Statehood Since 1959.

Alaska became the 49th State in the Union in 1959. That is 53 years ago. Yet, as any Alaskan will tell you, as far as a lot of businesses "Down South" are concerned, we are not in the United States. I can't even begin to tell you how frustrating it is to try and order something and be told that your zip code can not be found. It is even more frustrating when a stupid web form simply tells you your zip code "does not exist" OR "please enter a valid zip code for the United States". Now, I just so happen to live in "Nowhere, Alaska",

but seriously, people, we are definitely IN THE UNITED STATES. The USPS will ship here for NO EXTRA COST. It disgusts me that a lot of businesses have some sort of deal signed in blood with UPS and simply will not ship any other way. My latest frustration comes from trying to order life-like rubber eels for props in the upcoming First City Players production of My Fair Lady. I had to order these things from a place in NC, because these life-like lures are used as bait for Atlantic striped bass. Their web form did not like the zipcode 99901 and their email went into my spam box. Fortunately I called in and was able to order my eels. The phone conversation was interesting. I was transferred to two different people before I could get my eels shipped out. They were also curious what anyone in Alaska planned to catch with these lures (my answer of "I'm planning to catch applause" didn't clarify the matter). What I absolutely love about my life is that my husband came up from his basement office that day and said: "Oh, you're ordering rubber eels? Is that for home decor?" We have been married for almost eleven years and he knows me so well. Yes, after the musical performances are over, these are most definitely becoming home decor!