Book Review: The Kid-The Immortal Life of Ted Williams: Part I

      The parents of baby boomers(post WW II gen) were kin to that baseball icon, Ted Williams.   Born in San Diego, California in 1917, he grew up without home electronics, without much of anything, really.   Ben Bradlee, Jr. has written the definitive biography of an American life about which much has already been written.  The amount of written material focused on the life of one man is hard to imagine.   For over 22 years, he dominated the print media with his marvelous exploits while playing the All American game of baseball.
      He came of age during the depression years 1929-1940.   He played high school ball at Herbert Hoover High School in San Diego and displayed considerable talent.   Enough talent to be signed by the San Diego Padres of the old Pacific Coast League.   There were no major league teams west of St. Louis until 1957, when the New York Giants and the Brooklyn Dodgers moved to S.F. and L.A.  While a senior in high school, he look leave in the spring to play for the Padres, and when the season was over, he returned and finished his last semester.(couldn't do that today).  During the winter, an agreement was reached with the Boston Red Sox owner, Tom Yawkey, who bought the Sox a few years before for about $500,000.
       Young Ted would break in at age 19.   At 6'4" and 140, he was not very impressive, even in 1939, until he swung his bat.   That swing would turn heads and captivate a baseball crazy nation that longed for diversion from the harsh reality of the Depression.
      The author, Ben Bradlee, a writer editor for the Boston Globe for 25 years, began his research in 1999, 3 years before Ted died.   He was thus able to discuss the man's life in the present tense at the beginning.   He interviewed over 600 people: from family members, his 3 children, his wives(exes), to former teammates, coaches, mentors, friends and enemies.   Since he served in the military for over 5 years during his prime, his former squadron members gave ample testimony to his service as a Marine fighter pilot during WW II and Korea, where he survived being shot down and riding the jet in for a "wheels up" landing.
       He retired in 1960 after 22 years of professional baseball.   His accolades and accomplishments put him in Cooperstown on the first ballot as soon as he was eligible, quicker than Joe Dimaggio.
    Upon his retirement from baseball as a player, he began a career in business as a sportsman/spokesman for companies who recognized his prowess as a master fisherman, accomplished on freshwater as well as the ocean.   His Florida headquarters were  on the island of Islamagorda where he had a home.
Part II shortly(when I finish the book)

Italian Invasion: Northern California-2013

       The Mayor and the Deputy hit the road today, heading north, toward Mendocino County.   We were meeting a representative  from Oregon's Columbia River basin, vic. Portland.   He invited us to discuss the development of a very special pig farm in the Yorkville highlands, near the Sonoma/Mendocino line, about 10 miles west of Cloverdale.
     We met at the Diavola restaurant in Geyserville, on Highway 128.  Now Geyserville is not a large metropolis, noted for vineyards and an Indian casino.  There's also a large sawmill on the edge of town at the intersection of Hwy 101 and Hwy 128.   Diavola is not a pizza place, but it serves great pizzas.   It has a menu that begs diners to try lots of tasty sounding items.   We opted for the beet salad, the pulled pork and fried oyster panino.   We shared an asparagus salad an tasted the  interesting pizza combo.   Service was excellent.  Their meat products are from local ranches, and their salumi are created on site(in the basement prep room).   It was a fine meal; we agreed to return again, soon.
     After lunch, we returned to Hwy 128 fro the short ride over the hill to the Yorkville highlands and the Acorn Ranch, adjacent to Hwy 128, about 9 miles from the 101 exit.   This section of the valley(Anderson) is hilly, rugged, with many springs and rock outcroppings.   The Acorn Ranch is a former sheep ranch that has now been converted into a functional pig farm with the beginnings of a unique breed of pig- The Cinta Sienese, the famous Italian pig from Tuscany province in Italy.  They are noted for the white stripe encircling their midsection.
      The founding pairs arrived just over a year ago, with Kay and Adam in charge of the operation.  Working closely with the owners, Peter and Mimi B., this young couple, after several years of apprenticeship(and years of formal university training), have managed to introduce a new product into the United States.  This is something rarely done  for many reasons, not the least, countries jealously guard their exclusive products.
        We arrived to find 2 sows nursing 20 newly arrived piglets, the second since arriving in the USA.   These squirming, whining little ones were getting one of their many meals for the day.   Alert and mobile, they instinctively sought their mommas.   It was quite the unusual experience for Tahomans.
       Kay and Adam explained the crux of their long range plans and the goal of making a commercial operation using these animals.  Unlike domestic breeds, the Cintas take 18-24 months before they achieve optimal market condition, ie. that period when their flesh has attained its distinct acorn based flavors.   No wonder the patient Italians prize this breed; and why tourists in Italy marvel at the unique flavors available in Italian cuisine.
      As the sun began to dip toward the horizon, we motored south, with plans to visit again soon and check up on this domestic but very Italian operation in Yorkville.  

