Metoo the sled dog protects baby Lynx. The challenge of bringing home a newborn daughter to a life with 40 dogs is just one of the stories shared in “Life with Forty Dogs,” by Kasilof musher Joseph Robertia, which came out Tuesday, April 4, 2017. (Photo courtesy Joseph Robertia)

A kennel of characters: Dogs get their day with Kasilof musher, writer

One Kasilof family has turned their love of animals into a sled dog kennel where the stories of the dogs take center stage. Those stories… Continue reading

Metoo the sled dog protects baby Lynx. The challenge of bringing home a newborn daughter to a life with 40 dogs is just one of the stories shared in “Life with Forty Dogs,” by Kasilof musher Joseph Robertia, which came out Tuesday, April 4, 2017. (Photo courtesy Joseph Robertia)
The Bookworm Sez: Work with others? Read this

The Bookworm Sez: Work with others? Read this

Your co-worker is an idiot. All day long, he’s blah-blah-blah, telling you how great he is, the coolest guy ever. If you’ve done something, he’s… Continue reading

The Bookworm Sez: Work with others? Read this
In this image released by Paramount Pictures, Scarlett Johansson appears in a scene from, “Ghost in the Shell.” (Jasin Boland/Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks Pictures via AP)

Reeling it in: More than a machine in ‘Ghost in the Shell’

“Ghost in the Shell” Paramount Pictures 1 hour, 47 minutes I read an article recently where the author postulated that Scarlett Johansson is at her… Continue reading

In this image released by Paramount Pictures, Scarlett Johansson appears in a scene from, “Ghost in the Shell.” (Jasin Boland/Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks Pictures via AP)
With Downton Cannery lacking a male heir, Lady Edith (portrayed by Chris Pepper) suffers emotional anguish at a rehearsal of Triumvirate Theater's 12th annual dinner theater production, "Downton Cannery" on Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at Mykel's Restaurant in Soldotna, Alaska. The "Downton Abbey" spoof will be performed Friday and Saturday, and on Friday March 31. The shows start at 6 p.m at Mykels, and inlude a three-course meal and art auction. Tickets are $48. 
With Downton Cannery lacking a male heir, Lady Edith (portrayed by Chris Pepper) suffers emotional anguish at a rehearsal of Triumvirate Theater's 12th annual dinner theater production, "Downton Cannery" on Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at Mykel's Restaurant in Soldotna, Alaska. The "Downton Abbey" spoof will be performed Friday and Saturday, and on Friday March 31. The shows start at 6 p.m at Mykels, and inlude a three-course meal and art auction. Tickets are $48. 
Dancers from the Soldotna-based studio Forever Dance Alaska pose in a scene from their upcoming show “Be Light, Be Love” on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 in Kenai Central High School’s Renee C. Henderson Auditorium. “Be Light, Be Love” will show Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m at Kenai Central High. Tickets are $10 or $15, depending on seat location.

Dancers take up social message with ‘Be Light, Be Love’

The dancers onstage at Forever Dance Alaska’s upcoming show hope to start a dialogue without saying much at all. The Soldotna-based dance studio’s Aurora Dance… Continue reading

Dancers from the Soldotna-based studio Forever Dance Alaska pose in a scene from their upcoming show “Be Light, Be Love” on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 in Kenai Central High School’s Renee C. Henderson Auditorium. “Be Light, Be Love” will show Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m at Kenai Central High. Tickets are $10 or $15, depending on seat location.
‘Medical Marijuana’ one to read with caution

‘Medical Marijuana’ one to read with caution

A great big handful. That’s how many pills you take each day. Two for symptom relief. One for pain now, one later. Some to stave… Continue reading

‘Medical Marijuana’ one to read with caution
This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows a scene from, “Kong: Skull Island.” (Warner Bros. Pictures via AP)

Reeling it in: Kong proves he’s still king

“Kong: Skull Island” Warner Bros. 1 hour, 58 minutes After more than a dozen different film versions, you’d think there wouldn’t be much new that… Continue reading

This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows a scene from, “Kong: Skull Island.” (Warner Bros. Pictures via AP)
The Bookworm Sez: With ‘Should I Still Wish,’ author comes full circle

The Bookworm Sez: With ‘Should I Still Wish,’ author comes full circle

One foot in front of the other. That’s best for moving forward: one foot, then the next, baby steps or great big strides, slow and… Continue reading

The Bookworm Sez: With ‘Should I Still Wish,’ author comes full circle

Poet’s Corner: Serenity is Gone

Serenity Is Gone By Bonnie Marie Playle, Soldotna Going to a meeting on a July Friday night, both of us happy, not a care in… Continue reading

This image released by Twentieth Century Fox shows Hugh Jackman from the film, “Logan.” (Ben Rothstein/Twentieth Century Fox via AP)

Reeling It In: ‘Logan’ takes a hard, gritty edge

“Logan” Twentieth Century Fox 2 hours, 17 minutes There’s no question that this week’s “Logan” sets a new high standard for super-hero movies in general… Continue reading

