On occasion, just a word or two that I read while visiting other blog sites will stir my curiosity and even my wild imagination. On one particular visit, a brief comment not only stirred my curiosity but it was also a subject that I had no knowledge but thought about on occasion. The question being, when is a title used that can be perceived as something other than the title implies. For many years, I was commonly referred to as "Chief". Even today, when I visit a military base, if the gate guard is astute, after looking at my identification, he will say "Thank You Chief". However, to the best of my knowledge, I have no ancestors in my background that would lead me to believe that I was an American Indian. It is a common phrase used in the Navy when addressing a Chief Petty Officer.

The phrase that triggered my thoughts this day was "Postmaster General" which also made me wonder about the title of "Surgeon General" . The term General would lead one to automatically think about the Marine Corp, Army or Air Force staff officers. But it really boggles the mind when the "Surgeon General" is seen wearing what appears to be the uniform of a Navy Vice Admiral. Why isn't this position known as "Surgeon Admiral"? The "Postmaster General" is always seen wearing civvies, mostly commonly suit and tie.

"POSTMASTER GENERAL"

The Postmaster General is not in the military services of our country. The current Postmaster has never served in the military services, however he has been a career postal employee. At one time, the Postmaster General was appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by Congress. For many years, the Postmaster General was a member of the President's Cabinet. During this time frame, the Postmaster General was in the line of succession of the Presidency. The first Postmaster General of the United States was none other than Benjamin Franklin who served in this position from 1775 - 1776. He established the first mail route from Maine to Florida and New York to Canada. Two President's have served as Postmaster's in their home town. Abraham Lincoln served as Postmaster in New Salem, Illinois from May 1833 to to May 1836. President Harry Truman served as Postmaster in Grandview, Missouri from December 1914 to June 1915.

SURGEON GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES

Have made a large number of trips to the atrium windows today to see if there is any activity occurring on Mt. Redoubt. Although, the camera is not yet it place, it can be assembled on the tripod within seconds in the event of an eruption. Mt. Redoubt or Redoubt if you prefer is 10,197 feet in elevation. As of 2200 this evening, it is still being listed as Code Orange. One step below eruption or Code Red.
Speaking of color codes, do we still have the color codes in effect for the potential of having a terrorists attack?
Seismic activity continues at a much higher level than normal with earthquakes occurring every few minutes. At sunset this evening, there was no sign of smoke or steam escaping the mountain. At the last update, wind currents indicate that in the event of any eruption, any ash dispersed will spread over the Anchorage area.

It appears that I may have a little snow to play with and push around with the "ole" plow truck. Currently the prognosticators are giving those of us living on the lower Kenai Peninsula a 60% chance of snow over the next thirty six hours. If the forecast is accurate, we can expect 6 to 8 inches of new snow which would be our heaviest snowfall of this season. Current temperature in Anchor Point is 26 degrees and -4 degrees in Lincoln, Nebraska.

A couple of news items pertaining to the "825 Billion Dollar Stimulus Package" that our elected officials are trying to pass within the next thirty days. The Budget Office released the fact today, that if this package is passed at the current level, the total cost would be 1.1 Trillion Dollars. Why does that not surprise me? There is one item in the "Stimulus Package" that made me laugh. In the entire package, there is only one person mentioned by name in the entire bill. A small paragraph that reads in part; no funds will be disbursed to the State of Illinois unless one of two provisions are met prior to the disbursement of funds. (1) All funds for the State of Illinois must have state legislative approval prior to disbursement or (2) Rod Blagoevich (D) cannot be serving as the Governor. Now we know why the Illinois politicians are rushing to have him impeached.

In the economic news. I would suggest that all CEO's of the banking industries, automotive manufacturers, insurance companies, and anyone else that are asking out for "bailout out" money for the mistakes and sloppy management be required to attend a full course at "McDonald's University". Yes, there is such a school that middle and upper management personnel at McDonald's attend. The reason for this is because McDonald's released their financial statements today. The retail sales of McDonald's increased 80% this past year in comparison to 2007. Other good economic news, if you are not in the store front video rental business, Netflix increased their customer base to 9,000,000 customers this past year and recorded an increase in retail sales by 45% in 2008 in comparison to 2007. Now, if you want to get into the video rental or video to sale business, I just happen to have an excess of 20,000 DVD's and VHS videos that I will sell for a quarter (.25) per unit. They are boxed up in waterproof boxes ready for shipment, show me the cash, bring a good size truck, and they are yours. Yard sale them out at just a buck and your net profit would be $15,000!

