America’s largest state: 570,380 square mile; more than twice as large as Texas; larger than the combined area of next three largest states: Texas, California, and Montana.
In 1867, William H. Seward, the US Secretary of State, purchased Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million, or $0.02 per acre.
Alaska joined the U.S. on January 3, 1959 and became the 49th state.
It’s legal to possess up to one ounce of marijuana in Alaska.
In the anual Iditarod sled dog race, teams of 12-16 dogs, along with their ‘mushers’ (humans) race from Anchorange to Nome - covering over 1150 miles through blizzards, mountains and rivers. The race takes about ten to seventeen days, and the world record holder is a Swiss American named Martin Buser who finished the 2002 race in 8 days, 22 hours, 46 minutes, and 2 seconds (watch an interview with Buser).
From Amy in Alaska, whose home our journals find their way to each season:
I sat down the other night to write something for Judy about living in Alaska, I was all fired up about misconceptions about Alaska, especially due to Sarah Palin’s nomination, but then this morning came. My boyfriend and I just closed on our house on Monday, and we went out today to fix up a few things before we begin the big move. Our new cabin is on ten acres, off the grid, with no running water. The amazing thing to me about living in Alaska is that I can live this way: with my solar panels, my foot pumped water and not a neighbor in sight and still be within walking distance to my office. I stood on the porch watching the sun gleam on the newly fallen snow, across the hillside and spruces, and for that little bit of time I wasn’t thinking about the elections, or the many things on my to-do list: instead I just heard the sound of water dripping and the popping of the woodstove. This is what Alaska gives me: peace within a larger than life landscape, community and solitude in the same place, a true home.
My man Clint took some sweet pictures when he visited Katmai, Alaska. That is one vicious bear, but the fish had it coming, folks. And note to all the ladies out there: Clint is a gentleman and he does not endorse or condone violence of any kind.
I learned both how to swim and read there - and yeah, I learned late because apparently the schools in Cali in the 70’s weren’t so good - and once, my mom got stuck in the muskegg, which is like quicksand, but muddy and kinda gross but not fatal. Also, I sucked face with a girl in an overturned canoe.
I have not verified the facts, but I know this: Josh and Axel have recently published their book Written on the City, and they would love it if you’d go out and buy a copy (or two).
If you are invited to go to a party dressed up as one of the 50 States, which would you choose, and what would you dress as? Our friend Naveen had such a party in 2006 (brilliant!) and he told us the story behind it all:
In April 2006, I became a citizen of the US and I decided to throw a party to celebrate. I didn’t have much time to travel cross-country (that was another thought) so I figured I’d make the states come to me. Everyone was told to “dress up” as a state.
What would I dress up as if I were to represent Alaska? If I were a girl I can cop out and tie my hair up and put on some glasses and lipstick and wink a lot; I could go Eskimo but that’d just be rude; so I think I’d go for reindeers and put on some antlers.
“ Offshore drilling, which both Obama and McCain have come to favor in recent months after opposing it for years, is not so popular in Alaska. For one thing, in the event of a spill, there’s no way to clean oil off ice floes or open water as effectively as one can clean up or contain a spill on land. And, more to the point, Alaskans wouldn’t get royalties on offshore oil production, whereas all permanent residents get an annual check for royalties from drilling on state territory.
“Of the many things revealed about the Alaska governor Sarah Palin since she became John McCain’s running mate last month, one of the most curious is the fact, reported two weeks ago, that she had a tanning bed installed in the state mansion in Juneau.”
A clip from The Long Winters, “The Commander Thinks Aloud.” I liked this song right away, before knowing what the lyrics are about. And then, when I found out, well, let’s just say that it’s a beautiful tribute to the Columbia space shuttle tragedy.
We're Judy and Shawn. We're designers, we're parents, and we live in New York City.
