Magnificent Alaska Is Unique In More Ways Than One

Alaska is unique. Just how unique is shown by the following:

With 571,00 square miles, Alaska is, of course, our biggest state. Just how big is that? Well, in the continental United States, Texas is the biggest state and California is second. But Alaska is bigger than both of those states combined.

There are more private pilots - 9,400, or one out every 58 residents - than in any other state.

Two public holidays are observed only in Alaska. One is Seward’s Day, the last Monday in March, commemorating the signing of the treaty under which the United States bought the Territory of Alaska in 1867. The other is Alaska Day, Oct. 18, marking the formal transfer of the territory to U.S. authority.

State law requires drivers to assist a motorist whose car is disabled by the roadside. Those who don’t may be fined.

The proper slant: At the pyramid-shaped Luxor hotel in Las Vegas, elevators are called inclinators because they run at an incline.

In a name: Has any city more nicknames than San Francisco?

Well-meaning but uninformed tourists call it “Frisco,” a name despised by residents. Jack Kerouac and fellow members of the Beat Generation referred to it as “San Fran.” The title character in John O’Hara’s “Pal Joey” called it “Saffercisco.” Some just call it “SF” but the ultra-hip spell that “Ess Eff.”

Value pack: A Visitors Value Pack filled with 118 special offers is available from the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau (619-236-1212). The coupon book provides discounts at restaurants, attractions such as Sea World and the San Diego Zoo and special packages at hotels.