Obama and the Speech

Here we are, several days later, and the pundits continue to take shots at the President. Weighing in today:Peggy Noonan. In the WSJ, in her plain words, where understatement reigns, she sharply criticizes Mr. Obama for his lack of content, for his stating the obvious, and leaving his audience with more questions than answers. The accompanying photograph speaks volumes as members of Congress gaze straight ahead, lost in their own thoughts, as their leader and ours drones on, saying little, offering even less.
What a way to start the year.

Floating the Russian

It is a rare winter's day that affords one an opportunity to enjoy the attributes of the local environment in late January with warm, clear weather, absence of crowds, an the company of good friends. After several days of planning, with constant updating of the weather forecasts, the Mayor embarked on a close up look at the mid river section of the Sonoma county's fabled Russian River. Now known for its storied wine appellation, the river winds its way to the ocean, through the redwoods, making its amazing right hand turn west of Highway 101, between Healdsburg and Santa Rosa.
At this time of year, for generations of fishermen families, it's steelhead season. No not metal heads, but fish! Those returning specimens, searching the gravel beds for their ancestral beginnings, 2,3,4, and 5 years ago. Many seek the hatchery at Warm Springs Dam, on Dry Creek, near Lake Sonoma. Others to the many tributaries that afford ideal spawning conditions. On average, the weather along the river from Healdsburg to Monte Rio is consistent in January: cold, humid, dark, with the typical Pacific cyclone over the coastal range, ready to dump large volumes of water on the watershed, opening up the mouth to give the returning fish access to the river.
And so, fishermen descend on these parts, clothed, equiped, anxious, but determined to try for the fabled"100" hour fish. The mayor and his flotilla of boatmen added approx. 8 hours to this season's quest. There was little evidence of success along the river, especially among the flyfishing fraternity. It seems the bait casters and trollers had a little luck, with one drift boating pair announcing a 10lb wild steelie below Northwood at about 1pm. The river is running as clear as it gets, with over 6' of visibility at 800-900fps. Evidence abounds of high water among the willow clumps.
With a new fly rod set up, hopes ran high, to no avail. It seems the leaders were too heavy, too long, and under powered. With some adjustments, our groups next effort could have better results. But the weather is changing, rain is forecast, so it could be awhile.
But what a day, what an experience: the best that Sonoma County has to offer. A near disaster occured during the venture, when a member of the delegation was unceremoniously dumped into the river when his kayak was grabbed by the fast current and pitched over into the shallow water. He was wearing a life jacket and did not panic and retrieved boat and gear in short order. After a quick change, it was back to work. Bravo.
Next river report within a week. Perhaps with fish pics.

Obama on the record

Obama had the pulpit last night for his "State of the Union" speech. It was delivered with eloquence and the appropriate demeanor. His points are well reported and criticized from all points of the compass. He touched many hot button issues: deficits, immigration, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Federal spending, Medicare, taxes.
What we didn't hear were those specific plans that will occupy the White House Agenda for the next 12 months. Yes, he signed off on a 2 year extension of the Bush tax cuts. How will he deal with the future when they "expire"? Will he run again in 2012? No word-too,too early. Will he gut Pentagon spending as outlined? What will he do about our borders? Now that we know that the Mexican drug cartels are being armed by American gun dealers, will he impose sanctions and direct the ATF to police the gun export business, such as it is?
What will he do with banks"TOO BIG TO FAIL? Is it prudent to allow their continued existence when it is painfully obvious that the taxpayer bailout in '08/'09 almost put the country in a Depression(about as close as you can come w/o being there).
Paul Ryan(R) House member, Budget chairman, commented with a smooth style, low on vitriol and caustic remarks. Eliot Spitzer, of all people, remarked that the congressman was off base with his Republican positions. Oh, Eliot, please look in the mirror and repeat" I'm a loser!"
Michelle Bachman, (R) congresswoman, made comments reflecting her role as Tea Party spokeswoman. Finally, the networks are giving voice to other opinions found across the American political landscape.
More commentary will be developed in the coming weeks. How long can we hold on to Obama's words? Nobody knows.

Book Review"The Geography of Bliss"

Eric Weiner had some fun, Eric Weiner wrote a book. The Geography of Bliss became a NYT's best seller- no small feat. Perhaps his timing was the key to success: the country had dipped to the low point of the worst recession in 70 years. Readers needed something tongue-in-cheek and Mr. Weiner served it up.
Here's a travel log with an edge: let's ask people from numerous countries if they're happy, why and why not? Add appropriate comment, stir, pour into tumblers, sip slowly until empty.
He moved around the globe visiting far flung landscapes, meeting locals in bars, restaurants, hotels, homes, monasteries, wherever. Appointments were kept, notes taken, words compiled and all edited by the staff of his publisher into a readable format that all hoped would entertain a group of depressed Americans seeking relief from financial uncertainty. Done.
LIght reading, some amusing quips, and a few pointed descriptions of places you won't visit-ever.(Moldava-where is it really?)
These books encourage all writers:" I could do this, and do it better". Perhaps the best part is in the bibliography.
Bottom line: spend more time connecting with people. Thank you Mr. Weiner

