Memorable '08

Take a trip through last year with the staff of Perfect World as we remember the most meaningful items of 2008.

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Winter break countdown

It’s the second week of winter break! No more school, no more books, no more … things to do! Now that you’ve had an entire week to recover from school and you’ve opened all your presents, the tendency might be to lounge around on the couch and complain about being bored. The good news is that you’ve got better options than logging on to Facebook and chatting the time away.

YWCA inducts new Women of Achievement

The YWCA hosted the 19th annual Women of Achievement Awards Luncheon at Egan Civic and Convention Center on Dec. 10. With the slogan “Eliminating Racism, Empowering Women,” the award recognizes outstanding, successful women of Anchorage who have helped make a positive impact on society. The women are also recognized for being encouraging role models for young women.

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Perfect Worlds's guide to local sledding spots

Well, the semester has passed, and finals are over, so naturally it's time for sledding. After all, few things are as cathartic as the rush of adrenaline that comes from an especially risky run. Lucky for you, Anchorage is home to great sledding spots, so bundle up, fill up your thermos and head outside!

It's time to redefine feminism

Society would like us to believe that feminism is outdated and unnecessary, that it's a historical movement that should stay in the textbooks and out of the news.

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Reducing waste

The catalog of Anchorage School District clubs and organizations ranges from the standard (drama, orchestra, international cultures) to the slightly bizarre (it's unclear exactly what a live-action role-play club does).

Petition seeks comprehensive sex education

Sex is not a topic often discussed by adults and adolescents. Often, if a daring parent brings it up he or she is met with anxious glances toward the nearest exit.

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Gear up for snow

It's late September, and already our unusually cold summer is making way for a frosty winter. Naturally, then, it's time to load up on winter sports gear, but you needn't spend your whole PFD.

Learn to cross-country ski

Winter is fast approaching, and that ever-familiar urge calling Alaska kids to the snow is growing more urgent.

Learn to skate

Learning to ice-skate in Anchorage is no challenge. There are plenty of options for taking beginning group lessons. At Ben Boeke Ice Arena next to the Sullivan Arena, skate classes are offered Saturday mornings through the Ice Skating Institute. The next session begins Oct. 28. To get more information on the program and the instructors, go to www.benboeke.com/learn-main.htm.

Learn to play hockey

I got started playing hockey like many kids do, for fun. My mom got skates for the kids in my family from one of the swaps, and she taught us how to play. Soon we joined one of the local hockey programs. I skated Boys Comp with the Alaska Allstars.

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Testing limits

ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia -- After my first few days at the hospital I realized I would not be single-handedly saving babies every day.

Portland finds ideal balance in big city

Portland, Ore., is a city of vibrancy, tranquility and beauty near the northern border of its home state and Washington.

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Passage to Mongolia

On July 18, I found myself on an Air China flight stuck between a very patient woman (she never once left her seat in 12 hours) and an unconscious grad student. My mind wandered in the tedium, and I couldn't help but wonder how I had possibly gotten there. The thought would come up quite a few times in the next month.

Language programs form long-lasting bonds

The foreign language immersion programs in the Anchorage School District provide numerous benefits. The obvious advantage is becoming fluent in a foreign language.