Rangers at the Golden Gate National Seashore reported a bear on the beach in the vicinity of Point Reyes last week. He was not tracked and the source was deemed reliable. There has not been a bear sighting at Pt. Reyes in over 70 years. Perhaps it's global warming, or bears hitchhiking, or bears traveling on vacation to the beach.
Now I must carry a bear bell when hiking in the seashore area of Marin/Sonoma. One more thing to carry, along with my GPS unit, water bottle, daypack, whistle, light stick, sunscreen, DEET, pocket knife, wind breaker, sun hat, polarized sunglasses, energy bar, guide to edibles on the trail, and notebook.
I don't worry about the bruins, really, it's a large park and there's plenty of empty space for each of us and the furry fellow(s).
So, keep your eye out for Smokie sans hat.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Tahoe Lake Temperature
Now hear this: the water in the lake is getting warmer. According to scientists, satellite sensors have been collecting data on the world's largest lakes, some 367 of them. The data is recorded from a night time reading and stored for analysis. Figures released indicate a 0.81 degree temp. rise per decade over the last 40 years.
Tahoe, uniquely, has had a temp rise somewhat less: about 1 degree over the last 40 years. So, we local folks have been correct in assuming that the swimming experience(during summer months) has been different these past few decades. Why when I was a child, going in the water above your knees was unheard of- one couldn't survive such an effort-too,too cold! Now, not so cold. Over at Sierra Nevada College, researchers have been studying these data points and they are thinking deeply about the serious implications of them.
Could it affect the fish, the color, the forests, the bears? Maybe this temp rise is causing the bears to get a little crazy in the basin. Who knows? It must be something that makes them break into homes around the shoreline. More research is on the horizon.
Keep your eye out.
Tahoe, uniquely, has had a temp rise somewhat less: about 1 degree over the last 40 years. So, we local folks have been correct in assuming that the swimming experience(during summer months) has been different these past few decades. Why when I was a child, going in the water above your knees was unheard of- one couldn't survive such an effort-too,too cold! Now, not so cold. Over at Sierra Nevada College, researchers have been studying these data points and they are thinking deeply about the serious implications of them.
Could it affect the fish, the color, the forests, the bears? Maybe this temp rise is causing the bears to get a little crazy in the basin. Who knows? It must be something that makes them break into homes around the shoreline. More research is on the horizon.
Keep your eye out.
Football Mania in Reno
The game was hyped well in advance of the kickoff and fan interest was at a fever pitch. UN Reno's Wolfpack, ranked #19, were playing unbeaten, untied Boise State, their near neighbor to the north. No team has been able to play with Boise State and pundits made UNR a 14 point underdog, perhaps being generous with that figure. It was billed as the most important football game ever played in the State of Nevada. Heard on local radio talk shows recently, UNR's coach praised his players and the whole team for impressive results throughout the season. He stated without reservation, this is the best team he has ever put together. Starting with his quarterback, Krepenich, he lauded the work ethic of his players. He gracefully acknowledged the strengths of Boise St. and admitted the undefeated run of 24 games was impressive. But, his team was well prepared and had a game plan to counter the efforts of their northern rivals.
And so, with field temps near freezing, and a packed house, the Wolfpack began the game with high hopes. The local fans who attended and those who watched on TV were in for an emotional rollercoaster of a ride as the hands of Fate and Lady Luck passed from one shoulder to the next, creating euphoria and depression and despair, within moments of one another.
As in any hotly contested game, it's the unlikely event(s) that create the drama: the wrong way bounce of a ball, the slip and fall of a runner, the last second tip of a pass. In this game, filled with a surplus of such events, the fans could hardly hold their breathe much more. The final minutes lasted forever, and for UN Reno, just long enough. When the Wolves tied the score with a touchdown pass reception with barely a minute remaining, it appeared overtime was the next phase of the contest. However, Boise QB McKellon, launched a missile to the fleet-footed Titus what's his name that he caught on the 9-yd line. In came the kicker to ice the game and preserve the winstreak and keep Boise St. in the running for the BCS Nat Championship game. With a perfect position between the goalposts, he shanked his 26yd kick just right of the post.
