*You get up every morning From your alarm clock's warning Take the 8:15 into the city There's a whistle up above And people pushin', people shovin' And the girls who try to look pretty…
And I'll be... Taking care of business every day Taking care of business every way I've been taking care of business, it's all mine Taking care of business and working overtime Work out!
Thanks Bachman-Turner Overdrive – it fits!*
Last night we went to the final Nalukataq. It was celebrated with 3 whales. We got there in time for the last hour of the blanket toss. The blanket is made of several seal skins sown together. The sealskin has roped loops attached to. Ropes attached to poles suspend it. The loops are used to hold on to by mostly men and some women. They are the force that pulls the blanket up and down, while someone in the middle jumps. It is similar to a trampoline. The loop holder’s scream 1, 2, "GO” and they begin to bounce it.
Do you want a penpal? Most of these girls are going into 7th grade. They are fun and lively! This photo was taken at ~ 11:30pm on the last night of the Nalukataq Festival
Please see Journal entry Traditions from June 23 For video footage.
One of the doctoral students wanted to jump, but it is very hard to get a chance. He waited until the bitter end, but he was unable to get on. Although they try to keep some sort of order and line – whoever is helping to bounce the blanket gets a turn. But those in the crew that harpooned the whales always have a priority, as do those with bags of candy. It is also a tradition get up on the blanket and as they start doing light bounces the person with candy tosses it out. – Kids scramble. It reminds me of Mardi Gras.
After the blanket toss we went to the Inupiat dance. Guys play a drum and chant or sing in Inupiat. Then certain groups come up and do the Inupiat dance. A certain group could be something the crew or family members. When one group is finished they all sit down and another groups comes up and they do the exact same dance. – This continues… till… well very late at night. We left at 1AM and it was still going.
After the Nalukataq, we all moved to the City Hall building for dancing. This was a closed dance, which meant that only crew members and their families were dancing. They did the same dance each time, which tells a story. These are the music makers with drums- qilaun.
These adorable Inupiat girls are having fun at the dance! They are wearing Atikjuuraqs - snow shirts.
The girls have a special part or movement and so do the guys. It was fun to watch. We** learned a dance while we were in Fairbanks** – it was very similar. It was not at all what I expected.
Today, I took care of business. I was supposed to go out with the archeologist group, but they did not go out. They will go out tomorrow, but we will be working.
I sat in front of the computer all day – organizing – writing and preparing for my upcoming beach clean up with the community, my webinar and interview brainstorming that I will give to Paulo.
Jose and I went to the grocery story to get snacks and staples. I am always amazed with the food prices.
We had a little pot luck that night and said "See Ya" to Olivier Mazeas, he is a post doctural student at Berkeley. He is a native of France. Olivier was testing aquatic biochemistry. Best of everything to you, Olivier. Wonderful researchers/ people come and go all of the time. Olivier also had a super cool hut to live in- really more like a house. I know many are trying **to get it **now that he is gone!
Laughing
Renee Carlton of San Diego is taking one last photo with Olivier Mazeas, post-phd student from Berkeley - he is a native of France. Researchers come and go all time. Best wishes Olivier!
I have also been very involved with my Alfalfa Germination project and have heard from many students and on time, especially Kaina, Michelle, Hayley and Matthew! I have heard from many others as well, but more on a random note. Great, Great job - especially to you all who are so devoted and on time! Way to go! I am very impressed with your work ethics!
These are alfalfa sprouts that are part of the Alfalfa Gemination Project. These belong to St. Mark 7th grade students Hayley and Matthew Bigerton. These are their seeds that are placed in the light. - The growth looks so much better than mine.
Bird of the Day
The male Snow Bunting has been busy helping out with the babies. They are very striking and a plenty in Barrow.
Have a good one from the Top of the World.