2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the Alaska Greek Festival which brings local residents together at the site of Anchorage's Greek Orthodox Church to enjoy traditional Greek foods and be entertained by traditional Greek dances performed by dancers wearing traditional Greek dress.
In this Playlist watch three different Greek dances as they were performed at this year's festival.
Link to Playlist of Greek Dances Perfomed at This Weekend's 30th Annual Alaska Greek Festival:
(Each of the three videos should play in succession, otherwise click 'Play All")
The Flying Taxis almost became a reality at this summer's Expo 25 in Osaka. Pictured is my photo taken in June of the Veriport where they were to land and takeoff followed by a screenshot of an earlier demonstration there at the Veriport.
The original intent was to have the Air Taxis transport passengers to the Expo and when that was not possible due to certification delays the plan was to provide demonstrations. The demonstrations however were short lived when a part fell off of a SkyDrive eVTOL Air Taxi being demonstrated.
My photo of the Veriport:
Screenshot of the short-lived demonstration at the Veriport:
Last night I ventered out into the backyard to check on how our apple and cherry crop were doing, Just as I was heading back to the house I saw a big round creature "rolling" across the lawn.
Porcupines are nocturnal creatures but in Alaska, "The Land of the Midnight Sun," they have to venture out while it is still light. Watch as on this late August evening a Porcupine ambles into our yard and finds a compost pile of grass clippings that offer food for a feast.
Overhead Japanese Koi Fish waft in the wind.
The three short videos in this Playlist are each accompanied by playful tunes. They begin with the porcupine ambling across the yard followed by a video of the porcupine's feasting and munching with a behavior using its front paws to reach and pull nearby leaves into its mouth similar to how Pandas strip leaves to feed themselves. The Pandas of course have the added advantage of an articulated thumb.
In the third and final video the Japanese Koi fish are seen swimming in the wind overhead as the porcupine attempts to hide.
Link to Playlist of Videos of Last Night's Porcupine Encounter:
(Each of the three short music videos should play in succession, one after the other. Otherwise, Click "Play All")
US AIR FORCE FIGHTER JETS ARE BEING KEPT BUSY INTERCEPTING RUSSIAN AIRCRAFT OFF THE COAST OF ALASKA
Within the last 7 days US Air Force Jets have already been scrambled 3 times from Alaska Bases to Meet Russian Aircraft intruding close to the border of US Air space along the coast of Alaska - Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
This video captures Monday’s return to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson of US Air Force Fighter Jets after a likely 4th intrusion.
Link to Video from yesterday of Returning US Air Force Fighter Jets:
THE SKIES WERE ALIVE WITH THE SOUND OF AMERICA'S AIRCRAFT TODAY
In an amazing display of Air Power the skies above Anchorage Alaska’s Cook Inlet are filled with multiple US Air Force F-22 Raptor Fighter Jets followed by multiple US Air Force C-17 Transports.
Within the past two weeks these planes were part of the historical meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska. Air Force Fighters provided escort for the respective Presidential Planes and were on the tarmac to emphasize a show of force. The C-17 Transports did the heavy work of getting the US President's motorcade, including "The Beast" to Anchorage.
Link to Video of multiple USAF Fighter Jets and US Air Force Transports Dominating the Anchorage Skies Today:
Last August we experienced riding the Dome Railroad Cars between Anchorage and Denali Park. This morning as I watched from my office I was able to capture Dome Railroad Cars heading for Denali Park this August.
Fittingly I have added the accompanying music of Taylor Swift's song "August" to the "Short" portrait view version of the video.
(It is also of note that this August week Taylor Swift is separately in the news with regard to the August announcement of her engagement. )
First, here is the full Landscape View Version of this morning's Dome Rail encounter, sans the music:
Unique to Alaska are special Dome Rail Cars owned by Princess Cruises and Holland America cruise lines that travel the Alaska Railroad between Anchorage and Denali National Park home of now renamed Mount McKinley.
These special super-sized Dome Rail Cars are pulled by contracted Alaska Railroad Locomotives as seen in this video,
Link to Video of Dome Rail Cars heading from Anchorage to Denali National Park this morning:
Below are photos from last year's travel on the Dome Cars as we traveled to Denali National Park on a Holland America Dome Car and returned on a Princess Cruises Dome Car:
Boarding in Anchorage:
Photos from aboard the Holland America Dome Car which included Narration by the Car's Tour Guide whose spiel all the way from Anchorage to Denali was not only informative but entertaining and certainly outdid my efforts decades ago in the pre-Dome Car era as a tour guide on the train ride from Anchorage to then named Mount McKinley National Park. (At the end of our ride I told him he was the best tour guide I have ever encountered on any tour.)