Now, Reno had a prayer, another chance for a win.
In college ball, each team has a chance, starting at the opponents 25yd line. Boise got close and lined up for the field goal. The kicker returned with a shot at redemption. With another perfect lineup, he overcompensated for his earlier effort and shanked the ball wide left. The fans went wild.
Now the Wolfpack saw daylight at the end of this long and torturous path: get close enough for the kicker. Tony Hernandez came in and put the ball through the middle of the uprights. What a finish! A game for the millenium. Happiness bordering on delerium brought the fans to the field to embrace their gladiators who withstood the challenge and rose to the occasion. A win for Reno and its citizens. Finally, something to cheer about. Something to ward off the malaise of recession and economic uncertainty. Something to lift the spirits of locals worried about the future and their ability to survive. Now anything and everything is possible, again.
What a game.
And so, with field temps near freezing, and a packed house, the Wolfpack began the game with high hopes. The local fans who attended and those who watched on TV were in for an emotional rollercoaster of a ride as the hands of Fate and Lady Luck passed from one shoulder to the next, creating euphoria and depression and despair, within moments of one another.
As in any hotly contested game, it's the unlikely event(s) that create the drama: the wrong way bounce of a ball, the slip and fall of a runner, the last second tip of a pass. In this game, filled with a surplus of such events, the fans could hardly hold their breathe much more. The final minutes lasted forever, and for UN Reno, just long enough. When the Wolves tied the score with a touchdown pass reception with barely a minute remaining, it appeared overtime was the next phase of the contest. However, Boise QB McKellon, launched a missile to the fleet-footed Titus what's his name that he caught on the 9-yd line. In came the kicker to ice the game and preserve the winstreak and keep Boise St. in the running for the BCS Nat Championship game. With a perfect position between the goalposts, he shanked his 26yd kick just right of the post.
Now, Reno had a prayer, another chance for a win.
In college ball, each team has a chance, starting at the opponents 25yd line. Boise got close and lined up for the field goal. The kicker returned with a shot at redemption. With another perfect lineup, he overcompensated for his earlier effort and shanked the ball wide left. The fans went wild.
Now the Wolfpack saw daylight at the end of this long and torturous path: get close enough for the kicker. Tony Hernandez came in and put the ball through the middle of the uprights. What a finish! A game for the millenium. Happiness bordering on delerium brought the fans to the field to embrace their gladiators who withstood the challenge and rose to the occasion. A win for Reno and its citizens. Finally, something to cheer about. Something to ward off the malaise of recession and economic uncertainty. Something to lift the spirits of locals worried about the future and their ability to survive. Now anything and everything is possible, again.
What a game.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Wonderful White Stuff
The Right Stuff is the white stuff, falling in copious amounts throughout the basin and its surroundings. Great news for all of us here in God's Country. Whenever the slopes are covered before Thanksgiving and the pattern is holding, we are happy.
It appears, as the snow continues to fall, that most ski areas will be up and running through the entire week. This is out holiday bonus, to be sure.
Drive carefully, don't forget school buses have students on board, and road conditions will vary, place to place. Many visitors will be making a stop here and there and everywhere so give them a break: maybe they don't have your level of expertise driving in the snow.
BUYING FIREWOOD
Remember a cord of wood = 4'X4'X8'=128 cubic feet! Not 100cu. ft., not 110 cu.ft. 128cu.ft!
Measure the pieces for individual length: if under 16", you're not getting a full cord and the seller has to make up for the difference in price or wood. I've yet to find a seller who provides a real cord of wood as advertised. Know any?
It appears, as the snow continues to fall, that most ski areas will be up and running through the entire week. This is out holiday bonus, to be sure.
Drive carefully, don't forget school buses have students on board, and road conditions will vary, place to place. Many visitors will be making a stop here and there and everywhere so give them a break: maybe they don't have your level of expertise driving in the snow.
BUYING FIREWOOD
Remember a cord of wood = 4'X4'X8'=128 cubic feet! Not 100cu. ft., not 110 cu.ft. 128cu.ft!