Ukraine: Feb.23,2014

       The New York Times has front page articles reporting the latest news from Kiev, capitol of this eastern European nation.   The President, Viktor Yanukovych, has fled, leaving a power vacuum in his wake.   Former Prime Minister, Yulia V. Tymoshenko, just released from a prison hospital, spoke at Independence Square, announcing her release.  She may run for office again in upcoming elections, despite obvious ill-health.
        Citizens of the country, both east and west, were pleased with recent developments, but face an uncertain future.  Vladimer Putin, President of Russia, has yet to make a formal statement on the change in the government.   Outside observers, especially those from the EU, can only hope the situation does not deteriorate into civil war.  Tensions between east and west Ukraine have divided loyalties.
More later.

Powder Fans: Big Storm expected this week

     Tahoe locals rejoiced at weather forecasts fro a big dumping this week.  Despite the late date, temps will stay low enough to keep the powder around for awhile, and give boarders and skiers plenty of  "slopestyle".
       All the competitive skiers will lament the ending of the Olympics at Sochi today.  The 4 man bobsled will finish, a few alpine events will wrap up, and the closing ceremony will display all the good will that accompanies the 2 week international festival.   Not to be overlooked will be the nearby unfolding of events in Ukraine.
      Today's headlines list the latest developments in that country, literally on the doorstep of Sochi(about 120miles west, sharing a Black Sea address).   The president has fled, the ex-president has been released from prison, and a former prime minister has reorganized the Parliament.   hopefully, these actions will preclude further violence that marked the last 2 weeks of unrest in the Ukraine.

Jan Koum: Jan Who?

     After years of living in obscurity,  Jan Koum has had a coming out, of sorts.   His life will never be the same.   He started a company in Mountain View, California in 2009.   2009.  2009.   Not that long ago.   His company, privately held, with 55 employees, was sold to Facebook and Mark Zuckerberg for -------19 Billions of Dollars.   Let's repeat that one more time: sold for 19 BILLIONS of Dollars.
      The young man, a native of Ukraine, came to the US as a sixteen year old.  He wanted an easier, cheaper way to communicate with family back in Ukraine.  He succeeded with WhatsApp.   This program, which is free for the first year, allows a iphone/smart phone user to send messages over the internet from the phone, bypassing expensive communication service providers, saving users over 42 billion dollars in billings in 2013.
     It's about time consumers have an alternative to the international pirates who control the spectrum.  I think this young man may deserve a Nobel prize.   The investment group who put up $8millin in 2009, will see about 3billions worth return on that money.  Ahh, America.   Could this happen other places?  Maybe, but there's is something about Silicon Valley.  It's the water.
     Over 450 million users have signed up, mostly young folks.  hence, the facebook reasoning: get those youngsters now, before somebody else does.
     All the current events in Ukraine serve only to underscore the accomplishment of this immigrant from that country, and his success will only feed the desire of Ukrainians to throw off the Soviet yoke.

South Lake Tahoe Skier Wins Gold

     Maddie Bowman, a 20 year old skier from South Lake Tahoe, made two runs on the half pipe course, performing difficult tricks flawlessly, and her score of 89.50 gave her a commanding lead to take the gold medal in this first time Olympic event.   She joins Reno resident, David Wise, to give the USA a gold medal sweep in the half pipe ski event.
     She praised the late Sarah Burke, who died after an accident on a half pipe course in 2012.  Sarah Burke was the force behind effort to include the skiers half pipe event in the Winter Olympics.
Congrats to another world class effort from a local athlete.  All Tahoe citizens are proud.

