Entries in Dermot Cole for June, 2009
'Vanity Fair' and Palin
The national editor of Vanity Fair magazine, Todd Purdum, has written a blistering article about Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, who he describes as the "sexiest and the riskiest brand in the Republican Party." He says that at one point last fall, the McCain campaign offered to poll 300 Alaskans to see how they viewed Palin's performance.
UAF suggests employees take 3 more days annual leave in December
A strange time to be mentioning this, I know, but UAF employees are being encouraged to plan ahead and take annual leave on three more days in December.
Henry Aristide Boucher and the old ballgame
It makes sense in retrospect that someone named Henry Aristide Boucher, pronounced "Boo-shay," would be known simply as "Red" and change his last name to rhyme with "voucher." He burned as bright as the Midnight Sun.
Hermit travels in his mind to Alaska every day for fresh air
A section of a recent National Geographic story on Arab Christians caught my attention. It tells of a hermit near Beirut who travels every day in his mind to Alaska to "stock up on fresh air."
Reader says self checkout lanes at stores will put local people out of work
A reader says that the heavy use of "self checkout lanes" at Fairbanks stores will lead to the elimination of more jobs and it's a bad trend.
Exxon deal moves project ahead, state officials say
The deal between TransCanada and Exxon moves the gas pipeline project forward because it improves the chances that BP or ConocoPhillips or both may see an advantage to be gained by joining the fold. That's one of the ideas that two key Palin administration officials shared with us in a meeting today.
Canadian oil pipeline exec predicts Alaska gas won't find a market until 2025
Cheaper natural gas extracted from shale deposits and imports of liquefied natural gas mean that there won't be a market for Alaska natural gas until 2025, according to an executive from a firm competing with TransCanada.
Palin backs pipeline economics
Gov. Sarah Palin tells CNN that Exxon and TransCanada "would not have aligned and committed to building this project had they not crunched the numbers and figured out that for their bottom line."
But in the documents Exxon and TransCanada submitted to the state, it's clear they are a long way from a commitment to build.
"Prior to making a final decision to proceed with construction two additional WP&B (work plan and budget) periods are envisioned during the 'Definition' phase," the companies say in a document released by the state Thursday.
They say that "defining" the project means they have to win approval from federal regulators in the U.S. and Canada, secure financing and "prepare for the decision to proceed."
State monitors flu cases, 11 in Interior so far
The state says the decision by the World Health Organization to raise the pandemic alert to Phase 6 is not based on the severity of the virus, but on its spread around the world.
Imagination Library cruise has tickets left for tonight
The North Star Imagination Library, which is now providing books to about 3,000 kids, is holding a fundraiser on the river tonight to mark its first anniversary.
Palin says pipeline looks good with Exxon agreement
While Gov. Sarah Palin spent most of a "Today" show interview this morning criticizing "so-called comedian" David Letterman, Matt Lauer did open the segment with a short discussion of the natural gas pipeline.
Hickel blasts Exxon deal with TransCanada
Former Gov. Wally Hickel is calling on Alaskans to "rise up and oppose the TransCanada - ExxonMobil deal" or risk returning to the situation that existed during territorial days.
Exxon, TransCanada keep details confidential
Exxon and TransCanada said they won't reveal how much of an interest Exxon holds in the "alignment" announced today.
The companies would only say that TransCanada would hold a majority interest in a joint planning effort estimated to cost $142 million by July 30, 2010.
The state will reimburse the companies for about half of the costs until the end of the so-called "open season," which may occur next summer. After that the state will reimburse 90 percent of costs, up to $500 million.
Exxon plays limited role in TransCanada 'alignment'
The companies won't release the details of their working relationship, but it's clear from a noon press conference today that Exxon is far from becoming a full partner on the gas pipeline with TransCanada.
The companies have agreed instead to work together on the next stage of planning. They released an "alignment summary" saying they will "jointly advance all aspects of the project."
Nothing said today contradicts the long-held position by Exxon that a gas pipeline won't be built without a long-term guarantee with the state on tax terms that, so far, doesn't exist.
Exxon, TransCanada announce deal to "work together"
Exxon and TransCanada say they have reached a deal to "work together" on an Alaska natural gas pipeline, the companies announced today.
A carefully worded press release said that TransCanada would remain the AGIA licensee with the state, but it did not spell out in detail how Exxon fits into the picture.
An Exxon spokesman said at a noon news conference that "predictable and durable" tax terms with the state will have to be dealt with before Exxon becomes a full participant.
Exxon may join gas line deal
The details have yet to be confirmed, but there are reports today that TransCanada and Exxon are ready to make an announcement Thursday about the gas pipeline.
Nordmark, Merdes elected to GVEA
Incumbent Bill Nordmark and Fairbanks lawyer Ward Merdes won election to the GVEA board, the utility says.
Palin says she's not glad to see rising oil prices
Gov. Sarah Palin told TV commentator Sean Hannity that despite the state dependence on oil revenue for 85 percent of its budget, she is not happy about rising oil prices.
She also said that in "about a week" she will have "really good exciting news" for the rest of the country about how the gas pipeline is going to be built.
State official raps utility's profits
A member of the Regulatory Commission of Alaska says that Fairbanks Natural Gas showed "unconstrained profitability" in 2008. "There is only so much profit that should be made on 1,100 customers and personally, I believe FNG exceeded that amount in 2008," said Kate Giard, a member of the regulatory commission.
Gas line and pace of progress
We received a letter from a reader asking us to answer the question raised by the war of words featuring Gov. Sarah Palin, former Gov. Frank Murkowski and Sen. Mark Begich on the gas pipeline.
In short, he wants to know if the Palin administration is correct in claiming that "substantial progress" has been made or are Murkowski and Begich right in claiming a lack of progress.
Fort Greely missiles and future threats
With Defense Secretary Robert Gates visiting Alaska today, the proposal by the Obama administration to cap the number of anti-missile missiles at Fort Greely leads to new debate about whether enough is enough.
Knutson stops at Tok, ends Alaska Highway walk
After covering more than 200 miles, Fred Knutson decided to call off his attempt to walk more than 3,000 miles this summer along the Alaska Highway. But he still has hopes of going for a long walk.
