Alaska News

Alaska Ear

CAN'T DO WITHOUT HER ... The Natural Resources Defense Council mailed out a request for donations recently with a picture of a polar bear on an envelope bearing the banner: "Do you trust Governor Sarah Palin with the fate of the polar bear?"

Hmmm. Sarah's not governor anymore and isn't in charge of anyone's fate but her own.

Hey, you can't blame them. She is a proven fundraiser -- for both sides.

NEVERMIND . . . No doubt you read about the gifts Sarah got from Outside admirers after she emerged on the national scene (if not, see adn.com/politics). Her lawyer filed a list with APOC. Mostly it's the stuff Aunt Mary Pat gives you for Christmas -- a statue of the Virgin Mary, books you'd never read, hand crocheting you'll never use, 10 copies of an anti-Obama book, a plate with her picture on it, and Ear's personal favorite, a goatskin-bound Bible.

What's not on the list is interesting, too: a white, beaded vest given to Sarah in 2007 at an Institute of the North conference in Talkeetna. It was from artist and former legislator Cheryll Heinz. Years after one might have expected it be reported as a gift, the governor's office returned it, saying it was a loan. Skeptical Ear checked with Cheryll. Here's what she wrote back:

"It was my vest - I had it in my antique store - it was beaded by a local Native man. When I realized that she was not really interested in Alaska anymore, I asked Sean Parnell to deliver this message: 'Since the vest was presented to you as a loan to wear as governor of our state - and now since you seem to be eyeing something other than being our governor - please return it.'

"And she did. ....with a letter stating 'Thank you for the loan of the vest,' signed by a staffer."

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NEW GAME . . . Earwigs report Alice Rogoff, an Outside zillionaire with an interest in Alaska Native art, has bought Alaska Dispatch, the news Website started last year by Tony Hopfinger and Amanda Coyne. (www.alaskadispatch.com).

Rogoff, who is being called co-owner, will be the publisher while Tony remains editor.

Now in the process of expanding, Dispatch has hired Channel 2 reporter/anchor Jill Burke -- maybe the best TV reporter in town; Maia Nolan, one of Ear's favorite local bloggers; and News-Miner reporter Rena Delbridge.

It adds up to a promise of good content, but the eternal question remains: Will they be able to make enough money to survive when the Rogoff cash dries up?

ON THE MOVE . . . Long-time Republican operative (sounds kind of James Bond, doesn't it) Curtis Thayer has left his government affairs/spokesman's job at Enstar to help out Rep. Don Young during this difficult time, follwing the death of the congressman's wife. Curtis said he's not working for the campaign, but he was happy to report that last week's pig roast raised $44,000.

Enstar has reportedly hired two people to take over Curtis' duties: Attorney Nan Thompson, a former state oil and gas lawyer, will run government affairs. And John Sims is already on the job as spokesman. (Ear believes he's John Binkley's son-in-law.)

EDUCATIONAL . . . Former Sen. Pete Kelly is the governor's new special assistant on education, labor, natural resources and education, including UA issues. He served in the Legislature with Parnell and has been a lobbyist for UA for about five years. His appointment should make life easier for the university, no?

Kelly will be stationed in Fairbanks, according to the announcement.

And of course, you all read about Sen. Gene Therriault, a longtime Parnell pal, resigning to work for the governor. Remember how much fun Sarah had filling a vacated Senate seat?

SIGHT SITE . . . A Capitol earwig reports that, with Sarah gone, tourists have lost interest in taking pictures of the governor's mansion. The new favorite photo subject is an "antique" public phone booth in the lobby of the Capitol building -- with a working phone. It's one of the old wooden boxes with a folding door. Ear is told there are all kinds of ooohs and ahhhs, and lots of camera clicks from the orthopedic shoe set, who haven't seen one in decades.

TOO MUCH INFO . . . And speaking of the Capitol, they're installing security cameras in the elevators. Question: Do we really want to see what goes on in those elevators after hours?

STILL PEDALING UPHILL . . . Did you note in the Tour of Anchorage bicycle race results, former Mayor Matt Claman finished a respectable 14th in the masters men's division? 5:16:30 was his overall time.

ADIEU . . . Lu Young's memorial service in Anchorage Tuesday was a star-studded event -- Alaska style -- with some crossing of political lines and pols flying in from the hinterlands to attend. Among those noted by earwigs: Gov. Parnell and Lite Lite Gov. Craig Campbell; both Mayor Dan and the other Dan Sullivan; Ted Stevens and son Ben, who Ear hears is back captaining boats; John Binkley, Diane Benson, Ethan Berkowitz, both Jake and Al Adams; Loren Leman, who's heading up the parental consent initiative effort; Sam Kito, Carl Marrs, a bunch of House members and an army of ex-Young staffers turned lobbyists. And a lot more. It was at the Anchorage Baptist Temple and televised statewide.

KNOTTED . . . Shop Girl Leslie Boyd got married in Homer yesterday. Yes, Ear understands all you care about is what she wore and if she bought new or used. Here's her report:

"The dress is ivory, has lace, triangular-shaped cap sleeves that create a large keyhole opening in the back, a sweetheart neckline and a slightly trumpeted skirt. A beaded sash gives it a touch of vintage appeal." It was new, but didn't cost "a fortune -- I saved that for my shoes" -- Giuseppe Zanotti turquoise silk peep-toe pumps with a jewel-encrusted brooch, four-inch heels and an ankle strap." Even at 50 percent off, they cost a bundle.

The groom, in a striped suit if you can believe that, was DJ Encyclopedia Brown, aka Spencer Shroyer, ADN Play editor.

STEALTH REPAIR . . . Remember how Juneau felt dissed because She Who Was Governor threw picnics in Wasilla, Anchorage and Fairbanks, but not in the capital? (Ear's not sure why they were in a snit. Governors traditionally don't do picnics in Juneau, or so say long-time residents.) Anyhow, Gov. Parnell quietly threw a picnic there Friday. Free hotdogs and -- going Anchorage one better -- salmon.

Compiled by Sheila Toomey. E-mail ear@adn.com. Find Ear online at adn.com/ear.

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