Tahoma Glacier

Mt. Tahoma and the Tahoma Glacier

          Mt. Rainier is now Mount Tahoma.  But, 100 years ago, Mt. Rainier had a glacier on its western slope : the Tahoma Glacier.  In addition, there was another close by glacier called the North Tahoma Glacier.   These two are just a couple of a dozen or more glaciers that descend from the summit at 14,300' elevation.   The ancient volcano slumbers quietly as skiers, hikers, and climbers traverse the lower slopes.   Its gradually sloping shoulders afford easy access to the peaks that form the crest of the mountain.  At this height, snow and ice linger throughout the year.  Warm summers give hikers exquisite views in all directions.
          Tahoma Creek crashes down a narrow valley below the glaciers.  It is crossed by a magnificent suspension bridge(foot traffic only).  (see Wikimedia).
        The history of the above image
        The photo above was captured by the  company of Curtis & Miller, photographers.  It was on the face of a postcard mailed from Tacoma, Washington-Camp(fort) Lewis on Sept. 17, 1917! or almost 100 years ago.  Destination: Martinez, California.  A great family heirloom treasure.  No zip codes in 1917.   Postage; $0.01.   see stamp image for one cent stamp-Geo. Washington image w/ green background.
       The author(s) were two California servicemen who had been sent to Camp Lewis for basic training as WW I raged in France and other countries of Western Europe.  The US Army was preparing to send a division to help the beleaguered Allies who were struggling to contain the Kaiser's armies.   The authors complained about all the marching and drilling they had to do everyday.   Nothing has changed much except phones and TV.
      Note the caption in the upper left corner: The Switzerland of America.  Ahhh, boosterism.

Matthew Turner launch Date Set

      April 1st is the calendared day for the launch of the much heralded Tall Ship Matthew Turner.  She will be splashed in Sausalito at the US Army Corps of Engineer's dock and ramp with the help of Bigge Crane Co.  A grand party will accompany the event.  City fathers will turn out as will most of the townspeople.  It will be a triumphant day all around as the dream comes to life after many years of preparations, hard work (educationaltallship.org), and money spent.   After the splash, another 9 months of rigging and fitting will take place dockside.  All the interior finishing will be done, including the forecastle bunks, galley, salon, comm center/navigation center, and on board amenities and comforts.
      The propeller shafts arrived this past week and were carefully installed, port and starboard.   The count down continues, with about 32 days to go.   Friday night, the 24th of February, a documentary was shown at the Sausalito Public Library.  Over 300 locals attended and were treated to a wonderful chronicle of more than 5 years of construction and planning that has brought the ship to this point.   Director Alan Olson was on hand to answer questions and describe future operations for the Matthew Turner.
Don't miss the day: April 1, 2017 
Note: the current issue (Mar. '17) of yachting magazine Latitude 38 has a good article about the volunteers who have made the effort to build the shiplatitude38.com.

Feds Threaten to Enforce Marijuana Laws

      Californians are concerned after reading that the new AG of USA(AGOUS) will enforce federal drug laws concerning marijuana.  Despite 20 years of medical marijuana approvals in California, the weed is still considered a prohibited Class "A" drug and must be banned from sale, use, and distribution.  When will they ever learn?   Doesn't seem anytime soon.  More later.

United Health: Too Big to HIde?