In the "ugly fish" contest, this is my latest entry, although I do want to automatically disqualify on two merits. (1) I think this same picture appeared on a blog site of my primary competition in the contest several years ago so I do not want to be accused of plagiarism. (2) He is just to cute to be "ugly". His / Her eyes and downward smile looks so sad. I bet all of the other fish make fun of his ears.

(Ref: Webster) Stimulus ~ an action, influence, or agency, that produces a response in a living organism; anything that arouses to action or increased action.

Currently our new administration and Democrat controlled Congress is preparing to introduce a "new" stimulus package. Currently, this package is considered to be in the range of $825,000,000,000 ($825 Billion). However, most economists agree that by the time the final package is completed it will be in excess of one trillion dollars. Keep in mind, the political party in control wants to have this completed and approved within the next thirty days. This "stimulus package" is separate from the original package that was hurriedly passed and adopted within a few days during the campaign season. I have a problem of occurring this vast amount of debt on this short of a time schedule. Most of us have to consider and debate the pros and cons for a longer period than that when it comes to buying an appliance for our home. It is most interesting to consider where the funds from this $825 Billion dollars is going to be used to "stimulate" our economy. I have such a list of proposed "stimulus" expenditures in front of me.

After a few hours of sleep, I have now successfully recovered from Inauguration Syndrome. Being a historical and political junkie, I was addicted to watching the transition of power from our 43rd President, George W. Bush to our 44th President Barrack H. Obama. Being handicapped by the time zone, my day began at 0200 Tuesday morning ending at 2200 the same day. I enjoyed it thoroughly and consider it time well spent.

President Barrack H. Obama: No doubt that this day was a historical event in the history of of our nation. The transition of power was completed in an orderly fashion with both parties showing professionalism and courtesy towards one another. The passage of time during the next four years will be the judge of the administration of President Obama's administration. In listening to his Inauguration speech it was filled with hope and promises for the future. We cannot expect all of the promises to be kept, as governing within the political process can be stalled by economic and world events. Although all candidates promise unity and bipartisan, it is very difficult to achieve in a power broker environment. Within the President's speech, there was one partial paragraph upon which I will remember and judge the administration of President Obama. He is quoted as saying, "We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you." This is basically the same policy established by past President George W. Bush.

Despite non-stop news coverage by every television network in the world, there was one moment in the day that was missed by all of them. Despite all the pomp and circumstance, I thought this particular moment was a highlight because it defined the individual and his values. President Bush is most likely the most popular Commander in Chief that we have seen in recent history. He was well respected by those in the military, as he stood by his word as a Commander despite the popularity polls. We cannot forget the times that he upset the news media by sneaking off in Air Force One to visit the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan on Christmas Day or the day he landed on the decks of an aircraft carrier returning from a eleven month deployment. One cannot forget the number of times that his eyes filled with tears when talking about those men and women under his command.

The moment in time that the news media failed to respond to occurred at Andrews Air Force Base. When President Clinton left office, he also flew out of Andrew's Air Force Base on Executive One (formerly Air Force One) but prior to doing so he held a reception in the hangar that was open to all. His reception lasted over two hours and distracted from the Inauguration of President Bush. It was widely covered by the news media.

Yesterday, landing at Andrews A.F.B. in a helicopter from the capital, President Bush was greeted by the entire staff of personnel that maintained the presidential fleet of aircraft. Departing the helicopter, he went directly to these men and women, shaking each of their hands and then posing for pictures. He also had a reception in the hangar, only this time it was a closed affair, restricted to his staff, close friends, and the air crews at Andrews A.F.B. The reception lasted less than a half hour, he and his family then boarded Executive One for the flight to Texas.

