James P Bennett
@akjpb.bsky.social
An ordinary old guy trying not to have an ordinary life. Non-motorized outdoor things. Mediocre writer. Locavore. Alaska. Grandfather. 🚵♂️🥾⛷️⛰️🏕️🌊
A Few Choice Words
https://substack.com/@akjpb
A Few Choice Words
https://substack.com/@akjpb
Damn…the Writer’s Block bookstore in Spenard is shutting down at the end of December. It’s for sale, but the lease on the current building will not be renewed.
Vered created one of the most accepting venues for books, food, music, talks and community. It’s part of the soul of Anchorage.
Vered created one of the most accepting venues for books, food, music, talks and community. It’s part of the soul of Anchorage.
November 26, 2025 at 6:43 AM
Damn…the Writer’s Block bookstore in Spenard is shutting down at the end of December. It’s for sale, but the lease on the current building will not be renewed.
Vered created one of the most accepting venues for books, food, music, talks and community. It’s part of the soul of Anchorage.
Vered created one of the most accepting venues for books, food, music, talks and community. It’s part of the soul of Anchorage.
Some of the 12,000 (!!!) Thanksgiving food boxes prepared by the FoodBank of Alaska & volunteers 💪. Distribution to those in need started today.
November 24, 2025 at 10:35 PM
Some of the 12,000 (!!!) Thanksgiving food boxes prepared by the FoodBank of Alaska & volunteers 💪. Distribution to those in need started today.
We had a freezing rain/snow mix overnight; it’s an icy mess out there. I don’t have to go anywhere. I’ve biked/fatbiked/x-country skied or hiked @ everyday since last winter. I’m staying inside and goofing off today.
November 23, 2025 at 12:00 AM
We had a freezing rain/snow mix overnight; it’s an icy mess out there. I don’t have to go anywhere. I’ve biked/fatbiked/x-country skied or hiked @ everyday since last winter. I’m staying inside and goofing off today.
Good morning earthquake!
November 22, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Good morning earthquake!
A reporter at Alaska Public Media wants to do a story on road safety in Anchorage, those that don't get reported amid all the pedestrian fatalities. If you've been hit or injured by a driver while out biking & you'd like to share your story, please reach out to Hannah Flor, [email protected]
November 21, 2025 at 7:30 PM
A reporter at Alaska Public Media wants to do a story on road safety in Anchorage, those that don't get reported amid all the pedestrian fatalities. If you've been hit or injured by a driver while out biking & you'd like to share your story, please reach out to Hannah Flor, [email protected]
Today, I came across this article written by @evaholland.bsky.social years ago. An acquaintance, whose parents had a connection to this couple, shared it. While lucky to be my age w/o infirmaries, my oldster friends & I often talk about our end-of-life plans.
outsideapp.onelink.me/SFzJ/7pi75si4
outsideapp.onelink.me/SFzJ/7pi75si4
The Frontier Couple Who Chose Death Over Life Apart
Artist Eric Bealer was living the remote, rugged good life in coastal Alaska with his wife, Pam, an MS sufferer, when they made a dramatic decision: to exit this world together, leaving behind precise instructions for whoever entered their cabin first. Eva Holland investigates the mysteries and meaning of an adventurous couple who charted their own way out.
outsideapp.onelink.me
November 19, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Today, I came across this article written by @evaholland.bsky.social years ago. An acquaintance, whose parents had a connection to this couple, shared it. While lucky to be my age w/o infirmaries, my oldster friends & I often talk about our end-of-life plans.
outsideapp.onelink.me/SFzJ/7pi75si4
outsideapp.onelink.me/SFzJ/7pi75si4
Since moving to Anchorage’s West Fairview ‘hood last year, I’ve made an effort to ride the muni bus system more often. I bring my bike along for @ 1/2 of my journeys. I kinda like it. In Iowa City, not only did they make riding free for all, but they doubled parking rates. Seems to work.
Iowa City Made Its Buses Free. Traffic Cleared, and So Did the Air.
www.nytimes.com
November 19, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Since moving to Anchorage’s West Fairview ‘hood last year, I’ve made an effort to ride the muni bus system more often. I bring my bike along for @ 1/2 of my journeys. I kinda like it. In Iowa City, not only did they make riding free for all, but they doubled parking rates. Seems to work.
I love the long shadows and rarefied light the close-to-the-horizon winter sun has here in Alaska. But damn, when it streams in through my south-facing balcony door window, every speck of dust on my floor and countertops are blatantly illuminated.
