photobooth for hours and munched on amazing food. I love my family.



I want a vienti non-fat, extra caramel, caremel macchiatto from Starbucks.

Two nights ago, Maxine and I went to Target and I bought Enchanted, The Devil Wears Prada and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind on DVD. All three of those movies are amazing.

I have a shopping addiction, I think.

Today is filled with movies, and relaxation.

Alaska in ten days, ahh! =].


<3

Today was quite interesting for two reasons

1. It's April and it's snowing like it's December and
2. Morphadite locked her keys in the car

It's true. She really did! I will admit that I loved her face when she realized what she did. Hey don't judge me it was funny. So we get into the library and ask the security if they can help. Their all like "No we don't have the tools for that" which personally I think is really stupid, because I really have a hard time believing that we're the first to actually lock the keys in the car there. So then they call us a locksmith which is totally cool, but that also means we have to go back outside to all the coldness and snow. After about 10-15 minutes the guy finally shows up and unlocks the car. Yay!!! Finally we can get out of the coldness.

What I learned today was

1. Security guards suck when it comes to asking for help and
2. Expect snow in April if you live in Alaska

Until next time. Later.

We would like to sincerely thank everyone who has believed in us from the start and everyone who will come to believe in time. The next coming years are going to be amazing as we start this long journey with you all and we can’t wait to see what the future holds. We hope that we will get a chance to know all of you and that you will get to know us by the musical bond we share. We have been given this platform to do great things with our music and we intend to do just that. Nothing would be possible without all your love and support. We are so grateful to have a chance like this and a wonderful team of hardworking people at Fearless Records behind us.

The plan now is to release a re-recorded "Yellow & Elephant" EP. We have been in the studio the last few weeks and just the raw tracks blow away the old version recorded in Garageband. The release will be sometime this summer, so anyone who believes in us please pick up a copy. We will be touring all summer and fall and we would love to meet each and every one of you. It’s going to be a big year for all of us…

Much Love and best wishes,
Eye Alaska

AKA, Alaska

everyone here calls the rest of the states the "lower 49"

 

I tried on Norwegian sweaters for my g-ma. None of them "fit."

I got a sweeeeet shirt though... Ill eventually post a picture

But,

No wifi up  here... were moving to the Sheridon for tonight and tomorrow so maybe ill upload my Vlogs...

I've made one so far.

"The YouTube" wont work on my grandparents computer, where I am now

my friends call everything in the web "the ____" so facebook is "THE facebook" and Myspace is "THE myspace"

 

I had 62 new favorites for being gone 2 days. I'm In withdrawl.

I need Buzznet and Pumpking pie to survive.

How was everyone's feast??? I passed out after project runway since its on at like 11-12 here (fuk Alaska) Im so glad that pale dude went home, cause christian is my favorite so far. It was 80s though...

I changed my mind

I need Buzznet, project runway and Pumpkin pie to survive

and in case you were wondering...

Pumpkin pie always comes with whipped creameeeeee.

I went to Platos Closet today. in A-fkin-Laska

two girls walked in with black hair and My chemical Romance hoodies

and I wondered if they were on Buzznet...

thats what i think when I see people now-a-days.

I wonder:

"DO I actualy communicate with you on the Internet? DO I know you in one life, and yet if I saw you on the street would i pass you by?"

its what I dream about

that, and Project runway, and Pumpkin pie.

So far I have been to a native craft fair, bought a Norwegian wooden horse, bought my brother a cutting board in the shape of a hallibut...

I am deathly afraid of dead animals that are stuffed

its my fear

people get clostrophobic, people are afraid of spiders...

I fear stuffed goats, bears, sheep, and wolves.

they are everywhere in the "upper one"

Alaska is like 543789673X the size of Seattle and yet,

I feel alot more lonely.

but don't worry

I've god my Grandpas stuffed Grizly that he shot to keep me company.

it scared the SHNIZ out of me last night when I needed water from the kitchen

I want a gerbil.

And more Pumpkin pie...