This image released by Twentieth Century Fox shows Hugh Jackman from the film, “Logan.” (Ben Rothstein/Twentieth Century Fox via AP)
FILE - This image released by Roadside Attractions and Amazon Studios shows Michelle Williams, left, and Casey Affleck in a scene from “Manchester By The Sea.” (Claire Folger/Roadside Attractions and Amazon Studios via AP, File)

Reeling it in: Oscar for ‘Manchester-by-the-Sea’ well deserved

“Manchester by the Sea” Roadside Attractions 2 hours, 17 minutes To absolutely no one’s surprise, Casey Affleck won Best Actor at last weekend’s Oscar ceremony,… Continue reading

FILE - This image released by Roadside Attractions and Amazon Studios shows Michelle Williams, left, and Casey Affleck in a scene from “Manchester By The Sea.” (Claire Folger/Roadside Attractions and Amazon Studios via AP, File)
The Bookworm Sez: ‘Dodge City’ explores the men behind the badge

The Bookworm Sez: ‘Dodge City’ explores the men behind the badge

It’s only a piece of metal. Star-shaped, circular, oval, or shield-like, it’s so small, it could fit in your hand or your pocket. It’s made… Continue reading

The Bookworm Sez: ‘Dodge City’ explores the men behind the badge
Photographer observes Bristol Bay

Photographer observes Bristol Bay

During photographer Carl Johnson’s trips to document subsistence life in the river-laced Bristol Bay region west of Cook Inlet, he said the subject of wealth… Continue reading

Photographer observes Bristol Bay
This image released by Legendary Pictures and Universal Pictures shows Matt Damon as William Garin in a scene from “The Great Wall.” (Jasin Boland/Legendary Pictures and Universal Pictures via AP)

Reeling it in: ‘Great Wall’ has a few cracks

The big joke about this week’s movie, that Matt Damon, of all people, is in ancient China fighting alongside colorful soldiers atop the titular Great… Continue reading

This image released by Legendary Pictures and Universal Pictures shows Matt Damon as William Garin in a scene from “The Great Wall.” (Jasin Boland/Legendary Pictures and Universal Pictures via AP)
The Bookworm Sez: Jump on this ‘Bucket List’

The Bookworm Sez: Jump on this ‘Bucket List’

You always wanted to jump from an airplane. It’s something you dreamed about doing, just as you’ve always dreamed of walking the Appalachian Trail, seeing… Continue reading

The Bookworm Sez: Jump on this ‘Bucket List’
Cast members perform a song and dance number during a run-through of “Guys and Dolls” on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017 at the Renee C. Henderson Auditorium in Kenai, Alaska. (Megan Pacer/Peninsula Clarion)

‘Guys and Dolls’ set to open Friday

One of the country’s best-loved musicals will hit the stage in Kenai this weekend for a six-performance run. The Kenai Performers’ rendition of “Guys and… Continue reading

Cast members perform a song and dance number during a run-through of “Guys and Dolls” on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017 at the Renee C. Henderson Auditorium in Kenai, Alaska. (Megan Pacer/Peninsula Clarion)
Eddie Wood, of Homer, demonstrates dance steps with Stephanie Almaraz in a Spanish class on May 5, 2008 at Soldotna High School. Wood, who travels the peninsula playing percussion and teaching salsa, is hosting his first open class for adults in Soldotna with local artist Kaitlin Vadla on Thursday. (Scott Moon/Peninsula Clarion-File)

Put your best foot forward with salsa dance class

Those looking to add a little spice to their lives this week need look no further than Odie’s Deli in Soldotna, though not for food.… Continue reading

Eddie Wood, of Homer, demonstrates dance steps with Stephanie Almaraz in a Spanish class on May 5, 2008 at Soldotna High School. Wood, who travels the peninsula playing percussion and teaching salsa, is hosting his first open class for adults in Soldotna with local artist Kaitlin Vadla on Thursday. (Scott Moon/Peninsula Clarion-File)
This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Batman, voiced by Will Arnett, in a scene from “The LEGO Batman Movie.” (Warner Bros. Pictures via AP)

Reeling it in: A pair of sweet treats at the theater

“John Wick Chapter 2” Summit Entertainment 2 hours, 2 minutes “The Lego Batman Movie” Warner Bros. 1 hour, 44 minutes As I write this, it’s… Continue reading

This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Batman, voiced by Will Arnett, in a scene from “The LEGO Batman Movie.” (Warner Bros. Pictures via AP)
The Bookworm Sez: A book you can sink your teeth into

The Bookworm Sez: A book you can sink your teeth into

You’ve got a packed schedule. Extra meetings, vacation planning, guests arriving, errands, it’s a lot to do but one thing’s for certain: you’ll find time… Continue reading

The Bookworm Sez: A book you can sink your teeth into
Bookworm Sez: You really can’t remember.

Bookworm Sez: You really can’t remember.

For sure, something important happened years ago, something you should recall very easily, but time’s made things fuzzy. Have you forgotten or, worse yet, have… Continue reading

Bookworm Sez: You really can’t remember.