Measure the pieces for individual length: if under 16", you're not getting a full cord and the seller has to make up for the difference in price or wood. I've yet to find a seller who provides a real cord of wood as advertised. Know any?
Movie Review ---Inside Job
So, you've wondered about the Recession and where its roots are, who started it and who benefited
from its transfer of wealth. Well, wonder no more! The film, "Inside Job" lays it all out there and has pictures,too. All the familiar faces are there: Henry "Hank" Paulson, Bill Clinton, Lloyb Blankfein, Sandy Weill, Alan Greenspan, Ben Bernanke, Tim Geithner, Larry Sommers, Robert Rubin, and a host of academics too numerous to mention.
Our esteemed congressmen, both senators and representatives do not get a pass here. Although they appear at several hearings putting the financiers on the hot seat, they look foolish when compared to their positions in the recent past when they passed laws removing controls on the banks and institutions that brought us down.
The revolving door through which many of them passed from Wall St. to the White House and Congress is clearly exposed. The lobbyist groups are highlighted as partners in crime as they lavished the funds on the members of Congress to bend them to their will. It is a sad testimony to the modern political environment we have to live under. Certainly Obama is aware but it seems he has little spine to tackle the real problems, ie. the laws removed and those that took their place. Perhaps he would look at the 2010 elections and think of some new approach to our pressing problems: financial deregulation and how to fix it.
But, when you consider that Larry Sommers and Hank Paulson were his 2 closest advisors, it does not give you much hope.
The 3 rating agencies(Moodys, S&P,Fitch) are clearly in cahoots with all the players,large and small. They forever stained their reputations by selling their souls for the almighty dollar. All the CDO's were rated by these scumbags prior to their sale to unsuspecting institutional investors(retail). That they in turn, had no clue as to what these instruments were or what their contents contained, was not a factor in the ratings assigned. Hence, the melt down in '08, when the insurer, AIG, could not pay off on some of their obligations to do so.
The academics at Columbia, Harvard, and other institutions of "higher" learning, looked like hired hands of the Wall St. bankers. Show me an instrument(derivative, CDO, mortgage tranche,etc.) and I'll have a favorable opinion published in no time, just send money.
Apparently, greed is the new god of Wall St., again.
Any hopeful signs? No, not really. No new regulatory environment has emerged other than the Dodd-Frank bill passed last month. What a joke!
Stay tuned for more turmoil, anxiety, deflation, and chaos. And you thought Iraq/Afghanistan were problems.
from its transfer of wealth. Well, wonder no more! The film, "Inside Job" lays it all out there and has pictures,too. All the familiar faces are there: Henry "Hank" Paulson, Bill Clinton, Lloyb Blankfein, Sandy Weill, Alan Greenspan, Ben Bernanke, Tim Geithner, Larry Sommers, Robert Rubin, and a host of academics too numerous to mention.
Our esteemed congressmen, both senators and representatives do not get a pass here. Although they appear at several hearings putting the financiers on the hot seat, they look foolish when compared to their positions in the recent past when they passed laws removing controls on the banks and institutions that brought us down.
The revolving door through which many of them passed from Wall St. to the White House and Congress is clearly exposed. The lobbyist groups are highlighted as partners in crime as they lavished the funds on the members of Congress to bend them to their will. It is a sad testimony to the modern political environment we have to live under. Certainly Obama is aware but it seems he has little spine to tackle the real problems, ie. the laws removed and those that took their place. Perhaps he would look at the 2010 elections and think of some new approach to our pressing problems: financial deregulation and how to fix it.
But, when you consider that Larry Sommers and Hank Paulson were his 2 closest advisors, it does not give you much hope.
The 3 rating agencies(Moodys, S&P,Fitch) are clearly in cahoots with all the players,large and small. They forever stained their reputations by selling their souls for the almighty dollar. All the CDO's were rated by these scumbags prior to their sale to unsuspecting institutional investors(retail). That they in turn, had no clue as to what these instruments were or what their contents contained, was not a factor in the ratings assigned. Hence, the melt down in '08, when the insurer, AIG, could not pay off on some of their obligations to do so.
