Free Republic

n his New York Times bestselling book, Throw Them All Out, Breitbart editor Peter Schweizer revealed how members of Congress enrich themselves and their relatives using earmarks and insider information. Now, the Washington Post, following in Schweizer’s footsteps, has conducted a study that found 16 members of Congress have used their power of the purse to benefit companies, colleges, and community groups tied to their relatives. *snip* Among those cited in the Washington Post report were the following (below):

Alaska’s Congressional delegation has released their statements over a proposed plan to move a F-16 Aggressor squadron from Eielson Air Force Base to Elmendorf Air Force Base and retire four C-130 transport aircraft at Elmendorf. The move is part of a nationwide defense budget reduction and has left the delegation unhappy. Eielson Air Force Base survived closure in 2005 during a round Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC) review. According to the Fairbanks North Star Borough’s most recent Community Research Quarterly, the base employs 1,803 military active duty personnel and 2,871 family members. Here’s the delegation’s full responses. Sen. Lisa...

No, I’m not suggesting she buy more Greek debt, I’m talking about buying the country of Greece. Buy it lock, stock and barrel, just like the Americans bought Alaska from the Russians in 1867. Russia was hurting financially from the Crimean war and Czar Nicolas needed to replenish his coffers. Alaska was a drag. Russian hunters had pretty well wiped out the fur seals and nothing would grow in the far north soils because of smelly black stuff that oozed out it. So he dumped it for $7.2 million on those gullible Americans. What would Germany and Greece get out...

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — An 85-year-old Alaska woman used a grain shovel to fend off an agitated moose that was stomping her husband.

An agitated moose ran down and stomped a well-known Bush pilot from Willow, but he was saved when his wife grabbed a shovel from their pickup truck and whacked the big animal until it backed off.

Auroras may dazzle more people than usual this weekend as Earth receives a glancing blow from an enormous solar outburst that erupted on Jan. 19. The outburst, known as a coronal mass ejection (CME), was detected by sun-watching satellites. Researchers at the University of Alaska's Geophysical Institute predict that auroras should be visible from Seattle, Des Moines, Chicago, and Cleveland, to Boston and Halifax, Nova Scotia Saturday and Sunday nights, weather permitting. ... Space Weather Center forecasters say they expect the encounter to generate a weak geomagnetic disturbance beginning around 1 p.m. Eastern Standard Time Sunday Jan. 22 and lasting...

Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin told Sean Hannity on Fox News Tuesday night that, if she were voting in the S. Carolina primary this coming Saturday, she would vote for Newt Gingrich for president. Palin's husband Todd has already endorsed Gingrich for president. Sarah Palin told Hannity that Gingrich won Monday night's Fox News debate. She said Gingrich espoused the ideas favored by most conservatives, including a strong work ethic and limited government. She added that she is not fully endorsing Gingrich, but believes the primary race should continue and dismissed the idea that Gov. Mitt Romney is the "inevitable"...

An Alaska community blitzed by nearly 15 feet of snow was hit by another storm Tuesday and a new problem -- a shortage of shovels. A spokesman for the city of Cordova said officials had tried Anchorage, Fairbanks and other cities and finally turned to a manufacturer for a special order. "It's ironic, isn't it? The state of Alaska -- you'd think they'd be ahead of the game. It's those logistical things you just don't plan on, or you don't think is going to be an issue," said Allen Marquette by phone from the city on the east side of...

Tomorrow less than 20 percent of registered Republicans in Iowa are going to tell us who they believe should take on President Obama. Presidential candidate Jon Huntsman, who has bypassed the caucuses, said last week that Iowa picks corn, not presidents. Is he correct? Well, if you ask Mike Huckabee, he would say yes. But on the other hand, Obama did win the state. Iowa’s importance will be in whittling down the field of contenders. It is most likely going to claim several conservatives, which means that their voters could flock to another right-wing candidate — not necessarily the frontrunner....

Palin: It's Not Bachmann's Time

Young abided by letter of law; spirit of law takes a beating The House Ethics Committee has ruled that Alaska Rep. Don Young didn't violate the law in accepting 12 checks totaling $60,000 for his legal defense fund from 12 businesses owned by one family. As the committee pointed out, the companies are technically 12 separate entities in Louisiana, but they represent exactly one political interest.

In Fox Business Network interview, ex-Alaska Guv plays coy on whether she's still mulling a presidential bid. Palin: "It's not too late for folks to jump in. Who knows what will happen in the future."

