World traveler. Survivalist, environmental researcher and political news wolf. Born and raised in the last frontier. Educated by mother nature and father time.

         
 
Gary Wolf - "The Barcode of Life" - WIRED Magazine, October 2008





THE BARCODE BLOG: Follow along, on this most interesting series covering the search to obtain, and record one sample piece of DNA from all life on earth. Already a full one-quarter of birds have been entered into the database. This is arguably, the single most important genetic, wildlife research endeavor of our time. From the article:

“… researchers have deposited 14,594 DNA barcodes in BOLD representing 2,586 avian species, 26% of world’s 9,933 birds. You can browse taxonomic coverage to date at All Birds Barcoding Initiative (ABBI) and BOLD taxonomy browser sites. Coverage includes representatives of all 27 orders and 159 families of world birds and nearly half of avian genera…”

Wolf Politics

Opinion: The issues are heating up as we approach November. Just remember that there shouldn’t be a reward for people who have proven a consistent pattern of total failure, even to show up to do their job and vote; their behavior has been far less than what we deserve from a public servant. This as always, is a matter of public record. A majority of these professional politicians are in a frenzy. They are fighting to agree on remedies to a current crisis. We are now facing the most serious, destructive financial downturn of our lifetime, at a global scale.



Wolf Blitzer hosts one of the most informative shows on broadcast television. His show takes place in the Situation Room where he discusses a variety of topics, current events and world news. Another excellent on-line resource is the Open Congress website and one that I find particularly interesting… which is Earmarkwatch website which tracks some of the more dubious parts of politics.

Overview: There are several difficult subjects facing government today, one having to do with the economy; in particular a controversy over the bail out of financial institutions which are facing a crisis. Then there is the matter of the world conflicts which involve our armed forces; the massive numbers of troops who are deployed in Afghanistan and in Iraq which adds to the national debt costing in the trillions. There is an ongoing fuel crisis as well as an forever unstable cost of a barrel of oil which has historically been a driving force in world market. A commodity to which we as consumers, remain hopelessly addicted.

Not to mention the more global problems, too long to even list, of poverty and homelessness including the outbreaks of disease which continue to plague many, often hungry, hard-working people with families who desire nothing more than peace and security. The problems that face us, often hit our ‘neighbors’ as well, making foreign policy a crucial issue for any of our leaders.


Whatever happens, it is always important to stay informed, to take note, to be ready to take action to be part of the solution, instead of being only part of the problem. Political bickerings, grandstanding showmanship, and begging off from the problem only delay the obvious eventual cost, which our children will be forced to pay. And, as usual, history repeats itself.

On a lighter note:

Will Ferrell and Tina Faye have reinvented SNL for all Alaskans.

Opinion: We should always remember those who have been taken from us before their time. Since the Alaska State Flower is the forget me not, I thought it appropriate to scatter a few seeds and reflect that in the spring, new life will arrive after the long and bitter winter. On this important day in history, September 11th, we remember all the civilians who perished, including innocent children who died on their field trip, when the aircraft hit the Pentagon. It was a horrifying event, for many families around the world. And even with all the time that’s went by it is still fresh in mind; forever changed our way, and personally, I look outward at the world, with the people in it differently than as a child. The criminal act of cowardice launched a worldwide manhunt, for those responsible and their associates… some of these people, are still being hunted, but have yet to be brought to justice. Take part in the hunt… [podcast]

Opinion: We should always remember those who have been taken from us before their time. Since the Alaska State Flower is the forget me not, I thought it appropriate to scatter a few seeds and reflect that in the spring, new life will arrive after the long and bitter winter. On this important day in history, September 11th, we remember all the civilians who perished, including innocent children who died on their field trip, when the aircraft hit the Pentagon.




It was a horrifying event, for many families around the world. And even with all the time that’s went by it is still fresh in mind; forever changed our way, and personally, I look outward at the world, with the people in it differently than as a child. The criminal act of cowardice launched a worldwide manhunt, for those responsible and their associates… some of these people, are still being hunted, but have yet to be brought to justice. Take part in the hunt… [podcast]


Wolf OilOpinion: This is a sign of greed. It is another company which makes a living from the sales of petroleum and their products. While the world economy endures a slow bleed by profiteering businessmen, the traditional ways, Mom & Pop stores, along with those on a fixed income are struggling just to survive. Tourism is dying in Alaska. Food prices are on the rise, as is the cost of everything, due to the rising price of shipping to Alaska. The government seems helpless to do anything to resolve the matter, being at the whim of a small group of people who control the world’s economy through the control of the supply and demand of oil. As in nature, I hope that things will change.

Wolf Oil

Opinion: This is a sign of greed. It is another company which makes a living from the sales of petroleum and their products. While the world economy endures a slow bleed by profiteering businessmen, the traditional ways, Mom & Pop stores, along with those on a fixed income are struggling just to survive. Tourism is dying in Alaska. Food prices are on the rise, as is the cost of everything, due to the rising price of shipping to Alaska. The government seems helpless to do anything to resolve the matter, being at the whim of a small group of people who control the world’s economy through the control of the supply and demand of oil. As in nature, I hope that things will change.