AndrewHalcro.com - Personal Favorites

Goodbye for Now, Daily News Readers

Tue, 15 Nov 2005 12:38:29 -0800

After 60,000 words, the time has come to put down the pen. For the last three years the Anchorage Daily News has graciously allowed me to come into your home and share your Sunday mornings. As Carol Burnett used to say, I’m so glad we had this time together.

Father's Legacy to his Son is Everything

Tue, 15 Nov 2005 12:36:27 -0800

Next Sunday is father’s day. What do you get a father who has given you everything?

My Father has always been an amazing man, the epitome of the American dream. He left home at age thirteen with fifteen cents in his pocket and never looked backed. Navigating his way around the country working on steamer ships, he settled in San Francisco where he met and married my mother. Fiercely independent and always motivated he constantly lives the family motto; put it to a venture.

Easter

Wed, 28 Sep 2005 14:02:22 -0700

As we observe Easter Sunday, I pause to reflect at the intersection of faith, religion and government.

Mass on Sunday, Catechism, sacraments and years as an altar boy at St. Anthony’s have formed my Catholic foundation. As an altar boy I worried about tripping in front of Monsignor Cowgill as I carried the cross towards the altar. Twenty-five years later, watching the cinematic remake of Jesus’ agonizing journey carrying the cross from Pilate to Golgotha, reminded me of how blessed I was to have those worries.

Wished more Moms served in the state senate

Wed, 28 Sep 2005 13:19:30 -0700

During the waning days of the legislative session, the telephone calls would be more frequent. The frustration of watching bad ideas being rushed through as adjournment neared was usually too much to handle without help from one of my favorite constituents. And as she’s done for the last thirty-nine years, my mother always answered the call.

The Governor's New Jet

Sun, 25 Sep 2005 22:26:33 -0700

It should have been scripted more Hollywood. More Tom Cruise in Top Gun, less defensive press spokesperson in Juneau.

With the recent revelation that the governor intends to pursue his twice-denied jet upgrade, politicos are scrambling to interpret the political meaning. I’ll tell you what it means. It means the governor is tired of showing up for prom in a thirty-year-old Plymouth Fury

Season of victory for Sox/GOP

Sun, 25 Sep 2005 22:12:22 -0700

Baseball and politics: two of my favorite fall topics. And what a year for both.

Usually in November I can be found holding the sports page and muttering about those darn New York Yankees. They not only win all the time, but they always have great stories to go along with those wins. From Babe Ruth standing at home plate calling a homerun for sick child to the big trades they pull off. The Yankees always seem to get the pretty girl at the end of every movie.

Remember What Jesus Actually Did Do

Sun, 25 Sep 2005 22:05:55 -0700

The old saying goes you shouldn’t talk religion or politics over dinner.

However, nothing was ever clearly stipulated about talking faith over Easter brunch. So for those who want to avoid the discussion, now might be a good time to get those chocolate eggs you hid in the forced air vents last night.

Ramona Barnes and Caucus

Sun, 25 Sep 2005 22:04:12 -0700

Some say history has a way of repeating itself. I agree.

Four years ago on this very Sunday, one of my most memorable legislative experiences took place. An afternoon of public policy making that highlights the danger of doing the people’s business beyond the view of the people.

Notes for the Soul

Sun, 25 Sep 2005 21:53:57 -0700

We all remember one cardinal rule from our school days; passing notes during class is disrespectful. However, on the floor of the House of Representatives that rule doesn’t apply because passing notes is the only way to learn during the course of debates.

Needle Circle and life on memory lane

Sun, 25 Sep 2005 21:52:16 -0700

As we move into 2005, I still find myself asking the age-old question, where does the time go? And while time has always moved at the same pace, the environment we live in has not. The times they are a changing.

In 1975 the top rated prime time television shows included the Jeffersons and Waltons, today its Desperate Housewives. Thirty years ago my parent’s biggest concern was disco eight tracks being played too loud. Today I’m worried about my daughter’s cell phone, Internet use and keeping an eye on the movies she rents. And lets face it; these additional responsibilities haven’t come with additional time.

Hope springs eternal for Red Sox fans

Sun, 25 Sep 2005 21:12:13 -0700

Last December I found out that I didn’t get the job I’ve always wanted. To be honest, my name wasn’t even on the list.

Instead, twenty-eight year old Theo Epstein was hired as the new General Manager of the Boston Red Sox. My first thought was to return my copy of “Damn Yankees”, but then remembered I had already watched it several times.

Church and State Must respect each other

Sun, 25 Sep 2005 20:46:34 -0700

As we celebrate Easter Sunday, I pause to reflect at the intersection of faith, religion and my government.

Mass on Sunday, Catechism, sacraments and years as an altar boy at St. Anthony have formed my Catholic foundation. As a boy I harbored fears of tripping in front of Monsignor Cowgill as I carried the cross towards the altar during mass. Twenty-five years later, watching the vivid cinematic take of Jesus’ agonizing journey carrying the cross from Pilate to Golgotha, my boyhood fears seem trivial. On a trip to Rome last spring with my wife, the first stop before we unpacked was the Vatican.

Plaudits for Mayor’s first year

Thu, 15 Sep 2005 10:07:56 -0700

As he prepares to give his first State of the City address tomorrow before the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Mark Begich has a lot to report. With his approval ratings hovering around 70%, the youngest Mayor of Anchorage in over two decades is proving that the next generation has the ideas and experience to govern.