      Well, hearing the phrase "it's too big to fail" ad nauseum has become tiresome, if not irritating.  But what of those companies that are too big to play by the rules, too big to be bothered by rules and regulations, so big that oversight is difficult if not impossible.   So here we have one of the largest healthcare insurance companies in America being charged by the Dept. of Justice with extensive fraud.    Hmmmm.   Can this be a company of our own peoples being charged with--theft of taxpayer dollars?   Will anybody go to jail?  Or, will they settle on a figure, charge it off as a cost of doing business and move on?   As we have seen with Wall Streeters, bankers, brokers, and other crooks, (you, Mr. Cohen), getting caught 'with-hand-in-till' is not the same as holding up a bank for a few grand.
      So, United Health will form up its legal beagles and jump into the ring with the crew from our DOJ and go several rounds before opponents get tired of it all and negotiate a figure both sides agree to in settlement.   It's the new "legal system" we have come to appreciate in the 21st Century.  And we are still waiting for the 9th Justice of the Supreme Court, aka 'The Tie Breaker".
      United Health has been charged with inflated billing practices for its Medicare patients and other patients in various programs.   Claims are that the fraudulent practices go back ten years and amounts exceed billions of dollars.  Given the weight of rules and regulations insurers must follow, there will be intense debate over the very rules that the insurer has been accused of violating.   To be sure, the company has legions of staff members whose sole job is to "know" the rules.   This is to ensure that moneys collected have come from legitimate billing practices.   On the flip side, the government has its legions who do the same.   Results: court fight!
     My guess is a protracted dance around the rule book, some court action, and a settlement, probably within 4-5 years.  Ho-hum.

Greece: Again

    Well, our Greek friends are up against it. again.  As the current government of Alex Tsipras tries to negotiate another bailout infusion, the Director of the IMF, Christine Laguard, stated that any funds will hinge on new policies being in place for Greece before that can happen.  What are those policies?  First, tax reform-the small tax base cannot sustain the government at its current level.  Taxes must increase and the numbers government employees must be reduced.  (makes good sense to me).  Pension reforms must be enacted-read reduced in numbers and in size.  How can the numbers keep expanding if fewer workers are contributing?
     But the biggest obstacle is the attitude and practice of politicians who are of the belief that Greece is too important a member of the EU and further that the EU/Brussels will save the country from a possible financial meltdown.  This is an ongoing struggle for Greeks: stay and maintain the status quo:: leave and plunge over the abyss.
      This tiny country of 10 millions has been existing on credit for so long, they've neglected to reform or even recognize the need for reform.  Now, the payment(s) are due and payable.  It seems that the cost of maintaining a sovereign government is expensive.  Unless those in charge keep costs under control, Greece happens: more living off the fat(?) than can be supported by the few.  Perhaps it is time for Greece to fold into the broader EU which can provide needed public services such as health and defense.   Think of how much Greece has to spend in these two areas alone.  It would be as if the City of Los Angeles had to provide a military, a state dept., a health system, a school system, etc.,etc.   It would be almost impossible.  Can it be done ?  Of course.  See Switzerland.
     Keep in mind, this is the Greece that filed charges against the head of the statistics department because the government didn't like his numbers.   Not only was he charged, but he was convicted.  Fortunately, he left before the conviction and is living in the USA awaiting to hear on his appeal.  Very sad, really, but predictable.
     The end of the story has yet to play out, and the clock is ticking.

SpaceX Success: Florida

    All hail Elon Musk.  He's done it again.  SpaceX successfully launched a cargo rocket from Florida's Space Coast site.  After a 48 hour postponement triggered by onboard computers, the go signal sent the rocket into space.  The 229' craft is a symbol of the US' resurgence in space technology, aided in large part by Mr. Elon Musk.  He is today's premier entrepeneur, bar none.  Whether in his TESLA automobile or his Solar company, he is the leader and chief disrupter.  The doubters were legion and he has put them all under his sway.
      Despite all the problems, all those who said a private company could not do it, he has done the "impossible"- overcome government lethargy, stagnation, and bureaucracy.  Now the US government is paying him to do what they failed at- maintaining a real space program.  Lockheed and Boeing bow down in awe of this modern day Howard Hughes.  Yes, he is American via South Africa and Canada.   He saw opportunity and he grabbed it.  HIs early efforts in Silicon Valley gave him the confidence needed to overcome obstacles wherever he encountered them.
       Now SpaceX will continue to prepare to land crews on the moon and Mars in the near term.
Go Elon.

Ski Conditions: All Excellent

     No excuses today: weather is almost perfect:  light winds-3-5 mph; snow flurries; 4" of fresh powder; holiday spirit, cold temps: presently 28 deg, lakeside, 23 deg. mountain.  The lifts are open.
Go for it.
     Look for the Mayor in his top hat and tails.