Photos of Views from the Dome Cars which also incorporate Observation Platforms:
A train view only possible from a Dome Car as we looked up to see a Bald Eagle flying above:
A brochure offered view of an Alaska Railroad Locomotive Pulling Dome Cars over the Hurricane Bridge from which several of my photos above were taken:
Comments
DIY projects that that need a do-over
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USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
WELCOME TO THIS WEEKEND'S ALASKA GREEK FESTIVAL
2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the Alaska Greek Festival which brings local residents together at the site of Anchorage's Greek Orthodox Church to enjoy traditional Greek foods and be entertained by traditional Greek dances performed by dancers wearing traditional Greek dress.
In this Playlist watch three different Greek dances as they were performed at this year's festival.
Link to Playlist of Greek Dances Perfomed at This Weekend's 30th Annual Alaska Greek Festival:
(Each of the three videos should play in succession, otherwise click 'Play All")
https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLtb5zi734BfZNHPR19kcIGicakV-BsrpK
Concurrently taken Photos:
Gyro with Lamb, Tomatoes, Onions and Yogurt-based dill and cucumber Tzatziki Sauce:
Fresh Made Baklava:
Anchorage's Greek Orthodox Church, Site of the Alaska Greek Festival:
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
The Flying Taxis almost became a reality at this summer's Expo 25 in Osaka. Pictured is my photo taken in June of the Veriport where they were to land and takeoff followed by a screenshot of an earlier demonstration there at the Veriport.
The original intent was to have the Air Taxis transport passengers to the Expo and when that was not possible due to certification delays the plan was to provide demonstrations. The demonstrations however were short lived when a part fell off of a SkyDrive eVTOL Air Taxi being demonstrated.
My photo of the Veriport:
Screenshot of the short-lived demonstration at the Veriport:
Pop tart and coffee thief
https://www.autismforums.com/media/albums/acrylic-colors-by-rocco.291/
This was an actual picture from today out in Lake Erie from the Lorain shoreline when the cold front came through (not my picture)
"When they can't find anything wrong with you, they create it!"
This Evening's Culinary Art:
Picture Perfect:
MONDAY EVENING'S PORCUPINE ENCOUNTER
Last night I ventered out into the backyard to check on how our apple and cherry crop were doing, Just as I was heading back to the house I saw a big round creature "rolling" across the lawn.
Porcupines are nocturnal creatures but in Alaska, "The Land of the Midnight Sun," they have to venture out while it is still light. Watch as on this late August evening a Porcupine ambles into our yard and finds a compost pile of grass clippings that offer food for a feast.
Overhead Japanese Koi Fish waft in the wind.
The three short videos in this Playlist are each accompanied by playful tunes. They begin with the porcupine ambling across the yard followed by a video of the porcupine's feasting and munching with a behavior using its front paws to reach and pull nearby leaves into its mouth similar to how Pandas strip leaves to feed themselves. The Pandas of course have the added advantage of an articulated thumb.
In the third and final video the Japanese Koi fish are seen swimming in the wind overhead as the porcupine attempts to hide.
Link to Playlist of Videos of Last Night's Porcupine Encounter:
(Each of the three short music videos should play in succession, one after the other. Otherwise, Click "Play All")
https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLtb5zi734BfbQmA5aMoI04j2Kfrtop4EO
Concurrently taken Photos:
FIRST TIME I EVER SAW THIS AT BENIHANA - THE BENIHANA EXPRESS CLICK-CLACKING ALONG AS FLAMES POUR OUT ITS SMOKESTACK
From Yesterday's Lunch at Benihana:
Link to Video of the Benihana Express with its Flame Emitting Smokestack accompanied by a fun Japanese tune:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wjfZLF75pfU
Concurrently Taken Photo:
US AIR FORCE FIGHTER JETS ARE BEING KEPT BUSY INTERCEPTING RUSSIAN AIRCRAFT OFF THE COAST OF ALASKA
Within the last 7 days US Air Force Jets have already been scrambled 3 times from Alaska Bases to Meet Russian Aircraft intruding close to the border of US Air space along the coast of Alaska - Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
This video captures Monday’s return to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson of US Air Force Fighter Jets after a likely 4th intrusion.