The academics at Columbia, Harvard, and other institutions of "higher" learning, looked like hired hands of the Wall St. bankers. Show me an instrument(derivative, CDO, mortgage tranche,etc.) and I'll have a favorable opinion published in no time, just send money.
Apparently, greed is the new god of Wall St., again.
Any hopeful signs? No, not really. No new regulatory environment has emerged other than the Dodd-Frank bill passed last month. What a joke!
Stay tuned for more turmoil, anxiety, deflation, and chaos. And you thought Iraq/Afghanistan were problems.
Friday, November 19, 2010
SF Restaurant Pick
In need of some late night fare? Try the Wayfare Tavern at 558 Sacramento St, near Montgomery, and Leidesdorf Alley. In tge quarters of the former Rubicon bistro, the tavern offers a great selection of hearty foods, either as entrees or appetizers. The mayor tried the Cheese ans Mac-excellent, the Braised Shortrib on Frittes, and a house salad. Washed down with a Anchoe Steam, it satisfied a hunger caried through the Italian films seen around the corner.
The upstairs has a billiard room/banquet room and another bar. The decor features dark wood paneling . and subtle lighting. It must have been girls' night out as the Mayor noticed a distinct super majority of ladies occupying most of the booths and bar tables.
The wait staff did a fine job and food was delivered with good timing- right away!.
Recommended
The upstairs has a billiard room/banquet room and another bar. The decor features dark wood paneling . and subtle lighting. It must have been girls' night out as the Mayor noticed a distinct super majority of ladies occupying most of the booths and bar tables.
The wait staff did a fine job and food was delivered with good timing- right away!.
Recommended
Movies Movies Italian Movies
The New Italian Cinema Film Festival is finishing up this week in SF at the Embarcadero Cinema. Two films were on the screen last evening, both entertaining. Producers, actors, and script writers were on hand to answer questions and provide flesh and blood to their presentations of recent works. The films," Marriage and Other Disasters", and "18 Years Later" were recently produced in Italia by young actor/writer/ producers. M & O D was produced by a woman, M. Majo. The other by Edoardo Leo, who acted in the film as a costar.
"18...." was a road trip with a tie to an Anglicized brother of a Romano he hasn't seen in 18 years since the accidental death of their Mother. They head off together to Scilla on the west coast of northern Calabria, on a mission. They are driving a restored British Morgan that had belonged to their recently deceased Father. The editing is crisp and the acting is excellent. The storyline holds one's interest and the ending is a satisfactory wrap. And the coastal scenery is an added bonus.
" Marriage...".is a light-hearted poke at modern marriage in Italy and the reality of some relationships that develop long term and short term. It's fun and the actors play convincing roles throughout.
The festival continues to display a knack for screening well received films that are warmly appreciated by San Franciscans, year after year.
"18...." was a road trip with a tie to an Anglicized brother of a Romano he hasn't seen in 18 years since the accidental death of their Mother. They head off together to Scilla on the west coast of northern Calabria, on a mission. They are driving a restored British Morgan that had belonged to their recently deceased Father. The editing is crisp and the acting is excellent. The storyline holds one's interest and the ending is a satisfactory wrap. And the coastal scenery is an added bonus.
" Marriage...".is a light-hearted poke at modern marriage in Italy and the reality of some relationships that develop long term and short term. It's fun and the actors play convincing roles throughout.
The festival continues to display a knack for screening well received films that are warmly appreciated by San Franciscans, year after year.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Science at the lake
After talking about for sometime, the Mayor finally made it over to Incline Village to check out the Lake Tahoe Research Center at Sierra Nevada College. The building that houses the center is on the southwest portion of the campus, steps away from the library and a short walk from the student center. I was greeted by one of two docents working the guest desk for Veterans' Day. For the next hour the Mayor was given an overview of the work being done by the staff, a collection of scientists, students, and professionals, all dedicated to enhancing and expanding the basis of knowledge of our world class resource.
Starting with the static display of the stern portion of a vessel, complete with instrumentation, the docent described the data collection effort that results from the sampling and observing of the lake itself. I was able to handle a Secchi dish, used for clarity measurement(s). It was explained that the observations are taken every 10 days throughout the year, and now they are taken at the same location(better data sets!). The water sampling tube was available for handling also.