Tax Time: 2013 in Review

     The Mayor handed off his paper work to the CPA to work out the details of the 1040 Return to be filed this year for 2013.   While not the task that it used to be, it's still fraught with issues: have we included everything necessary for the accountant to tabulate the amount due, if any?   Any missing 1099's, 1098's, and forms from the preparer?
    It's nice to be ahead of the April 15th deadline, which is still months away.   But, there could be a refund this year, what a novel concept- a refund.   Last year, the mayor thought he was in great shape, then the accountant said the State had settled with the IRS on a policy question that necessitated and amended return.  But somehow, instead of a refund, we owed money.
     How sad!  Oh, well.  This year should be different.  I'll know in a day or two.  After a couple of emails and 2 trips to his office, hopefully, all the docs are in his hands.   Obama and his gang have relegated tax reform to the bottom of his 2nd term agenda.  Don't look for any movement in this area at all.  Senator Harry Reid is still trying to figure out what's for breakfast.  I have no idea how people in Nevada can continue to reelect that loser.  The man should retire for the good of the state and the country.. The man is senile, for sure.
     Jerry Brown is about to announce more emergency funds for drought relief.  Drought relief?  That's one way of saying, " You corporate farmers will get money for anticipated loses.  Don't worry, the Dems have your back.  Tanks, Jerry, for spending my  tax dollars so efficiently.

Carolina Kostner, Italian Skater: Sochi Olympian, Feb. 19th

        Italy sent a remarkable talent to Sochi to represent our Italian brothers in figure skating competition.  Performing in the individual short program, Carolina performed an inspiring, flawless program with grace, skill, and maturity.  Will she win a medal?  We hope so; she gave one of the finest performances from an Italian skater in many years.   The 27 year old had contemplated retirement just a few months ago, but decided to seek an Olympic medal for her country.
   We'll be watching with Tahoma.

Minister of Aviation Visit Feb.17th

      The Minister of Aviation was in town on his way south from Oregon to Los Angeles.   He noted that he has been delivering instructional lessons to a duo of student pilots, perfecting their skills.   He also noted new FAA Rules requiring 1500 hours of flight time for qualification of the Airline transport rating.   This has caused considerable turmoil in the airline industry causing a shortage of qualified pilots.   Warned some time ago that this was coming, airlines have been unable to make up the shortfall.  Hence, flights and routes have been cancelled, causing passengers to scramble for fewer seats, especially on the smaller, short haul carriers.
     Since the military is no longer the prime source of experienced pilots, airlines are stuck between a rock and a hard place.   To train or not to train their own, that is the question.   Of course, small carriers cannot afford the expense of flight schools.   Major carriers abandoned in house training facilities years ago, relying on schools and university programs.   In addition, a four year degree is required for the jet transport rating.   Raising the bar by a considerable amount will have industry leaders scratching their respective heads: where are the pilots going to come from?  God forbid we pay them more.  We already took away their pensions.   Now, we have to give them more  rest time, too.  What's this world coming to?
    Keep your eyes on the skies.  Our Minister noted that he will soon be leaving on a Southwest inspection tour, gathering aviation news from various sources, to include Mexico.   We will be waiting for the results.

Dateline: Washington ,DC. Breakin!

     The Minister of Latin American Affairs had a rude awakening after work on Monday.  Leaving his office at the OAS in midafternoon, he returned to his home to find the door ajar and the customary hall lights extinguished.  Upon entry, he immediately noticed some missing items: TV's and computers.  He called 911 to report a possible burglary in progress.  DC police responded within minutes.   First arriving officers called for the Metro S.W.A.T. team who arrived moments later.  They used a tactical team approach to make sure the house was clear and safe.
     A full report was given to the PD, and a known inventory of missing items added to the report.   His impending move to a new apt. seems timely.  Fortunately, his losses were minimal, but his 4 housemates have losses.  It was a reminder that big cities continue to offer opportunities to the criminal elements found everywhere.
     Our minister, ever the optimist, took the invasion in stride, and has moved on, literally and figuratively.  He was advised by the Mayor to get his renters' insurance policy immediately.  He agreed it was time.

