Dave in AK
@bikewritedave.bsky.social
Hack content provider, insomniac shift radio host, globetrotter, mountain biker, old and in your way.
Austin Public Library declared a “Book Safe Harbor” by city council. “History has never looked kindly on those who’ve banned books or tried to control what people are allowed to learn. It won’t be any different this time,” council member Vanessa Fuentes said.
City council designates Austin Public Library a ‘Book Safe Harbor’
It comes a week after Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick held a press conference calling for the removal of certain books from public schools.
kxan.com
Alaska's youth suicide rate is nearly six times the national average.We're losing Native youth at more than twice that average. Suicide is the 6th leading cause of death among Alaskans of all ages. Nationally it's 11th. Dial 988 if you are in crisis. You can also use their online chat option.
Suicide deaths and attempts among Alaska youth continue at high rates, report shows | Alaska Beacon
The 2025 fatality rate was the highest in a decade and suicide attempts have also increased, despite numerous prevention programs.
alaskabeacon.com
Down in the lower fringes. This happened since yesterday.
One of the most cerebral performers of our time. Calling her a jazz vocalist is to only scratch at all that she did. She was too versatile and too immensely skilled to be contained by any one genre. Even one as far reaching as jazz. She contained multitudes. And she sang them.
Cassandra Wilson, Grammy-winning jazz vocalist, dies at 70
Wilson, whose deep, dark contralto was one of the most distinctive voices in jazz, died on Wednesday in her hometown of Jackson, Miss.
npr.org
Score one for the book banners. One individual told her she “should be taken out and drowned,” [Willow librarian Julie Mitchell] said.“I’m not old enough to retire, and right now, the thought of working at another library makes me sick to my stomach. I can’t. It’s just not fun anymore.”
Two longtime Mat-Su librarians leave after decades of service
What you need to know: * Two longtime Mat-Su librarians left their posts in August. Geri Denkewalter retired after 40 years at the Talkeetna Library, while Julie Mitchell left the Willow Library aft...
matsusentinel.com
It’s a total destruction day, which means Thursday will be an Iran is begging for a deal day which means stocks will surge going into the weekend and oil prices will drop. At least life is predictable.
Treg is disqualified. His running mate takes his place and is now fourth on the ballot and running for gov, and chose Treg’s wife as her running mate. Meanwhile we still have Dan Sullivan (R) and Dan Sullivan (R). Once again Alaska elections will provide months of entertainment. It never fails.
November ballot in Alaska governor’s race set after chaotic last-day scramble
Republican Treg Taylor's running mate, business owner Candi English, will replace the former attorney general on the ballot after Taylor was disqualified over an incomplete financial disclosure.
alaskapublic.org
I’ve been neglecting the daily Fall Fireweed Photo. Time is dwindling. Here’s today’s.
Sinning your way to the top. “I believe if God said ‘Hey, your sin is forgiven,’ who am I to contradict God? [Christian Law Enforcement Fellowship president Jerry] Hara said. “He has integrity and high morals and he’s ministering to officers in crisis.” Apparently God was unavailable for comment.
Ex-Deputy Convicted of Assaulting Women Now Chaplain for Christian Cop Group
For nearly a decade, the case of San Diego Sheriff’s Deputy Ricky Fischer’s sexual predation rocked San Diego County.
apnews.com
Ohio-born MAGA loyalist Dan Sullivan, who moved to Alaska in his 30s, repeatedly threw the term “Lower 48 liberal” at Alaska Native Mary Peltola in their first formal debate, saying that’s who she represents. Peltola was polite, on topic, and didn’t engage in name calling.
Sullivan goes on attack in first post-primary faceoff for Alaska’s U.S. Senate race | Alaska Beacon
Facing a stiff challenge from Democrat Mary Peltola, the GOP senator is repeatedly invoking the threat of ‘Lower 48 liberal’ influence.
alaskabeacon.com
This is how you do theft. Also, Pabst is having fun on its social media account: “Pabst is officially starting the clock now, you have exactly 18 days and 44 minutes to return our truckload of beer, no questions asked." “Beer is getting warmer, trail is getting colder. Clock’s still ticking."
40,000 pounds of Pabst Blue Ribbon stolen in massive California beer heist
Police are investigating what appears to be a sophisticated cargo theft operation after nearly $70,000 worth of products, including tens of thousands of cans of beer, disappeared from a Southern Ca…
ktla.com
"RCV improves elections by letting voters communicate much richer data about their preferences. It probably also tends to help the sorts of candidates who appeal to many kinds of voters, not just a narrow, super-committed base."
From the CATO institute: Conservatives shouldn’t fear RCV. www.cato.org/commentary/w...
A true story. In spring of 1987 the college radio station where I was a DJ had to blow some money we’d raised fast or cede it to the student body general fund at the end of the year. That was our money. We earned it. We were spending it. So we hired Soundgarden and Faith No More for a show.
In the depths of the pandemic this performance was provided by the good people at Paste, who brought us live music as best as they could when we most needed it. It was a glimmer of hope in a dark time. It still is.
Amanda Shires - Live Forever (Billy Joe Shaver) - 12/5/2020 - Paste Studio NVL - Nashville TN
YouTube video by Paste Magazine
youtube.com
@haharuffo.bsky.social @grarmstrong.bsky.social The beer fridge in the garage still has the bye bye Barbara sticker. Also, Pick Mary, as in Peltola.
Needed to replace the boiler chimney. 25 years ago I used ladders to put the old one up. Spouse said no to that this time. Rent a lift. Cheaper than a hospital bill. So I did. Nice shiny new stack level on the level. I need to buy one of those things.
They had “Fresh Scent” vinegar at Fred Meyer and I’m still trying to wrap my head around that one.
Went nosing around Value Village while the dog was at the groomer and found a CD called Bollywood Funk and whoever donated it is now my new BFF and driving around in the truck while playing it was really making me want to go back to India. My God I love that country.
Bollywood Funk - 15 funk-fuelled grooves from the Bollywood classics
YouTube video by koltiainen
youtube.com
Fun fact. “America” refers to two continents and 22 nations total (3 in North America, 7 in Central America, and 12 in South America). The Caribbean adds 13 more if you count them as well. So moving forward I’m going to call it Lake Canada to Chile and All Points Between.
Overheard on the street:”I’m getting married! Third time’s the charm!” I do hope she’s right.
“The fat man smiled like a good-natured asshole” is a line I wish I had come up with to describe the fortune teller I tangled with in New Delhi when I wrote the story about my first day in India. Instead Juan de Recacoechea gets credit. From “American Visa.” A darkly comic Bolivian novel.