From here we went to the lab mock up for an explanation of the type of aquatic life being studied. We were shown the quagga mussel, the manila clam, and a shrimp, all non-nativr species affecting the lake environment. Videos were used to assist the docents with their efforts. A few visitors were then shown the lab, and others the 3D movie of the McKinney Bay collapse and it's tsunami that washed the Nevada shoreline about 50000 years ago. Very interesting. Our docent, Fred, gave detailed descriptions of the particulars on the screen. I asked about the work of the submarine that made an appearance last summer in the lake. He explained that the vessel is privately owned and supports private projects and is not part of current research at the lake.
The experience was a fine introduction to the research center, and it definitely warrants another visit, especially when the labs are humming with activities.
Starting with the static display of the stern portion of a vessel, complete with instrumentation, the docent described the data collection effort that results from the sampling and observing of the lake itself. I was able to handle a Secchi dish, used for clarity measurement(s). It was explained that the observations are taken every 10 days throughout the year, and now they are taken at the same location(better data sets!). The water sampling tube was available for handling also.
From here we went to the lab mock up for an explanation of the type of aquatic life being studied. We were shown the quagga mussel, the manila clam, and a shrimp, all non-nativr species affecting the lake environment. Videos were used to assist the docents with their efforts. A few visitors were then shown the lab, and others the 3D movie of the McKinney Bay collapse and it's tsunami that washed the Nevada shoreline about 50000 years ago. Very interesting. Our docent, Fred, gave detailed descriptions of the particulars on the screen. I asked about the work of the submarine that made an appearance last summer in the lake. He explained that the vessel is privately owned and supports private projects and is not part of current research at the lake.
The experience was a fine introduction to the research center, and it definitely warrants another visit, especially when the labs are humming with activities.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Bears aware beware
Locals in the vicinity of PDQ market report bear break-ins between Homewood and Tahoma. It seems the bruins have discovered/learned that lakefront properties are: 1) full of food,2) usually empty during the fall carbo loading season, and 3) entry is available through many portals.
A large member of the Bruin community was seen days ago strolling down Wilson st. during the day, very relaxed, just out for a look and sniff.
Keep your bear boxes closed, dog food locked up or tossed, and keep your weather eye out. Boreal's parking lot was half full this morning, a good sign-skiers are aware.
Traffic was at a standstill at the 680/80 junction in Fairfield as weekenders headed for?????
Perhaps a few are on their way up.
A large member of the Bruin community was seen days ago strolling down Wilson st. during the day, very relaxed, just out for a look and sniff.
Keep your bear boxes closed, dog food locked up or tossed, and keep your weather eye out. Boreal's parking lot was half full this morning, a good sign-skiers are aware.
Traffic was at a standstill at the 680/80 junction in Fairfield as weekenders headed for?????
Perhaps a few are on their way up.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Snow falling early
Locals were greeted with 6" of early powder, giving the morning a winter look. The forecast is for improving weather, so it won't stick. Controlled burns continue to give the basin the look of midwinter mornings with low, smoky bands defining the Rim Trail, about mid level between lake shore and peaks.
The quiet time is definitely here, with little traffic and empty parking places . Even the Firesign has ample parking midmorning. So, look to the upcoming events on the calendar, especially the big ones, scattered far and wide. Ski swaps are still out there, check the Sierra Sun for particulars.
Rec'd the Tattler today, contained minutes of the last summer neighborhood meeting.
Wax your boards, get ready.
The quiet time is definitely here, with little traffic and empty parking places . Even the Firesign has ample parking midmorning. So, look to the upcoming events on the calendar, especially the big ones, scattered far and wide. Ski swaps are still out there, check the Sierra Sun for particulars.
Rec'd the Tattler today, contained minutes of the last summer neighborhood meeting.
Wax your boards, get ready.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Job fairs
Job Fairs are popping up around the basin as resorts get ready for the season. Squaw says they'll look closer to home for help, given the high unemployment rate in the county. Usually, they'd hire seasonal workers from a variety of foreign source countries. We'll see this season.