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) -- Sarah Palin says it's not too late for someone to jump into the Republican presidential race. Asked by Fox Business Network about the likelihood that she'd become a candidate, the former Alaska governor and 2008 GOP vice presidential nominee said it's not too late for "folks" to jump in. Said Palin: "Who knows what will happen in the future."(continued)

The Alaska Department of Revenue’s fall forecast, released Dec. 15 as Petroleum News was going to press with this issue, shows a sharp decrease in forecast production compared to the spring forecast, with Alaska North Slope crude oil volumes dropping below 600,000 barrels per day beginning in the current fiscal year, 2012. In the spring forecast, Revenue was projecting production of more than 600,000 bpd through fiscal year 2017. Production is projected to average 574,000 bpd for FY 2012, dropping below the 500,000 bpd mark in FY 2020. In his cover letter to the governor, Revenue Commissioner Bryan Butcher said...

Dem Keystone support creates tougher fight for Reid, ObamaBy Alexander Bolton - 12/16/11 04:08 PM ET Republicans want to jam Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) on the Keystone oil sands pipeline and the Democratic leader will have a tough time resisting, given support within his caucus for the project. GOP leaders have made clear to Reid that they will not approve an extension of the payroll tax holiday unless it includes language to speed up construction of the pipeline. Senate Republicans estimate as many as 14 Senate Democrats support the project. Labor unions have also voiced strong backing, complicating...

The commander of Air Station Sitka testified Thursday he was prepared to recommend that the matter against the co-pilot in a fatal helicopter crash be dropped, but indicated those plans were trumped by the new Coast Guard admiral in Alaska.

Less than two months ago I was the guest on a radio program out of Fairbanks Alaska called Patriot's Lament (click here to view the video). Two of the hosts were David Giessel and Joshua Bennett. David and I had become good friends ever since we met at the recent Casey summit. Being a young anarcho-capitalist, we had him on Anarchast (click here to view). Living in Alaska, they had been very curious about my libertarian hideaway in southern Mexico (AcaCondos) and David had made plans to visit this December. That was, until, the FBI with 30 strong wearing body...

At least two wolves chased down and killed a teacher who was jogging on a road last year outside a rural Alaska village, according to a report released Tuesday by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Nick Broomfield’s new documentary Sarah Palin: You Betcha! shocks and entertains, writes Siân Ruddick For the millions who hate Sarah Palin and her reactionary politics, the rise and fall of the former governor of Alaska makes a gripping spectacle. Nick Broomfield uses his documentary to find out the truth about the Tea Party Republican in a funny and engaging way. There is little in Sarah Palin: You Betcha! that people with an eye on US politics would have missed in terms of the big events. It charts her sacking of state employees who oppose her and the high profile scandals...

Good Morning FReepers. . . . . . . . Go to the link.

The iced-in city of Nome on Alaska's western coast may be in luck: A Russian tanker that can plow through thick ice will try to deliver 1.5 million gallons of home heating fuel, gasoline and diesel fuel after a massive storm kept a barge from getting in before winter.

Situations may be precarious at times but truly this is merely a lack of prayer as preparation for you are my houses of preparation of my will. So know my will by the preparation of your hearts before me for I AM The LIGHT of your path and way in Me ! John 1:4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. John 8:12 New International Version (NIV) Dispute Over Jesus’ Testimony 12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk...

Republican presidential contender Mitt Romney announced Friday that he has earned the endorsement of Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski, considered by many conservatives to be a RINO. The following statement was released by the Romney camp: “I am proud to announce the support of Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski,” said Mitt Romney. “I look forward to working with her to expand Alaska’s energy production, bring jobs back to the state, and help get our country on the right track again.”

The groan is almost audible coming from dormitory rooms at UAA. The university is intentionally slowing the speed of Internet connections in all on- campus dorm rooms to prevent students from infringing on copyrights when downloading movies, music and videos, a move first reported by UAA's student newspaper, The Northern Light.

I have a friend and colleague who is moving to Fairbanks next week and he is looking for a pistol to carry in grizzly country. He is an avid outdoorsman and will be hunting up there on a regular basis, but the only pistol he currently owns is a Browning 9mm. He'd thought about getting a 1911A1, but I've pretty much convinced him that a .45ACP is okay against black bears, but is too slow hitting for effective use against grizzlies.

SURRENDER COMPLETELY AND RECEIVE MY LOVE FOR YOU ! My surrender to you is eternal , for as My Sacrifice was a promise and a statement of My Love coming down through the Father ! It is Now time for You to SURRENDER wholeheartedly to Me . I need to see a heart opened forth right and true ; to discern My Presence ! That you make " ALL " Known to Me ~ free for release and in this surrender as you raise your hands and lower your defenses and pride I WILL COME ! And My SPIRIT ,...

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — The residents of Nome, Alaska, could be looking at a very costly winter: $9-a-gallon gasoline. The coastal city of more than 3,500 residents that is known for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is iced-in, and a massive winter storm this month prevented a barge that usually carries fuel from getting to shore...