The Crescent City Blues

The Mayor went to New Orleans for more meetings with local businessmen to discuss the progress made in 2010. It seems that progress has stalled across the board. With a new mayor on the ground, the political climate has brightened some, but the continuous problem of economic malaise persists. Driving around the City, one sees little work being accomplished:there is no vibrancy to life on the streets. Cabbies moan of a slow down, a sure sign of the lingering effects of Hurricane Katrina.
Progress in the school system continues, but the pace is unsteady and stake holders sound confused and grasping. The streets are being repaired in many wards, clear evidence of infrastructure upgrades and dynamic planning. Traffic was light generally speaking, but there were no sporting events scheduled to liven up the venues. Restaurants had few empty tables at peak times, but reservations or lack there of were not a hindrance to timely dining. Emeril's Nola eatery was bustling on all floors, but the wait staff clearly were not under stress. Preparations for Mardi Gras are under way as evidenced by the installation of remarkable displays of costumed mannequins in various locations.
A visit to the World War II Museum was again worth the effort. The American Sector, John Besh's restaurant was humming along on Saturday as visitors waited in line to sample the Besh version of oysters fried, burgers sliding, and pulled pork sandwiches. The full bar, complete with big screen TV's, add a casual flavor to the happy hour:3pm-6pm and free parking after 2pm.
The expansion plans at the Museum include the construction of The Boeing Wing which will include a full size B-29 bomber of WWII. This 100' X 90' behemoth will anchor a collection of vintage aircraft that will highlight what will be the largest inner city museum in the country. In the hangar-like building will be other examples of familiar aircraft, in suspended flight for all to view from every angle. The display designers have achieved much with their "close is better" philosophy when it comes to war machinery. The main display gallery in the D-Day section is the prime example.
One menu item at the American Sector is worth noting: the hotdog. This could be 'The" hotdog of them all. It is a foot long, but it weighs in at over 16 oz. It looks like a football wrapped in a bun. I observed several attempts at consuming this marvel, and no one could accomplish this feat. Most were taken home in boxes for later finishing. The Minister of latin American Affairs shared his with a local, and I applauded his discretion.
It was a very productive trip and more comments will be posted soon.

Shovel Ready

Loyal citizens: for the past two years +, we've heard the term"shovel ready" continuously, often from the mouth of President Obama. Locals here in the basin have had their "shovel(s) ready annually for generations, and at great risk to life and limb. On Tuesday, on the front page of the Wall St. Journal, the nation was informed that shoveling is hazardous to one's health. They(the researchers) included statistical breakdown of injuries among the group, including strains, sprains, fractures, and cardiac incidents. They then went on to say the study did not include those who were self treated, only those who sought professional assistance, ie. medical intervention. Naturally, the all inclusive numbers would be greater.
So, there you have it: the most widely read publication in America advising their readers with sage advice: Be Careful when out there "shoveling". Inside the basin, I would believe that these lessons become self evident by age 5-6 years. Repetition for emphasis,again.
More snow is on the way later this week. Keep your shovels handy, be ready.

Tahoe City PUD Jan2011 report

The board adopted the 2011 operating and capital budgets for 2011 at the Nov.19, 2010 meeting.Budget summary as follows:
water sewer parks/rec engineering
$2,783,461 $2,671,922 $2,856,171 $120,438

Residential rates ALL RESIDENTS take note!
cust appd rate inc. for 2011 Monthly base quarterly sewer
$55.oo $103.26
BOARD ADOPTED RATE INC. FOR 2011 $52.00 $ 87.39

Don't be fooled by their "generosity" . These rates continue to reflect huges increases beyound the rate of inflation or costs. Other plans are afoot. Stay aware of all activities of your PUD.
2011 Capital Budget
Summary
WATER SEWER PARKS EQUIPMENT
$ 3,216,769 $1,042,040. $3,985,948 $177,500

It is obvious that the board is of the opinion that the community of the North/West Shore desires more money spent on recreation facilities than any thing else in the capital budget. Do you agree?
Your comments can be submitted @ www. tahoecitypud.com. The news letter also had advice for homeowners about winterizing pipes. No doubt burst pipes continue to occur w/i the district. Really?
So, our friends will spend $16,854,249. of homeowners funds(rate payers in district). This amounts to approx. $3200/per resident per year. More on this later.

Book Review"Unbroken"

Laura Hillenbrand has done it again. Following her significant success with "Seabiscuit", she has accomplished another tour de force. "Unbroken" is a true American story, the biography of an American of extraordinary accomplishments in many areas, not the least, surviving captivity as a POW under the most difficult circumstances in the custody of Japanese soldiers.
It is well known that the Japanese Army treated civilians and POWs without any sympathy whatsoever. Their record during the course of hostilities is a pitiable list of crimes against humanity in every theater in which they dominated the landscape. Rarely has an author been able to capture the details of a singular life. Fortunately, her subject, Louis Zamperini is alive and well at age 93, blessed with a sharp memory for detail and having in possession considerable documentation and photographs to assist in compiling the record.
The fact that much of his life was witnessed by many underscores his achievements. This book could not be more highly recommended.
An amazing story!

Going Solo book review

Roald Dahl has always been one of my favorite authors. He had a special ability to write simply and effectively, appealing to all age groups, especially those books directed to children. " Going Solo" recounts his wartime experiences as a young man, barely in his twenties. Posted to Africa to work in the insurance business, he found himself confronted with a world at war. In no time he was joined as a pilot cadet, trained for a fighter pilot's role. This incredible story describes the trials and tribulations of a novice pilot fighting against an implacable foe. How he survived is nothing short of a miracle.
Few stories of this type punctuate those early days of WWII when many rusty skills had to be honed and novices often paid the highest price along the road to proficiency.
An excellent read and a quick one.
Avail. inpaperback

Tahoma resident dies at Alpine Meadows

the Sierra sun reported the death of a 25 yr old female resident of Tahoma a few days ago. She was snow boarding off trail from an area served by one lift. She became separated and apparently hit a tree with no witnesses to the event.She was found at the base of the tree into which she apparently collided.
It gives all skiers and boarders pause as we realize that there are considerable risks with the local sports.
Be careful, and know that helmets are the cheapest health insurance on the market. Are you into saving money? Buy a helmet, save money.