Link to Video from yesterday of Returning US Air Force Fighter Jets:
Yesterday's reporting, and my concurrently taken photos from Yesterday:
Link to Video of additional US Air Force Fighter Jets returning to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on Monday:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/xnswqQriZfg
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
Mark - the rifleman TV show
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
All they need is just a good wash job
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
THE SKIES WERE ALIVE WITH THE SOUND OF AMERICA'S AIRCRAFT TODAY
In an amazing display of Air Power the skies above Anchorage Alaska’s Cook Inlet are filled with multiple US Air Force F-22 Raptor Fighter Jets followed by multiple US Air Force C-17 Transports.
Within the past two weeks these planes were part of the historical meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska. Air Force Fighters provided escort for the respective Presidential Planes and were on the tarmac to emphasize a show of force. The C-17 Transports did the heavy work of getting the US President's motorcade, including "The Beast" to Anchorage.
Link to Video of multiple USAF Fighter Jets and US Air Force Transports Dominating the Anchorage Skies Today:
Concurrently taken Photos:
Links to Additional Video Views of the USAF Planes in the Sky Today:
To Music of “I Believe I Can Fly,” Air Force F-22 Raptor Fighter Jets Traverse in Tandem Alaska Sky
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/VE_2O5FSsLQ
Celestial Views to the Music of Celeste Dion as US Air Force Raptors Emerge from the Alaska Heavens
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/IhOacBBGAwM
In Succession A Pair of US F-22 Raptor Fighter Jets Streak Across Alaska Sky Over Scenic Cook Inlet
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/vrPjzWTFQxA
At the Day’s Close, Air Force Raptor Fighter Jet and Alaska Railroad Locomotives Return To Anchorage
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Yv3LdA_3iDs
AND TODAY ON THE SEA:
TOTE Cargo Ships are Alaska’s Lifeline to the Lower 48 States bringing more than half of all the goods needed in Alaska.
The RORO (roll on roll off) ships sail twice weekly between Anchorage and Tacoma.
In this video Tuesday’s ship sails past Pt. McKenzie as it leaves Cook Inlet.
Link to Video of TOTE Ship sailing past Pt. McKenzie:
Concurrently taken photos:
The TOTE Ship (on the right) in Port:
And the TOTE Ship at Sea:
AND TODAY ON THE LAND:
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
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A [RAILROAD] TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE
Last August we experienced riding the Dome Railroad Cars between Anchorage and Denali Park. This morning as I watched from my office I was able to capture Dome Railroad Cars heading for Denali Park this August.
Fittingly I have added the accompanying music of Taylor Swift's song "August" to the "Short" portrait view version of the video.
(It is also of note that this August week Taylor Swift is separately in the news with regard to the August announcement of her engagement. )
First, here is the full Landscape View Version of this morning's Dome Rail encounter, sans the music:
Unique to Alaska are special Dome Rail Cars owned by Princess Cruises and Holland America cruise lines that travel the Alaska Railroad between Anchorage and Denali National Park home of now renamed Mount McKinley.
These special super-sized Dome Rail Cars are pulled by contracted Alaska Railroad Locomotives as seen in this video,
Link to Video of Dome Rail Cars heading from Anchorage to Denali National Park this morning:
And for the musically inclined, here is the "Short" Portrait View Version of the same video with Taylor Swift's accompaniment singing "August:"
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/AcC7RMnflso
Below are photos from last year's travel on the Dome Cars as we traveled to Denali National Park on a Holland America Dome Car and returned on a Princess Cruises Dome Car:
Boarding in Anchorage:
Photos from aboard the Holland America Dome Car which included Narration by the Car's Tour Guide whose spiel all the way from Anchorage to Denali was not only informative but entertaining and certainly outdid my efforts decades ago in the pre-Dome Car era as a tour guide on the train ride from Anchorage to then named Mount McKinley National Park. (At the end of our ride I told him he was the best tour guide I have ever encountered on any tour.)
Photos of Views from the Dome Cars which also incorporate Observation Platforms:
A train view only possible from a Dome Car as we looked up to see a Bald Eagle flying above:
A brochure offered view of an Alaska Railroad Locomotive Pulling Dome Cars over the Hurricane Bridge from which several of my photos above were taken:
Pictured with Mount McKinley as a Tour Guide in the pre-Dome Car era:
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
A very cheeky photo
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members