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Alaska's Cook Inlet beluga whales were correctly listed as endangered, a federal judge ruled earlier this week, rejecting a state lawsuit that claimed the listing will hurt economic development. Judge Royce C. Lambeth of U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., said the National Marine Fisheries Service properly followed requirements of the Endangered Species Act and used the best science available in making its determination. Cook Inlet beluga whales did not bounce back after a decade, despite a ban on subsistence hunting blamed for depleting their numbers, he said. "When the best available science predicts that a recently...

Occupy Alaska protestors keep vigil despite the cold Wed, Nov 23 2011 By Yereth Rosen ANCHORAGE, Alaska (Reuters) - Forget pepper spray. anti-Wall Street demonstrators in Alaska have a different challenge -- bitter cold that tests their commitment to around-the-clock protests. Groups backing the nationwide Occupy movement are protesting in Anchorage and Fairbanks, often defying sub-zero temperatures and the risk of frostbite to protest against economic inequality and excesses of the financial system. In Anchorage, protesters rotate in and out of their tent camp, making sure that at least a couple of people are always keeping vigil at the site...

Sarah Palin has sent The Brody File some personal Thanksgiving reflections. She talks movingly about her young son Trig. It is truly a heartfelt letter that gives God all the glory. As for Trig, Palin is showing that while there are some people who just talk the talk when it comes to being pro-life she actually walks the walk too. Enjoy! A Personal Thanksgiving Reflection by Sarah Palin: On Thanksgiving, my family's traditions will reflect the loyal, active, robust, big family life that shaped me. We're so fortunate to be together to share the making of another year's memory. In...

Televised congressional hearings often serve as a platform for members of Congress to berate, bloviate and showboat for the cameras, but at a House Natural Resources Committee hearing Tuesday, historian Douglas Brinkley wouldn't stand for it. The topic at hand was drilling in the the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The trouble began when Alaska Republican Rep. Don Young misstated Brinkley's name after referring to the hearing as "an exercise in futility." In a certain breach of protocol, Brinkley cut him off.

JUNEAU, Alaska — Interest in gold mining in Alaska has surged, buoyed by high gold prices and the lure of a landscape that remains relatively unexplored. Industry leaders don't expect a gold rush, the likes of which this still-young state hasn't seen in nearly a century, with hordes of miners looking to make their fortune. That's because these days making it big — finding and developing a large prospect — can take years, if not decades, and billions of dollars in investment. Even recreational enthusiasts can spend hours in back-breaking labor with nothing to show for it but some golden...

ANCHORAGE, Alaska— The Anchorage Police Department reports a dog was attacked and injured by a wolf in Eagle River early Sunday morning. Otto and Theresa McLean say they called dispatchers shortly before 5 a.m. to report that a wolf had attacked their Dachshund, Sandy. The dog had just been let out of their home when the McLeans heard a yelp; they opened the door again and Sandy ran inside, while a white wolf ran away from the scene.

Done like you've never seen before. This video from the small Yupiq Eskimo Village of Quinhagak, Alaska , was a school computer project intended for the other Yupiq villages in the area. Much to the villagers' shock, over a half million people have viewed it. Click here: Hallelujah Chorus -Quinhagak, Alaska - YouTube

Extremely Dangerous Storm Slicing Towards Alaska Posted on November 9, 2011 by justthefactswuwt From Live ScienceAn extremely dangerous storm is slicing toward northwestern Alaska and is expected to bring blizzard conditions and hurricane-strength winds to the state’s west coast. The storm, which formed from a mix of air masses over an area of ocean prone to spinning up strong storms, could be bigger than anything ever seen in the 49th state, the National Weather Service warned.…The storm is the product of warm air in the Pacific Ocean tapping into the cold air off Siberia, picking up speed in a jet stream...

Two men in Northwest Alaska drowned after trying to drive their snowmachine over open water on the Kobuk River early Tuesday, according to Alaska State Troopers.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (Reuters) - An "epic" storm was bearing down on western Alaska on Tuesday, the National Weather Service said, warning that it could be one of the worst on record for the state. The storm, moving inland from the Aleutian Islands, was expected to bring hurricane-force winds with gusts up to 100 miles per hour, heavy snowfall, widespread coastal flooding and severe erosion to most of Alaska's west coast, the National Weather Service said. "This will be an extremely dangerous and life threatening storm of an epic magnitude rarely experienced," the service said in a special warning message. Nome...

Winds near hurricane force of 74 mph were expected to generate seas as high as 25 feet in the northern Bering Sea, forecasters said. The winds were expected to raise sea levels as much as 9 feet in the Norton Sound. Those levels combined with the high waves were expected to cause significant coastal erosion and major flooding. The winds may also push sea ice on shore, adding to the dangers, NWS forecasters said.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Sarah Palin told Republican donors Thursday that Occupy Wall Street protesters want the same thing as the “fat cats” they’re upset with — a government bailout. Palin criticized the protesters as believing they’re entitled to other people’s productivity and money and said they’ve drawn the wrong conclusions. Instead, the former Alaska governor said people should look to the tea party....