November 18, 2025 at 9:14 PM
I love the long shadows and rarefied light the close-to-the-horizon winter sun has here in Alaska. But damn, when it streams in through my south-facing balcony door window, every speck of dust on my floor and countertops are blatantly illuminated.
Hey Alaska…are you watching The American Revolution?
November 17, 2025 at 3:57 AM
Hey Alaska…are you watching The American Revolution?
I’ve lived in West Fairview of ANC for 1 year, it’s kinda sketchy, although I feel safe. Awakened early this AM by a woman shouting/crying in the alley below, pleading to be left alone.“You’re trying to kill me” she said. Before I could get out of bed, they were gone.
What does one do? Call 911?
What does one do? Call 911?
November 15, 2025 at 7:43 PM
I’ve lived in West Fairview of ANC for 1 year, it’s kinda sketchy, although I feel safe. Awakened early this AM by a woman shouting/crying in the alley below, pleading to be left alone.“You’re trying to kill me” she said. Before I could get out of bed, they were gone.
What does one do? Call 911?
What does one do? Call 911?
Because of light pollution & a slight mist (no stars visible) in my neighborhood, I’m one of the few Alaskans not seeing the vibrant red Northern Lights this evening. Friends from the Kenai, the Interior & Montana are posting wild shots! A friend from GNU, DG, who lives up north now,took this one!
November 12, 2025 at 6:34 AM
Because of light pollution & a slight mist (no stars visible) in my neighborhood, I’m one of the few Alaskans not seeing the vibrant red Northern Lights this evening. Friends from the Kenai, the Interior & Montana are posting wild shots! A friend from GNU, DG, who lives up north now,took this one!
Can’t fault anyone for joining the military, but here’s your Veterans’ Day reminder: there hasn’t been a war fought by the US since ‘45 for freedom. Maybe our intervention in Bosnia to stop a genocide? 5 songs that make the point that war makes rich folks richer.
1) m.youtube.com/watch?v=uyD5...
1) m.youtube.com/watch?v=uyD5...
steve earle plays "rich man's war" on FM 94/9
YouTube video by snide job
m.youtube.com
November 11, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Can’t fault anyone for joining the military, but here’s your Veterans’ Day reminder: there hasn’t been a war fought by the US since ‘45 for freedom. Maybe our intervention in Bosnia to stop a genocide? 5 songs that make the point that war makes rich folks richer.
1) m.youtube.com/watch?v=uyD5...
1) m.youtube.com/watch?v=uyD5...
The Portland Cello Project performed Radiohead’s OK Computer & some other of their songs at the PAC in Anchorage tonight. Wow! Locals, Quinn Christopherson & Aspen Yarrow, provided some intense vocals.
Maybe not the best show to bring someone on a 1st date to who’s never heard of Radiohead.🤷♂️
Maybe not the best show to bring someone on a 1st date to who’s never heard of Radiohead.🤷♂️
November 9, 2025 at 7:17 AM
The Portland Cello Project performed Radiohead’s OK Computer & some other of their songs at the PAC in Anchorage tonight. Wow! Locals, Quinn Christopherson & Aspen Yarrow, provided some intense vocals.
Maybe not the best show to bring someone on a 1st date to who’s never heard of Radiohead.🤷♂️
Maybe not the best show to bring someone on a 1st date to who’s never heard of Radiohead.🤷♂️
A near-perfect harmonic convergence of timing for me. I had my new studded snow tires installed on my car just an hour before our 1st real snow storm AND prepped my studded-tire fatbike for winter. Was able to get silky smooth 1st tracks on a local singletrack!
November 7, 2025 at 3:45 AM
A near-perfect harmonic convergence of timing for me. I had my new studded snow tires installed on my car just an hour before our 1st real snow storm AND prepped my studded-tire fatbike for winter. Was able to get silky smooth 1st tracks on a local singletrack!
We are braving a new world that has gone off the rails. This is an important read, deeply diving into the legal and ethical complexities of AI
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/24/m...
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/24/m...
A Teen in Love With a Chatbot Killed Himself. Can the Chatbot Be Held Responsible?
www.nytimes.com
October 25, 2025 at 1:31 AM
We are braving a new world that has gone off the rails. This is an important read, deeply diving into the legal and ethical complexities of AI
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/24/m...
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/24/m...
I did not know this existed. Free to read www.nytimes.com/2025/10/21/c...
