Site Logo
Nick Varney

Life

Unhinged Alaska: A Christmas artist and a cyber safari

My attempts at adornment layouts come across as being colorfully sculptured landfills

In his late 50s, Arthur Vernon Watson was photographed after another prison transfer. (Photo courtesy of the National Archives)

Life

Justice wasn’t elementary, Watson, Part 4

A new trial was ordered

Image courtesy 20th Century 
Ralph Fiennes is Chef Julien Slowik and Anya Taylor-Joy is Margot in “The Menu”

Life

On the Screen: ‘The Menu’ serves up fun twists and earnest commentary

I was plenty interested in the film I saw in the trailers, but the one I saw at…

Hip-Hop students practice their routines for Forever Christmas on Monday, Nov. 28, 2022, at Forever Dance in Soldotna, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Life

Forever Dance rings in the holidays with variety show

The show serves as a fun holiday tradition and an opportunity to get on stage early in the…

Golden Soup mixes cauliflower, onions and apples and can be made in one pot. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Life

Golden soup offers a healthy reprieve after holiday indulgence

On the off days between the trips and celebrations I find it necessary to eat strategically

Photo courtesy of the National Archives 
This photo and information from a “prison book” at San Quentin state prison in California shows Arthur Vernon Watson when he entered the prison at age 23.

Life

Justice wasn’t elementary, Watson, Part 2

Well before he shot and killed a man in Soldotna in 1961, Arthur Vernon Watson was considered trouble

Virginia Walters (Courtesy photo)

Life

Life in the Pedestrian Lane: Thanksgiving

We at least have a good idea of what our political future looks like.

This is Arthur Vernon Watson at age 39, when he was transferred from the federal prison in Atlanta to the penitentiary on Alcatraz Island near San Francisco. (Photo courtesy of the National Archives)

Life

Justice wasn’t elementary, Watson, Part 3

Anchorage probation officer Roy V. Norquist was monitoring Arthur’s movements and reported that he was pleased with what…

Cranberry sauce made from scratch with hand-picked berries makes a special holiday treat. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Life

Foraging with love and gratitude

Gathered and prepared by hand, cranberries brighten a Thanksgiving feast

File

Life

Minister’s Message: When the going gets tough…

Suffering as a Christian is not always a popular preaching topic.

Letitia Wright as Shuri in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” (Image courtesy Marvel Studios)

Life

On the Screen: ‘Wakanda Forever’ picks up the pieces

“Black Panther” sequel grapples with grief and hope after franchise loses its star

Oxtails are cooked with onions, garlic and daikon. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Life

A bowl full of medicine

Oxtail soup makes a healing winter meal

Will Morrow (courtesy)

Life

Ride on!

Later this month, I’ll turn 49

Arthur Vernon Watson was 23 years old when he was incarcerated in San Quentin state prison in California. (Photo courtesy of the National Archives)

Life

Justice wasn’t elementary, Watson, Part 1

The Frolichs’ establishment, then called the Watson Motel, had been owned by Arthur Vernon Watson and had become…

Korean red pepper paste adds heat to this Mapo tofu recipe. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Life

A spicy meal to burn away the sadness

This hearty meal can be adjusted to be as mild or spicy as you wish

Nick Varney

Life

Thanksgiving memories of the unhinged kind

Let’s take a first look at the oncoming day of feasting

The first snowfall of the year arrives in Kenai, Alaska, on Oct. 25, 2022. (Photo by Erin Thompson/Peninsula Clarion)

Life

Minister’s Message: Delight in the wonder of winter

Seemingly overnight, we’ve transitioned from our summer playground to our winter lives

Dwayne Johnson stars as Black Adam in “Black Adam.” (Photo courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures)

Life

On the Screen: ‘Black Adam’ — Not the superhero audiences need or deserve

DC flounders with bland and dated action flick

Truly Hondel portrays Anne Shirley in a rehearsal of “Anne of Green Gables” at the Kenai Performers Black Box Theatre in Soldotna, Alaska, on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Life

Stumbling through youth at ‘Green Gables’

Kenai Performers brings classic coming-of-age tale to the stage

A pumpkin spice roll with cream cheese filling is photographed on Oct. 31, 2022, in Nikiski, Alaska. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Life

A little holiday indulgence for the pumpkin obsessed

A pumpkin spice roll kicks off the season