Anchorage, Alaska (AP) -- Alaska Native and environmental groups are challenging a federal air permit granted to Royal Dutch Shell PLC for offshore drilling in Arctic waters. Shell hopes to drill exploratory wells next summer off Alaska's northern coasts. The Environmental Protection Agency issued an air permit Friday for a Shell drill ship called the Kulluk.

"Rick Perry -- now coming out with, really embracing Steve Forbes' flat tax idea -- that's going to gain momentum. I look forward to hearing more of the details," she said. "In fact, when I heard that Rick Perry was embracing of Steve Forbes' idea, I went into my garage and dug out an old book from 1999 that Steve Forbes had written. ......Many aspects of it make so much sense - - about the freedom to choose - taxpayer how to file your taxes …..choose a simpler, fairer flat tax…..many of the aspects of it make so much sense."....

Anchorage, Alaska, Oct 16, 2011 / 01:16 pm (CNA).- As young girls, Anastasia Kenney and her little sister played Mass. They cloaked their heads in a white curtain, draped accordingly as a bridal veil or a nun’s habit, and served crackers and grape juice to each other as they pretended to receive Holy Communion.Some 30 years later, Kenney is moving into a convent and aspiring to wear a white habit in earnest.The religious vocation startled even her.“I was horrified! I was the least nunnish person I knew,” said Kenney, 35, of her initial inclination. “I thought the last group of...

New research indicates that one of the largest fresh-water floods in Earth's history happened about 17,000 years ago and inundated a large area of Alaska that is now occupied in part by the city of Wasilla, widely known because of the 2008 presidential campaign. The event was one of at least four "megafloods" as Glacial Lake Atna breached ice dams and discharged water. The lake covered more than 3,500 square miles in the Copper River Basin northeast of Anchorage and Wasilla. The megaflood that covered the Wasilla region released as much as 1,400 cubic kilometers, or 336 cubic miles, of...

Today on WABC, Larry the Cable Guy talks about his Wasilla encounter with Todd & Sarah Palin....

Alaskans get $1,174 checks from state's oil wealthThe Associated Press Oct 06, 2011 ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Most Alaskans will be getting $1,174 in Permanent Fund dividends on Thursday. **SNIP** Voters passed a constitutional amendment in 1976 to establish the Permanent Fund as a way to stretch out the state's oil wealth for future generations.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — The former astronaut at the center of a love triangle that featured a bizarre airport assault by his former astronaut girlfriend on his new love interest was the pilot who survived a small plane crash last month in rural Alaska, federal officials said Friday. Bill Oefelein piloted the shuttle Discovery in December 2006. Two months later, his former girlfriend, Lisa Nowak, raced the 900 miles from Houston to the Orlando airport to confront Colleen Shipman, wearing an astronaut diaper so that she wouldn't have to stop and she donned a wig and trench coat as Shipman...

"MY Children" ARE " My Obedient Ones"! Do you see my children? Why Enoch was taken up to "BE" with Me ? It was not by his works but through his "TRUE" and "Fatihful" obedience to BE one with Me for as My Word "BE HOLY" "TRULY" this is Christ like to be a Michael( "AS GOD" ) for I AM "HOLY" for this IS My NAME ! Jude 1 1JUDE, A servant of Jesus Christ (the Messiah), and brother of James, [writes this letter] to those who are called (chosen), dearly loved by God the Father and separated (set...

Most Alaska residents will soon be getting a check for $1,174 simply because they live there. Each person's share of the state's vast oil wealth was announced with much fanfare in Anchorage Tuesday, with Gov. Sean Parnell ripping open a gold-colored envelope to reveal the number. This day is so widely anticipated in Alaska that the announcement of the Permanent Fund Dividend amount was carried live on television statewide, and dozens tuned in to watch a live webcast by the governor's office.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (Reuters) - A pet rabbit is being credited for saving its owners from a house fire in southeastern Alaska before it died of smoke inhalation, fire officials said on Friday. The rabbit woke up the homeowner early on Tuesday morning by scratching on her chest, the Ketchikan Fire Department said in a statement. The homeowner realized that the house was full of smoke, woke up her daughter and fled the house. > While there were no injuries to the mother or daughter, the rabbit was not so lucky. The animal succumbed to smoke inhalation and did not survive,...

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (Reuters) - Four decorated clay disks have been discovered at a prehistoric site in Alaska, apparently the first artifacts of their type discovered in the state, the University of Alaska Museum of the North said. The disks were found during a summer expedition in Noatak National Preserve, at a site where archeologists have for decades been studying lakefront pit dwellings that date back 1,000 years, officials at the Fairbanks museum said. > Such prehistoric rock art is extremely rare in interior and northern Alaska, though common in the southwestern part of the United States and other regions, museum...