As the elections fade and reality pursues the local economy, businesses will do their best to stay afloat. many local eateries are offering 2 for one meals(or half price) to stimulate some action. Does it work? Maybe, since it's been done routinely in the past.
Smoke can be seen in various places as crews jumpstart wood piles, anticipating rain in the forecast. Hopefully, things will stay under their control.
Truckee Fire Dist. Board has a new look after the votes were tallied. No doubt the past actions, especially regarding the former chief, lead to a voter backlash. Perhaps they needed a new take on emergency medical care for the district. Stay tuned.
As the elections fade and reality pursues the local economy, businesses will do their best to stay afloat. many local eateries are offering 2 for one meals(or half price) to stimulate some action. Does it work? Maybe, since it's been done routinely in the past.
Smoke can be seen in various places as crews jumpstart wood piles, anticipating rain in the forecast. Hopefully, things will stay under their control.
Truckee Fire Dist. Board has a new look after the votes were tallied. No doubt the past actions, especially regarding the former chief, lead to a voter backlash. Perhaps they needed a new take on emergency medical care for the district. Stay tuned.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
New World series Champs
Contrary to popular opinion, the San Francisco Giants made a mockery of the Texas rangers and their vaunted hitters. Ron Washington, manager of the rangers lauded Bruce Bochy and his feisty mix of kids, veterans, late arrivals, and back office staff that cobbled together a winner: their first Series victory in 56 years. Their last win was in 1954 in New York when they defeated the Cleveland Indians.
So now, the ghosts of 1962, 1989, and 2002 can be buried. No more will those haunting ghosts dominate collective thinking. Willie Mays lived long enough to bear witness to the victory. Some of his teammates will share the moment as the kids celebrate. When they return from Texas, the City will organize appropriate ceremonies to mark this historic day.
Save your newspapers for the grandchildren, who knows when they'll win again? It's never easy, just ask the new York Yankees or the Boston Red Sox or the Florida Marlins.
Enjoy the moment baseball fans.
WestSide Pizza had its share of fans on scene to relish the victory in Game 5 as Tim Lincecum won for the 2nd time during the series. What a remarkable athlete! MVP Edgar Renteria, a native of Colombia, overcame his injuries to deliver the game winning home run scoring 2 of his teammates Cody Ross and Juan Uribe after they had been advanced on a beautiful bunt by Aubrey Huff. It was definitely a team effort. Closer, Brian Wilson, using his arm with attitude delivered the final 3 outs. Great game, great Series.
Go Giants.
So now, the ghosts of 1962, 1989, and 2002 can be buried. No more will those haunting ghosts dominate collective thinking. Willie Mays lived long enough to bear witness to the victory. Some of his teammates will share the moment as the kids celebrate. When they return from Texas, the City will organize appropriate ceremonies to mark this historic day.
Save your newspapers for the grandchildren, who knows when they'll win again? It's never easy, just ask the new York Yankees or the Boston Red Sox or the Florida Marlins.
Enjoy the moment baseball fans.
WestSide Pizza had its share of fans on scene to relish the victory in Game 5 as Tim Lincecum won for the 2nd time during the series. What a remarkable athlete! MVP Edgar Renteria, a native of Colombia, overcame his injuries to deliver the game winning home run scoring 2 of his teammates Cody Ross and Juan Uribe after they had been advanced on a beautiful bunt by Aubrey Huff. It was definitely a team effort. Closer, Brian Wilson, using his arm with attitude delivered the final 3 outs. Great game, great Series.
Go Giants.
Vote 2010
Well, did you vote yet? There's still time, until 8pm, PDT. No matter where you stand, even if you like the OLD Retread for Governor, vote. The more the merrier. Statistics even applaud the idea that Democracy benefits when people vote. Imagine that.
El Dorado County has been beaten down of late, due to some real estate/ property tax woes. But, with some time, and voters action, we will come out of this recession.
See you at the polls.
El Dorado County has been beaten down of late, due to some real estate/ property tax woes. But, with some time, and voters action, we will come out of this recession.
See you at the polls.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)