The news media was present to video the launch of the former Air Force One, however, there was no commentary. Following the successful launch of the Executive One, the aircraft banked sharp and commenced a low level circular pattern over Washington D.C. and the White House. Coming back on course, it then started to descend as it approached Andrews Air Force Base glide pattern. The pilot made a perfect approach, although it could be classified as a "touch and go" it was actually a very low altitude fly over of the runway. The air crews on the ground were outside waving and saluting the aircraft as it went the length of the runway, gaining altitude, the pilot dipped his outboard wing twice, banked right, and headed to Texas. A typical military pilots salute to those on the deck. The Commander In Chief was going home. The balance of the story is that the pilot, a Colonel in the Air Force and the pilot of Air Force One each time the President flew was also going home. On his return flight to Andrews Air Force Base, he exchanged seats with his co-pilot as his flight to Texas was the last time that he would sit as Commander of the Aircraft, as he also was retiring after thirty years in the military. Very little emphasis was placed on this flight by the news media, but it spoke volumes of the character and the respect for the outgoing Commander in Chief.

A common occurrence that is posted on a good number of blog sites. I maintain that there is always something to say. As well, I personally presume that it is just important to be as verbose as possible in any posting. When that moment arrives that "writer's block" sets in or you have the feeling that you lead a very boring life. Just glance around you will quickly discover your next topic of discussion.

For instance, there is always the weather. A lot of bloggers write about the weather. That is always a good lead in. I just reviewed the weather forecast for the Kenai Peninsula. It appears that we can look forward to almost spring like weather for a few more days. There is a long range forecast for snow on Saturday. However, we know that the prognosticators get this wrong more often than not.

Of course, there is always current events to write about. A five minute version of the evening news or the first two pagers of the local fish wrapper will give you plenty to write about. However, it is best t look behind the news story to discover the real story. For instance, tomorrow we will once again watch the Inauguration of a new President. Some prefer to call it a Coronation, however it is steeped with American tradition therefore, I will once again watch the Inauguration as I have with each of the past Presidents. You do not have to like the choice, but you have to appreciate the orderliness of the transfer of power that we enjoy in our democracy.

However, even in our politics, you can always find interesting facts that most citizens have not considered. For instance, did you know that since President Gerald Ford (1974 - 1977) that there has only been two right handed Presidents? The two right handed Presidents were Jimmy Carter (39th) and the current President George Bush (43rd). Presidents Ford (38th), President Reagan (40th), President George H.W. Bush (41st) and President Clinton (42nd) were all left handed. In the event you are wondering, President Elect Obama is also left handed. If the election results had been reversed, we would have still had a left handed President as Senator McCain is also left handed.

When all else fails, you can always find an interesting topic to write about in regards to sex! The gestation period of the human is 266 days. In comparison, the gestation period of the Gorilla is 257 days and the same period for the Orangutan is 260 days. Some would believe that we have only evolved six days beyond that of the Orangutan. Mother Asian Elephants have a tough time, their gestation period is 645 days compared to just 640 days for the African Elephant. In our own backyard, the next time you see that grouchy Cow Moose, her gestation period is 245 days. The Wolf Pack can multiply in a hurry, like every 64 days! The cat family takes just a little longer, the Lynx has a 69 day gestation period. The baby Beaver takes a little longer to develop, 107 days and you have a new damm builder. The Buffalo is very similar to the domestic cow, a cow Buffie has a gestation period of 270 days while the Black Bear takes just 210 days to produce a fish eater.

Did you ever just sit and watch an American Bald Eagle fly or soar on the air currents. The Bald Eagle will achieve speeds of 40 - 50 mph, however in a dive to catch a fish I am assuming the speed increases considerably. Have you ever seen a baby eagle? I have seen thousands of Bald Eagles, but never an infant. Dad and mom take turns of incubating the eggs which will number from 1 to 3 in the nest. This incubation period is approximately 35 days. In a time span, of 10 - 11 weeks the nestlings take flight and are relatively similar in size to their parents.

I have now completed one verbose posting, yet have provided you with useful information that you perhaps did not know. Now you know this worthwhile information so my time was not wasted nor was the time it took you to read my words, even though I did not have anything to write about. That is blogging!