Stienstra on the Bears, Feb.16th,'14

   Outdoor writer can't get enough of Tahoe's bears.  This week's column highlights our local bruins and their impact on local residents.  Apparently, the bears have become accustomed to humans and human activity.   When locals encounter a bear nearby, which has occurred with some regularity, neither bear nor human over react.  Stienstra noted that some locals think it daring to give a bear a "love" tap on the bear butt.  Hmmmm?  How could this accident be prevented?   Now a black bear is not a grizzley; they are the more docile, less aggressive species.   An attack is quite rare, usually following a last ditch escape effort on the part of the animal.
      It's nice to know that we Tahomans have not had the same number of encounters recently as they have had in Incline Village, Nevada, and its surroundings.   Maybe they can learn from us: don't feed'em. don't chase 'em, don't encourage them with niceties(food).
    It has become academic that brown bears are not hibernating; they are roaming the 'hood, looking for food.   So, we must remain on alert when out an about, especially early morning and late afternoon.

Local Boy Wins Gold

     What does a 23 yr old , married, father of a 1yr old daughter, do in his spare time?  He trains for the Olympics, of course.   With some of the best skiing in the world less than an hour away, David Wise of Reno, Nevada, put his time to good use.   He trained for the new event:freestyle skiing in the large half pipe course.   A gold medal winner in the X Games event, he parlayed that effort into Olympic gold at Sochi.   With difficult tricks and smooth delivery, he received high marks that became the score to beat.   With his wife in the stands, he delivered another medal for the American team, edging out 2 skiers from Canada and France.
Nice work, David.   I'm sure his daughter, home with Grandma in Reno, is very proud.

Art World SF: Valentines Day, 2014

      The Deputy Mayor and the Minister of Eastern Culture and Religions attended an exhibition at the DeYoung Museum in SF.  The Bulgari Exhibit, which the Mayor visited months ago, was still drawing crowds who wanted to view some of the most prized pieces of jewelry ever made.  Good reviews were forth coming.   As an added bonus, the pair were able to preview the next major exhibit: the Art and Artistry of Georgia O'Keefe.   In a major exhibition, examples of her work highlighted her long career and long life.  Many of the works came from different periods of her life reflecting the different locations in  which she lived: New England, New Mexico, and California.
      After the show, the Deputy Mayor, the Mayor, and the Minister met in Sausalito for a nice lunch at Cibo on Bridgeway.  It was warm enough to sit outside(while the East Coast was getting hammered by heavy snow and ice, as reported by the Minister of Lain American Affairs in Washington,DC).  A smoked salmon panini with squash and ginger soup took the edge off the appetite.

Sochi: Update: Feb. 14, '14

      The USA pulled off a rare feat this week: sending 3 athletes to the podium in one event- slopestyle skiing. Gold, silver, and bronze medals were one by the 3 Americans.   Not a bad day's work.   Also this week, a good measure of publicity went to Noelle Pikus-Pace, mother of two, who won the silver medal in women's skeleton, the one man sled w/o steering capability.  Rocketing down the zig-zag, 1.7 mile course at speeds reaching 80 mph with her family in the stands, veteran athlete Noelle put together 4 respectable runs to edge out the competition, including her teammate, Ms. Urhleander, who placed 4th by 0.04.
      Ms. Pikus-Pace's backstory is a good one.   She retired after the Olympics in Vancouver 4 years ago.   She missed the games in Torino 8 years ago after an accident broke her leg.   With the support of her family(read husband), she got back into the grind of training for Sochi.   And now, she has the metal to take home in the form of the Silver Medal.   Her energy and enthusiasm were on display whenever she was interviewed before and after her runs.   After her last run, she vaulted into the stands to give hugs to husband and children, a 'golden moment'.
      Meanwhile, in the neighborhood, the Sochi Polar bear club members hit the beach.   With air temps at 60 degrees or higher, it was easy to recruit a few members for the swim in the Black Sea.  With snow on the mountain tops in the background, a coalition of Russians and a reporter, splashed and swam a few strokes in the 49 degree waters.  While not freezing, one can only survive in such water for 10-15 minutes.
      Athletes reported slushy snow on many of the runs in the afternoon when temps rose well above freezing, with no snow in the forecast.

