Welcome fo NWA 2008 in Anchorage!

Well, it really kicked off with the Northwest Digital Archives meeting on Monday and Tuesday, but since reality only happens with in your own existential experience, the conference starts today. After three days in Denali (pics to follow, either here or on Facebook), it was nice to roll into Anchorage and see old friends and meet new ones. The weather has been beautiful -- sunny and "warm" (65 degrees qualifies here). Dorm life is nostalgic. Bunks beds, tiny rooms, bans on alcohol, RA's -- there was even a pajama party in the NWDA chicks' megaplex after the movie last night.

The Progressive Archivists meeting was last night and five people attended. Following the standard method, we introduced ourselves and talked about what we were doing or were interested in. It was a nice group and there are some interesting things out and about.:

• There is a book prospectus being developed around the subject of green archives.
• Advocacy in the possibility of a new political regime
• The impact of MPLP on basic archival practices as well as on the profession's carbon footprint

"What is a Progressive Archivist?" was asked at least twice. That's a question that comes up at most meetings. My answer is usually "whatever you want it to be." I mean there's the usual suspects -- greenies, peaceniks, lefties, really lefties, commmies, pinkos -- you know the ilk! But I think the group welcomes anyone who looks to a better world in the future, not in the past, and is willing to work to make it happen. And in answer to the question "how can we keep in touch with other like-minded archivists?" Join the prograrchs listserv and start a discussion.

The meeting moved into the evening showing of the movie "Eskimo". It was 16mm on 3 reels and the way the sound revved up as the reel started reminded me so much a high school movie nights. That's back in the pre-vhs, pre-dvd, pre-cable days, boys and girls. The showing was introduced by Dr. Ted Mala, who is the son of the lead actor in the 1933 movie, Ray Mala. The stories about growing up in Hollywood and Alaska in the early 1940's was fascinating.

The movie itself is pretty melodramatic, but the fact that it was shot live and on location provides wonderful insight into the life of Native Alaskans 80 years ago. Be warned. If you don't like to see live hunts of whales, birds, fish, polar bears, seals, then this movie might not be right for you.

So that was then and this is now. I'm about to head off to the Board meeting. More to follow.