Within a few days, we will once experience the onslaught of winter, but until then it is pretty nice to sit on the deck and enjoy a cup of coffee. The Anchor River is once again flowing a full head of water with an expected increase over the next 24 hours. However, it is not nearly the magnitude that we have experienced in the past.

According to the Hydrological Prediction Service in Anchorage the height of the "action stage" for Anchor River is set at 13.5 feet. Flood stage, which we are currently nearing is set at 15.5 feet. The "Moderate Flood Stage" is established at 17 feet with the "Major Flood Stage" set at the 18 foot level.

The "Major Flood Stage" on the Anchor River has been reached on only two occasions, both of which I had the privilege of witnessing. On January 20, 1961 the Anchor River peaked out at a major flood level of 18.5 feet. On, October 24, 2002 was the date that the largest flood ever occurred on the Anchor River with the flood level set at 19.15 feet.

I spent a little time looking at the river this past day. Witnessed some great "ice berg" action in the current of the river as I sat on my favorite log at the Picnic Hole. Memories also flooded my thoughts. The most vivid was the morning that I caught a 16.5 Silver Salmon in this particular hole this past August. Did I ever tell you about that fish? However, the fish was not as important as the other memories that filtered through my thoughts of that particular day. The memories of those that I fished with that date outweighed the fish that was caught. In the solitude of the river, I found peace.

Each of us are trying to figure out the economy and what is occurring as we are faced with the reality of the increased cost of living. Although, it appears that Alaska is not affected as much as some our our lower forty eight neighbors, with some exceptions. Gasoline prices in Alaska continue to exceed the national average, yet the product is produced in our state. No doubt, you have noticed a "sharp" increase in your utility costs, especially in the electrical utilities.

Today, the numbers came out for retail sales during for the past year. Retail sales were down 0.1 percent which does not appear to be that drastic. However, it is a sharp upward increase after a 4.1 per cent gain in 2007. According to the Department of Commerce, business sales fell by a record of 5.1% in November 2008.

However, being an optimist, I think when our economists develop these figures, they should also be taking into consideration other factors, primarily E-Commerce. I have always been a proponent that in our electronic era, our communities and especially the "small business" community will be adversely affected by E-Commerce.

While retail sales continue to decline nationwide, we have seen an increase in retail sales via E-Commerce. The Department of Commerce reports that E-Commerce retail sales in in the 3rd Quarter 2008 was 34.4 billion dollars. This amount indicates an increase of 1.3% in comparison to the 2nd Quarter of 2008. Reviewing this trend over the span of the past year, 3rd Quarter 2007 to 3rd Quarter 2008 there was an increase of 5.7% in E-Commerce retail sales.

The chart below indicates the continuously rise of E-Commerce retail sales from the 3rd Quarter of 2000 to the 3rd Quarter of 2008.

Although, the Internet is a great way to shop and you can save a few dollars online you should also consider the impact that it is having on your local community. The cost of doing business via the Internet is much less than maintaining a "store front" business. The property tax and retail sales tax burden is eliminated for E-Commerce sales. Consequently, when this occurs, a tax deficit occurs for the community and state. To make up this deficit and maintain services to the community, your personal property and sales tax increases. The local economy also suffers from E-Commerce, the small business owner in your community is forced to either increase prices and put themselves above the average recommended retail price or decrease their cost of doing business by a forced lay off of employees. Each of us have contributed to a variety of charitable organizations. The small business person is contacted daily for contributions for these worthwhile projects. Unfortunately, as the cost of doing business increases, these charitable contributions decrease proportionately.

With the continued increase in the popularity of E-Commerce and the expansion of super stores being developed in our communities, with time the small businesses will disappear from the scene very similar to what we have seen in our "family farms" and independent commercial fisheries. That will be a shame as our country, state, and community was built on the spirit of the entrepreneur. These small business owners are our neighbors, friends, and family and deserve our support.

Although the temperatures were still hovering slightly below zero, the sense of "cabin fever" setting in was the determining force for us to take a little photo journey around the area.