Italy: Same story-Fill in the Blanks: Fe. 14, 2014

       Our Minister of European Affairs sent a report to Tahoma Central on current political events in Italy.  Not good.  The Premier or Prime Minister of the country, Enrico Letta, tendered his resignation to President Napolitano on Thursday, effective yesterday, Friday, February 14th.  His term cut short by a vote of 'no confidence' by the Parliament where he could garner but 37% support from elected members.  Mr. Letta was not elected but appointed by the President less than 2 years ago.
       This movement was necessary as the 39 year old former Mayor of Florence, Mario Renzi, received overwhelming support from the major party, the Partita Democratica, aka, Communist Party.  A name change was necessary to disguise the origins and sources of party followers.  The myriad of parties in Italy is the number one reason for continuous stagnation in the ruling bodies of the parliament, both Senate and House.
      After the conviction last year of Silvio Burlesconi for various activities during his tenure as Premier, the center right coalition was unable to put together sufficient support to maintain control of Parliament.  If Renzi is appointed by Napolitano, he will be the 3rd Premier appointed without elections since Burlesconi's election and resignation.
      The economy in Italy, while showing signs of improvement, is hardly making significant gains.  Alas, business as usual is the situation. 

Beatles Redux :February 9th

    The Grammys show put on a tribute Sunday night to the Beatles- 50 years to the day since their appearance on the Ted Sullivan show in New York City.   It was a live performance attended by hundreds of fans who came, many by accident to witness the " British Pop Invasion of America".   This was the first  of 3 consecutive performances and introduced the entire country to the British rockers.   Paul McCartny and Ringo Starr were in attendance as were the widows of George Harrison and John Lennon.   The show featured present singers and groups performing the many hits of the Beatles.   Katie Perry, the star of today's music world, performed one of the great tunes of the Beatles.
       Paul and Ringo took the stage and also performed on guitar and drums.  For all Baby Boomers and their children, it was a walk down memory lane as hit after hit rolled through the '60's and '70's when the Beatles were at their peak and immediately after their breakup in 1965.   The individual histories of the members told wonderful stories of their collective humble beginnings in Liverpool, England.   The hits that they played, sang, and wrote were truly amazing in number and quality.  The fact that they collaborated on most of them is startling: how could such talent come together in one place at one time?
      50 years.   Then and now.   What a run!

Julia, Julia, Julia: Another Olympic Medal

      Tahoe's own, Julia Mancuso, pulled off an upset in the Sochi Winter Games.   As a distinct underdog, she entered the downhill slalom combined event with lots of hope.  The Olympic Valley resident(Squaw Valley,CA) needed an outstanding run to reach the podium.   With the German star setting the pace early on, the time necessary was clear before she started.   Skiing on a fast but lumpy course, she flawlessly negotiated the gates, finishing fast enough to score a Bronze Medal.
      Her family on the sidelines, cheered her incredible accomplishment.   She dedicated her victory to her late grandfather, Denny Tufanelli, who passed last year.  She won a 4th medal in her 3rd Olympic games-quite an accomplishment, and joins a select few athletes who have been able to reach such heights of success.
     Best wishes, Julia from all your friends in Tahoma and the West Shore.
Viva Italia!

Tahoe Local Wins Gold

   World Champion, Jamie Anderson, the snow board queen from South Lake Tahoe became the first women to win a gold medal in slopestyle snowboarding in the Olympics.  The 23 yr. old blonde was perfect on the course with near perfect tricks and maneuvers as she streaked down the course, stomping a perfect landing after completing a 720 spin.
       With her parents waving happily along with her 5 sisters, it was a sight to behold.  Her model good looks only added to the victory as she responded to questions from the media.  Although the favorite, the challenging course waylaid another boarder just after her run.   The boarder was able to finish the run but was taken to a nearby hospital for observation.  Her helmet was obviously split on the fall as her head slammed into the ground.
      Congrats Jamie.  All Tahoma is proud of your efforts.

