(no longer) The Northernmost Jew

[Today's Anchorage Daily News printed my letter to the editor. Picture is of the dogs who inspired it. L-R Max, Trouble, Argos, Preston]


Columnist Joel Stein says that dogs don't feel affection toward people, that they are just "using" us ("All this fuss about dogs is just crazy," Aug. 14).

People are always using other people. It is what makes society work. Businesses use customers to stay in business while their customers use them for services. My employer is using me to get work accomplished; I am using it to get money. Married people use each other for companionship, love, sex, money, housework, and care.

But dogs? As my mother used to say, "We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare and love we can spare. And in return, dogs give us their all. It's the best deal man has ever made."

1. This sort of nonsense doesn't happen in the latitudes of the far North. (see pics)
2. Thunder (and Lightning) storms are vanishingly rare.
3. 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit are considered HOT days.
4. 24 hour sun for 20 days in June, 24 hour Dark for 20 days in December, equal 12hr sun/dark at March and September Equinoxes. Always changing!
5. The Sun is in a different position at any given time of the day. In other words, that morning commute 'sun in your eyes' will only be for about a week.
6. Aurora Borealis -the Northern Lights- always inspiring and viewable 6-9 months of the year!
7. No fleas, no cockroaches, no ticks, few spiders (unless you bring 'em with you).
8. Little chance of sunburn, sunstroke or skin cancer.
9. Less light pollution for viewing the stars and planets.
10. Less crowding, less traffic. You can usually walk where you need to go.
11. Cold air is heavier, so aircraft fly better in the cold (to a certain degree).
12. With Global Warming, the climate is only improving! '