Ice Flows Of Cook Inlet ~ Anchor Point

Homer Boat Harbor ~ Homer, Alaska

Entrance to Homer Boat Harbor ~ Homer, Alaska

U.S. Coast Guard Buoy Tender "Hickory" Returning To Port through The Waters Of "Smokey Bay"

Although, the "Feeding Program" For The Eagles Has Commenced, There Were Only A Handful Of Eagles On The End Of The Homer Spit.

Look Right, Look Straight Ahead.

With colder than normal temperatures, hovering from a high of minus -3 to a low of -27 in our fair village, I decided to seek a little warmer climate today. Although, I had other reasons for making this trip, the warmer climate would be a welcome change. I decided to visit Homer, Alaska. Departing my driveway at noon, I could not help but notice my thermometer registered our daily high of minus two degrees. As I passed through the Anchor River Valley, a quarter of a mile from my home the temperature dropped another eight degrees, to a low of minus ten.

Heading south into the sun, as I passed my children's favorite espresso stand at Black Water Bend the temperature had continued to drop to -17 degrees. Crossing the Anchor River the thermometer slowly started to raise. Pulling into the bank in Homer, my thermometer registered the same as the flashing temperature sign, a positive 5 degrees. I had found my sun! Completing my loan processing, I was now prepared to achieve the original objective of my trip. Visiting the Alaska Department of Motor Vehicles in Homer is a great way to remind you how slow government agencies can complete a simple task. The reason for my visit this day was to renew my pick-up truck registration. Now, I do have to admit, that I often overlooked this deadline every two years and have been known to get in at least a extra year before I have to appear at the door of the DMV. However, today, I was only two months late so I was feeling real good about myself.

My first "reality check" occurred as I approached the front doors of the DMV. A large sign was posted on the window. "OPEN 8 A.M. TO 6:30 P.M.". Wow, before it was whenever they opened their front doors until they went to lunch which would vary from day to day. In the past, forget going to DMV on Tuesday, Wednesday, sometimes Thursday because that was the day they did the "driver's tests. My second "reality check"occurred when I stepped through the door, there was only one customer at the counter and two clerks were on duty, ready to serve the public. In the past, you normally wanted to take a thermos of coffee and picnic lunch because you were going to be there awhile. On typical days in the past, the waiting area which was "behind the red line" extended out into the hallway. Forget a number process, if you had to fall out of line for any reason, you lost your spot unless you knew the clerk. Having this privilege always gave you "head of the line" privileges. Now, the "red line" has even been removed.

Third "reality check", the lady at the counter was very friendly and greeted me with a big smile and "how are you doing Mr. Harrington"? This caused me a moment to reflect on if I was indeed in the right office. Within five minutes and without scolding me for being "late again" my paperwork was precessed and I exchanged my bank loan for the little slip of paper and plastic decal. As I turned to depart, she once again acknowledged that I was a human by simply stating, "have a good day Mr. Harrington and stay warm". Now, I do not know who is to blame for changing the DMV Office in Homer, Alaska but you have my personal gratitude for a job "Well Done" as it was an pleasurable experience and I almost look forward to my next trip.

Fourth "reality check" came to me as I settled down behind the steering wheel of my truck, still basking from the warm reception that I had just encountered at the DMV. It was only then that I looked down at the little slip of paper in my hand, my legal Registration Form giving my vehicle and presumably myself the right to drive on our highways. Realizing that I was late by two months for registering my "ole truck", my Registration Form indicated that my new Plastic Tag needs to be affixed to the rear license plate would expire the last day of October 2010. A very quick, but accurate calculation of simple math revealed to me that in October 2010, I am going to be 65 years of age. In the event you do not keep up with "Senior Citizen Privileges", at the age of 65 you are entitled to one personal vehicle that can be registered FREE! Unless, I get real stupid in the next one year and ten months, I will never have to register a vehicle again or even visit the Department of Motor Vehicles. At least on my last visit, it was a pleasant experience.

However, not to get stuck on details, I may have to return to the same office, the way that I have it computed, I turn 65 in May 2010. I calculate that I should get a refund on my registration from my birthday in 2010 through October 2010 when my registration is up for renewal of my "free" registration . The way, I have it figured out, I was overcharged by $38.65