Turning, Turning, Turning: Class week 2 of February

    Our instructor, the venerable Arthur Lutz, introduced the class to the workings of the lathe, the work horse of any machine shop.   That simple, elegant device that is used universally to manufacture most anything made of metal, be it steel, aluminum, titanium, magnesium, etc.   With wheels, cranks, chucks, gears, and gauges, to the uninitiated, it looks complicated and a bit dangerous, especially when turned on and spinning at 500-/+ rpm's.
       But, with Arthur's help, his clear and concise instruction, we novices were off and -spinning.   Our task is to create a die holder- a simple tool of aluminum stock, 1 1/4" in dia. by 6".   We were given a list of steps to follow that would produce the required result needed by the student to continue making progress on in-class projects.
      After a couple of hours of slow, steady effort, the tool began to take shape.   Class time ended and the project was put on hold until the next class period.   Cleaning up the shavings and trimmings underscored the effort to turn the solid piece into something useful.  The ever present Arthur, a paragon of patience, is always available to the confused newbie, stumped during a process at some point.   However, Arthur's teaching technique- minimum lecture, maximum 'doing' is perfect for the goals of the class:  to impart a working knowledge of machine tools.
    Next week: completion of the die holding tool.   Another step on the mayor's path to a new career.

Sochi: Off to a Good Start

     Well, the weather looks good in Sochi: TV coverage showed clear skies and lots of snow.  Snow boarders were working it, doing their 'slope-style'/ X games tricks and jumps.   An American, Sage Kotsenburg, won the gold medal in the first ever event of slopestyle snow boarding.  This is the event that two time gold medalist, Shaun White, withdrew from only last week, commenting that he did not think the course was safe.   The event had several components including rail riding, short jumps, long jumps, and trick jumps with steep landing zones.   As the cameras followed the boarders, viewers could see how dangerous the event is: one mistake among the different component parts could be disastrous, if not fatal.  Those crash helmets don't prevent broken limbs, dislocations, nor internal, soft tissue trauma.   Nonetheless, Sage looked exuberant with his gold medal and 15 minutes of fame.  The handsome Ceour d'Alene, Idaho native can now relax and enjoy the moment as the games get into full swing.
         In the Ice Palace, skate teams from various countries, had pairs and individuals  performing on the ice.   Scoring is a bit confusing as individual results are wound into team totals to raise or lower overall scores.  Again, the beauty of the skaters' performances highlight the games.
      Women's Mogul event was won by sisters from Canada, the LaPointes from  Montreal.  Justine and Clhoe won silver and gold, edging out reigning world champ, American Hannah Kearney, who won Bronze.   The 3rd LaPointe sister, Maxime, failed to make the finals.   The proud parents of the girls said they trained hard since the games in Vancouver and it was a "family" effort to reach the podium.   Nice story.
More to come.

Snow: Yes! Feb. 8th Afternoon

    Saturday update: 12" of fresh snow at lakeshore on Highway 89; 25"  at about 7300'.   And, it's still coming down.  Not much of a crowd because the weather yesterday limited travelers' access, especially over Highway 50.   Highway 80 was open with chain controls.
     More snow is in the forecast, but temps will rise and the snow will be mixed with rain at lower elevations.   Keep warm, drive only when necessary.
More later.

Weather Channel Coverage

     The West Shore received some nice publicity this morning via Al Roker and the Weather Channel.  One of their on scene reporters gave a report from mid-mountain at the Homewood resort with the Lake in the backdrop- Nice.
     They anticipate maybe 2 feet of powder at lake level, more on the peaks.  This is good, giving the ski areas a big boost for Presidents Day weekend in 10 days.   Oregon is getting a nice bit of snow, a little unusual for the Columbia Basin.   The Pineapple Express is the apparent source of this moisture.  While not "El Nino", the 'Express' is a welcome source to the dry coast.   All the doomsday predictions should be somewhat cooled after the rain/snow.   But, as we know, only complete restoration of averages will calm the irascible pundits.  Maybe a little flooding on the Upper Sac will help.   The fishing in some coastal rivers will improve, with high flows getting the spawn going.
Get the snow chains out, the rock salt, the shovels, blowers, and plows.
Smile.

