The Mayor must inspect various business operations to assist in the many commercialoperations in Tahoma and those that may arrive. Thus, a trip to a winery in Tuscany was more than appropriate. My friend, Pierluigi, took me to his friend, Giovanni's family estate, known as La Colonica, where they produce a Nobile di Montepulciano, one of the most recognized wines in the world. Thanks to a convergence of factors(weather, climate, soil, and experience) this area in central Tuscany enjoys prime conditions. On about 100 acres, the cfamiloy produces about 33,000 bottles a year. They bottle 7 differnt wines, 6 reds and one white. The Dad, Ferdinando, is the overseer, while Giovanni does production and marketing.
Their operation uses modern methods and they produce a style of wine that is appreciated for flavors alcohol content similar to their neighbors(Avignonesi, for one).
The setting is from a photo book: rolling hills, groomed vines, cypress-lines gravel roads leading to stone villas. It is absolutely glorious, something anybody would appreciate.
More later.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
The Memorial in Toscana
April 25th! An anniversary. The memory of the day has few living today of that time and that day. But here, where the battle rolled through 67 years ago, that day is recalled. Recalled so that those who gave their lives, combattants and innocents alike, will not be forgotten.
Yesterday, the Mayor visited the small town of Poppi, located along the upper part of the Arno river. The town is capped by a castle, Castle Guidi di Poppi. It is a classic of the medieval period and has been restored and maintained in good condition. As we strolled through the castle, the group came to a recent installation dedicated to the Partigiani of Poppi- those living individuals, who, in the flower of their youth, took to the hills, armed themselves, and fought the Nazis and the Fascists that came to Tuscany. Many of their comrades died during the struggle, and many of their family members disappeared when captured by the Nazis.
Fortunately, historians have recognized the value of recording their stories and recollections. The photos in the gallery told part of the story in a very personal way: looking closely at the eyes and faces of these old warriors, asked to relive their experiences from their youth.
Many documents, newspapers, and other artifacts also were on display. It was very well done.
A day to be remembered.
Yesterday, the Mayor visited the small town of Poppi, located along the upper part of the Arno river. The town is capped by a castle, Castle Guidi di Poppi. It is a classic of the medieval period and has been restored and maintained in good condition. As we strolled through the castle, the group came to a recent installation dedicated to the Partigiani of Poppi- those living individuals, who, in the flower of their youth, took to the hills, armed themselves, and fought the Nazis and the Fascists that came to Tuscany. Many of their comrades died during the struggle, and many of their family members disappeared when captured by the Nazis.
Fortunately, historians have recognized the value of recording their stories and recollections. The photos in the gallery told part of the story in a very personal way: looking closely at the eyes and faces of these old warriors, asked to relive their experiences from their youth.
Many documents, newspapers, and other artifacts also were on display. It was very well done.
A day to be remembered.
Monday, April 23, 2012
More on Morosini
Sunday night TV featured a big soccer contest between Juventus from Milan and Roma. Two renowned teams. As they prepared for the game to begin, all spectators and team members observed a moment of silence as Moro's photo was displayed on the large screen.
This moment is an example of the ongoing emotional connection to the suden passing of the young athlete from Bergamo who played for Livorno. Such is the living's connection with life. The observation of this young man's passing tells a modern story with roots in time and history. Someday, he'll be a fond memory; today a sad tale of a lfe cut short, sudenly, in midstride.
This moment is an example of the ongoing emotional connection to the suden passing of the young athlete from Bergamo who played for Livorno. Such is the living's connection with life. The observation of this young man's passing tells a modern story with roots in time and history. Someday, he'll be a fond memory; today a sad tale of a lfe cut short, sudenly, in midstride.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
To An Athlete Dying Young
Italy has had more than its share of troubles lately, and this past weekend did not help. Much of the population was witness to a modern tragedy: a much loved, much recognized soccer player died suddenly, almost in mid stride during a game that was televised nationally. It was difficult to watch, as an eyewitness. The young man Piermario Morosini was felled by a heart attack. The shock was universal. National networks siezed the drama and projected the image endlessly for hours.
The story is more involved and deserves much time and explanation. More later.
The story is more involved and deserves much time and explanation. More later.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
on the way to San Jose
Time for the Mayor to touch base: in this case, a trip to the college years @ San Jose State U. Now, a modern urban campus of 30,000+,then, a sleepy traditional "Quad" campus with 9,000 students. Driving down(south) on Highway 101 is always an eye opener: what changes have been wrought since the last trip-past SFO?
Not much change was in evidence until Moffet Field, in Mountain View: the old land mark dirigible hangar has been stripped clean of half of its outer skin. This process has exposed the erector-set skeleton that has supported the building these past 70 plus years. What's going on? hard to tell at 70mph on 101. But it does raise questions about1) NASA,2) Lockheed Missiles & Space,3) the Navy,4) Moffet's future.