This Solar Farm in Alaska Provides Something Extra: Free Food
www.nytimes.com
October 22, 2025 at 3:00 PM
I did not know this existed. Free to read www.nytimes.com/2025/10/21/c...
A band/collective out of Bellingham, The Flaherty Brotherhood. I like them a lot. They are weirdly secretive, but they do put out a lot of music. No live shows. Here’s the buzz: the reason they are secretive is that the music is all AI. If so, wow and uh-oh. youtu.be/BUBLGTdZGiY
Resurrection Blues
YouTube video by Flaherty Brotherhood - Topic
youtu.be
October 22, 2025 at 4:22 AM
A band/collective out of Bellingham, The Flaherty Brotherhood. I like them a lot. They are weirdly secretive, but they do put out a lot of music. No live shows. Here’s the buzz: the reason they are secretive is that the music is all AI. If so, wow and uh-oh. youtu.be/BUBLGTdZGiY
Rock and roll isn’t quite dead. Here’s a fine send-up of the Who’s ‘Shaking all Over’ with psychedelic throwbacks to Jimi. Hey, #salmonfest, bring these guys to Alaska next summer.
youtu.be/ORrxMK-mbA0
youtu.be/ORrxMK-mbA0
The Texas Gentlemen - "Shakin' All Over"
YouTube video by The State of Music Series
youtu.be
October 20, 2025 at 2:35 AM
Rock and roll isn’t quite dead. Here’s a fine send-up of the Who’s ‘Shaking all Over’ with psychedelic throwbacks to Jimi. Hey, #salmonfest, bring these guys to Alaska next summer.
youtu.be/ORrxMK-mbA0
youtu.be/ORrxMK-mbA0
Traveling with 3 friends for nearly 5 weeks meant sharing quarters, dinner for 4 most every night and lunch (sandwiches we prepped ourselves) taken on breaks as we biked from town to town. All good. I prefer dinner for 2, but eating alone, in my own home, a meal I made from scratch, was delightful.
October 18, 2025 at 1:46 PM
Traveling with 3 friends for nearly 5 weeks meant sharing quarters, dinner for 4 most every night and lunch (sandwiches we prepped ourselves) taken on breaks as we biked from town to town. All good. I prefer dinner for 2, but eating alone, in my own home, a meal I made from scratch, was delightful.
Last night in Italy, training north to Frankfurt in the AM. Hope to retrieve our bike boxes from a questionable storage option. Back in ANC Thursday night, inshallah. I like (most of) my life in Alaska, so I’m happy to return home from a ++ good cycling adventure & see what will unfold for me in AK!
October 12, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Last night in Italy, training north to Frankfurt in the AM. Hope to retrieve our bike boxes from a questionable storage option. Back in ANC Thursday night, inshallah. I like (most of) my life in Alaska, so I’m happy to return home from a ++ good cycling adventure & see what will unfold for me in AK!
We’re staying in Lucca, in the Tuscany region of Italy, using the town as a hub & taking day rides. Pisa is only 25K away, mostly via cycle paths, so we biked to see the tower today. Yesterday’s ride was up in the hills. Perfect weather, gorgeous countryside, incredible art/architecture.
October 9, 2025 at 4:22 PM
We’re staying in Lucca, in the Tuscany region of Italy, using the town as a hub & taking day rides. Pisa is only 25K away, mostly via cycle paths, so we biked to see the tower today. Yesterday’s ride was up in the hills. Perfect weather, gorgeous countryside, incredible art/architecture.
Completely impressed how easy in Europe it is to bring our bikes on buses, ferries and trains as we change our minds on routes to take b/c of weather, road conditions or being tired.
October 6, 2025 at 8:07 AM
Completely impressed how easy in Europe it is to bring our bikes on buses, ferries and trains as we change our minds on routes to take b/c of weather, road conditions or being tired.
After battling hurricane force winds (Bura in Croatian) for 1.5 days, we tried to make it inland, but it’s getting cold in the mountains. It will be cold when we return to Alaska, so we are now taking a ferry to Italy to find warmth. We’ll slowly cycle/train back to F’furt to catch our return flight
October 3, 2025 at 6:27 PM
After battling hurricane force winds (Bura in Croatian) for 1.5 days, we tried to make it inland, but it’s getting cold in the mountains. It will be cold when we return to Alaska, so we are now taking a ferry to Italy to find warmth. We’ll slowly cycle/train back to F’furt to catch our return flight