Winter Olympics 2014 : Russia?

       Yes, tomorrow begins the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi.  A port city located on the Black Sea in south Russia.   This part of Russia has been a contested area for years as the Caucasus Mountain region has been a scene of continued unrest as Islamic militants have made a goal of separatism their main cause.  The Chechens come to mind.   Sochi lies south of the mountains and west of the area in dispute.
     The ski area is located outside the city, in the nearby mountains.   President Putin has made the games his signature event of his current office term.   Needless to say, security has been on the mind of all participants despite assurances from the Russia government that all steps have been taken to protect athletes and spectators in attendance.
    Given the numbers, the various venues included at Sochi and the many transportation modes, the task is formidable.   However, the Russians have a bit of experience in this area given the fact that Pres. Putin was head of the KGB at a young age.   He knows the territory.   Hopefully the various threats will not compromise the games.
     As a town with deep winter roots, Tahoma and its residents will be watching the Games; especially now that we have winter.  Finally.
       It appears that the Sierra will get a huge dumping this weekend-several feet of new powder, at least.  The snow level has dropped to around 3000'.   That means quite a bit on Highway 89 and the entire West Shore.  
    Drivers: man your plows!   Stock up on Friday as conditions will make driving very unattractive over the weekend.
     The Mayor will be at a banquet on Friday night, tasting some fine wines.  A toast to our Winter Games athletes.   How about Julia Mancuso and Bode Miller.   All primed and ready to perform to add to their medal count.

Report From Washington, DC; Super Bowl LVIII

   The Minister of Latin American Affairs reported a conversation with a US Dept. pf State official who passed on some inside information regarding a change in administrative policy and assignments within the department.  This is all good news as our Minister on the ground is waiting patiently for news about a possible assignment within the organization.
        Word could come at any time.   The Mayor was also informed by the Minister that he took an examination today for another potential assignment in the State Dept.  This would be a coup for Tahoma as it would represent a great leap forward for our Minister in Washington, a Latin American expert in geopolitics.

      Saturday evening, we hosted an event sponsored by the Minister of Far Eastern Cultural Affairs.  She spent the day escorting a representative from Pennsylvania's Dept. of  Music and Cultural Events.  The representative, Ms. Patrizia, had excellent weather to visit S.F.'s Chinatown, North Beach, the Embarcadero(SF Giants' Fan Day caused some traffic issues).  But a good time was had by all.  An evening dinner party was held at the Mayor's cottage near the Bay Shore.   A nice bottle of Central Coast cabernet was highlighted from Pasa Robles winery, Justin, 2008.  Excellent.
Our Minister explained certain issues with the recent declaration of a statewide drought emergency.  Coastside communities are more susceptible to service interruptions in the event of wells going dry and reservoirs drying up.   Operations could be seriously affected with guest services cancelled and organic farm products left unplanted for the growing season, with resultant cutback in financial budgets.   The State water agency announced a closure of allocations to all statewide districts for thr first time, ever.   Without a significant improvement in water storage amounts, Californians will have severe economic problems in the short term, complicating the sluggish recovery from the Great Recession of 2008.   Stay tuned.

Super Bowl 48
      Sad to report the Denver Broncos were defeated by the Seattle Seahawks, 43-8.  And it wasn't that close.   Things went badly from the beginning, with an errant ball centered over QB Peyton Manning's head into the end zone.  The 2-point safety were the first points of the contest.  Not a good omen.   Several more turnovers turned the game into a rout, as Seattle rolled over the weak Denver defense.    A late touchdown by Denver kept the score from being a shutout.   Next year, Peyton.   Paul Allen, late of Microsoft, the Seahawk's owner, accepted the Lombardi Trophy for the team.  Even the hyped TV ads were disappointing, if not lame.   Bruno Mars halftime show lacked interest or showmanship.  Next year.

Storm Door: Open: February 1

     Yes, however briefly, the door for some winter weather has opened, just a crack.   Some snow has finaly reached the west shore, giving purists a little powder to tempt their skills in more than slush and ice.   Rain actually fell in measurable amounts across Northern California and parts of central California.  Apparently, more will arrive later this week.  Let's keep our fingers crossed.