Leaving Mt. View, drivers tumble into a bit of Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, and finally San Jose. My goal was not downtown but way out on the eastside of the valley, in the low foothills below Mt. Hamilton. Somewhere in those hills is the home of Dr. Peruzzi, professor emeritus of geography from SJS. After a twisting, winding, and climbing path, I pulled into his driveway, confronted by a magnificent view of the central portion of the infamous Santa Clara Valley: aka Silicon Valley, now the center of the modern universe. Gone forever are the blossoms of spring I recall from my youth, gone the orchards and their heavy fruit; here ,now, new dreams, new ideas, the future, optimism, success (and failure,too), and the hope of countless young thinkers, workers and scientists.
more later
Not much change was in evidence until Moffet Field, in Mountain View: the old land mark dirigible hangar has been stripped clean of half of its outer skin. This process has exposed the erector-set skeleton that has supported the building these past 70 plus years. What's going on? hard to tell at 70mph on 101. But it does raise questions about1) NASA,2) Lockheed Missiles & Space,3) the Navy,4) Moffet's future.
Leaving Mt. View, drivers tumble into a bit of Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, and finally San Jose. My goal was not downtown but way out on the eastside of the valley, in the low foothills below Mt. Hamilton. Somewhere in those hills is the home of Dr. Peruzzi, professor emeritus of geography from SJS. After a twisting, winding, and climbing path, I pulled into his driveway, confronted by a magnificent view of the central portion of the infamous Santa Clara Valley: aka Silicon Valley, now the center of the modern universe. Gone forever are the blossoms of spring I recall from my youth, gone the orchards and their heavy fruit; here ,now, new dreams, new ideas, the future, optimism, success (and failure,too), and the hope of countless young thinkers, workers and scientists.
more later
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
3 Mayor Lunch San Francisco
ce Some days roll along not quite as planned and turn out great. Today was one of those days. Originally, a day in the office was scheduled. This was torpedoed Monday night when a message finally picked up informed the Mayor's office of an electrical issue caused in all probability by high winds in the 'hood over the weekend. After checking with folks on the scene, the mayor gathered his team of professionals and headed for the Golden Gate Bridge.
Traffic was light and we breezed through the toll plaza, heading for the zoo near Ocean Beach. After an inspection of the situation, it was determined an outside contractor would be called to handle this minor problem. Then, the next step, was to proceed to North Beach for a conference with the director of the Salesian Boys Club, Randy DeMartini. The meeting was over in no time(discussed was the new addition to the club central building) and now it was lunch time. Mama's on the corner had a line stretching up Stockton St. . Liguria bakery was already closed(Mamma and daughter were in the street waiting for their ride home) and Tony's Pizza was too busy. So, to Original Joe's, the newest addition to Washington Square.
John Duggan and his family made the move from the Tenderloin only a few months ago, but the restaurant has made an impression on the area already. Here it was barely noon and the place was packed. A banquet was ongoing in the enclosed dining area. We were informed that the party included his honor, Ed Lee, Mayor of San Francisco, and his guests: the Lord Mayor of the City of Cork, Ireland, and his entourage. After their lunch was completed, we all met in the foyer, and handshakes all around as we traded pleasantries and various and sundry Irish heritage insights. The Lord mayor was here to promote trade and tourism with Cork and Ireland in general. Ireland's economic woes are well known, but nonetheless, business was being promoted, as it should be by these elected officials. Business cards were exchanged, and all things Tahoma were promoted among the Irish contingent.
It was a fine day in North Beach.
Traffic was light and we breezed through the toll plaza, heading for the zoo near Ocean Beach. After an inspection of the situation, it was determined an outside contractor would be called to handle this minor problem. Then, the next step, was to proceed to North Beach for a conference with the director of the Salesian Boys Club, Randy DeMartini. The meeting was over in no time(discussed was the new addition to the club central building) and now it was lunch time. Mama's on the corner had a line stretching up Stockton St. . Liguria bakery was already closed(Mamma and daughter were in the street waiting for their ride home) and Tony's Pizza was too busy. So, to Original Joe's, the newest addition to Washington Square.
John Duggan and his family made the move from the Tenderloin only a few months ago, but the restaurant has made an impression on the area already. Here it was barely noon and the place was packed. A banquet was ongoing in the enclosed dining area. We were informed that the party included his honor, Ed Lee, Mayor of San Francisco, and his guests: the Lord Mayor of the City of Cork, Ireland, and his entourage. After their lunch was completed, we all met in the foyer, and handshakes all around as we traded pleasantries and various and sundry Irish heritage insights. The Lord mayor was here to promote trade and tourism with Cork and Ireland in general. Ireland's economic woes are well known, but nonetheless, business was being promoted, as it should be by these elected officials. Business cards were exchanged, and all things Tahoma were promoted among the Irish contingent.
It was a fine day in North Beach.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Easter Weekend Snow
Powder! The seldom heard word in the winter of 2012. But, this week, we hear of it again. More snow will fall this week, and the forecast for the holiday weekend is one of great spring skiing. ON what could be the last gasp of 2012 on the slopes, this weekend could be the topper: sunny conditions with fresh powder of good depth on all runs top to bottom. Hopefully, we won't be disappointed.
It has been a diificult season, to say the least for Tahoma businesses, Homewood Resort, and all the locals who depend on visitors to make their nut. While figures are still sketchy, it appears sales are off over 30%. Time will tell. With the presidential election about 7 months away, locals will have something to discuss besides the economy of resort business.
Enjoy the powder and forget Obama and Romney,etc.
It has been a diificult season, to say the least for Tahoma businesses, Homewood Resort, and all the locals who depend on visitors to make their nut. While figures are still sketchy, it appears sales are off over 30%. Time will tell. With the presidential election about 7 months away, locals will have something to discuss besides the economy of resort business.
Enjoy the powder and forget Obama and Romney,etc.
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