Artificial Icebergs?
After reading the article “Whither the Walrus?” on the vanishing sea ice and walrus being forced to haul out on beaches (Feb. 2011, Page 56), I thought “Why not build artificial icebergs?” I am not a marine biologist, but the thought intrigued me. California has a whole fleet of mothballed ships in Suisun Bay (part of San Francisco Bay) I bet they would part with. Old ships have been used to make artificial reefs around the globe. Making clean, environmentally friendly walrus homes should be on the same plane. It might be built so when it gets over loaded it flips over and cleans itself, if that is needed.

—Jim Hodges
Pollock Pines, Calif.

Help From Bears?
In the article “Arctic Lessons” (March 2011, Page 32), Dr. Seth Donahue says his research has found bears resistant to osteoporosis, that black bear parathyroid hormone provides better bone building than human PTH, and that his team is focused on an application of this technology for the treatment of osteoporosis. Prolonged use of phenobarbital for control of epileptic seizures can cause osteoporosis. So, I wonder if Dr. Donahue’s studies show that black bear parathyroid hormone be potent enough to use in humans as a preventative against osteoporosis in people using phenobarbital to control seizures, without being counteractive to any other anti-convulsants?

—Ken Smith
Lake City, Fla.

Letter of the Month:
Nice Moosie
The “Say What?” quote in the March 2011 issue (Page 16) about a college student making a 911 call while being chased around a tree by a moose, reminded me of one of our trips to Alaska. In the woods in front of the Denali Hotel, my husband saw a beautiful moose.

He approached, camera in hand, failing to notice a moose calf nearby. Mother moose immediately took umbrage and charged. My husband retreated rapidly, keeping trees between him and the mother, softly cooing “Nice moosie, nice moosie!”  Fortunately the moose returned to her calf and because the encounter ended safely, we all had a good laugh.

—Donna Andress
Searchlight, Nev.

Donna, we liked your letter and are sending you a copy of the Alaska Adventure Guide! —Editor

Get Over Sarah
Mr. Whitekeys is a funny guy and I enjoy reading his column, but lately, I’m worrying that his disdain for Sarah Palin is going to take over his humor. Seriously, he needs to get over “Her.” Also, I’d like to point out that, contrary to what Mr. Whitekeys would have us believe, not all Alaskans are hard-living, fast-drinking and cheap-loving.
 

—Tania Welch
LaGrande, Ore.