Ecuador and the City of London

      While we mentioned London a minute ago, we should mention the Embassy of Ecuador in that city and its particular guest resident, Julian Assange.  He's been living there for almost 5 years.  While not a prison, the confines are probably getting old and tight as he awaits his fate.  To be continued.

City of London and the Climateers

        Well, have you been to London lately?  Have you seen London lately?  You may have been there, but you couldn't see it for the air pollution.  In the city of London, there's an obvious, visible problem: toxic levels of air pollution.  Hmmmm.  Is this new?  Sudden onset?  No, it's been a problem, and now made worse by government action.  That's right.  In its attempt to reduce air pollution, it instead created lots  more.  The real culprit: diesel engines in the nation's autos.  The gases produced include nitrous dioxide(NO2) and microscopic carbon particulates, those particles most dangerous to human lungs.
        Hmmmm.  How does this happen in the age of science and research?  The testing indicated to observers that diesel engines produced less pollutants than did diesel engines-in lab tests.  However, in the field, where cars are driven, the reverse is true: gasoline(petrol) engines actually produce less pollutants than the much vaunted and government encouraged diesels.  Over 50% of the  autos in London are diesels and numbers have increased from 601,456 in 2012 to 774, 513 in 2015, or 29% over 5 years.
      The mayor of London, Mr. Sadiq Khan, says things have to change and they will.  He has adult onset asthma.  With pollution levels exceeding those of cities such as Beijing, Hyderabad, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Delhi, something must be done.
      Bicycles you say?  Well if you want to eliminate cyclists, Ok.  Those bicycle riders are exposed to the most pollution as they ride their rigs to work along established bike routes they share with buses and autos.  It's been shown that adding bike lanes leads to congestion which slows traffic which produces more pollutants which cause higher and higher levels of NO2.  The switch to gasoline engines will take incentives(money) and will take time.  The more time it takes, the more illnesses and deaths attributed to toxic air.  What to do?
      Plans run from extreme to casual with lots in between.  Included are plans to raise the inner zone tax/fee to $12/day for polluting vehicles; in 2019, a new, expanded low emission zone across London will cost $15 a day for drivers to enter.  Also, the creation of 12 hybrid or electric bus zones that will service key routes in the city.
     In the meantime, look for health aware citizens to be wearing masks of various types to protect themselves.  Schools are considering giving masks to children to protect their young organs from obvious harm.   Elderly citizens will have to decide to remain in the polluted city, or move to the country for clean air.  All action plans have costs, financial and personal health.  Let's not mention the details of the EU's plan to fine the UK for exceeding air pollution standards.  Too toxic a topic.
     Good luck, Mr. Khan.  Keep your gas mask handy. 

Adele Wins Grammies

   Well, pop star Adele made it a complete sweep last night at the Grammy Awards Show.  She took a number of awards including song of the year, album of the year, and artist of the year.  Her big album was 25, which sold millions.  Her song, "Hello", was widely acclaimed, deservedly so.  She was most gracious during the event, extending accolades to her producer and arranger.  She also sent kudos to the singer Beyonce', who was a runner up in many of the same categories.  Adele praised her work, and praised her for her humanitarian efforts.   Adele represents the group of youthful artists who have claimed the top spots in the world of pop music.

CORD Roadster-1930 Model

engine compartment

seat/steering wheel/rag top

spoke wheel with Cord logo

rear wheel, taillight, luggage box, bumper

     Had lunch Friday with my two favorite restoration specialists in Sebastopol.  We were joined by two other specialists:  Henry does Bugatti's, and Ted does Cords, but later models.  Talk went around, but stayed automotive for the most part.  The boys with the roadster recently received the vehicle back from the upholstery shop in Petaluma where a fine craftsman works on only the finest cars.  This roadster has beautiful leather seats and a rag top.  The rag top has an interesting history.  How does one duplicate a 1930 version of material?  Why a custom cloth maker does the work, copying the weave just like the original.  This is what purists demand.  This vehicle is being prepared to be shown at only the most exclusive auto shows.  The only parts remaining for installation are the fenders front and back; the headlights, the running boards, and a few pieces of chrome trim here and there.  And then, done.  After 30 years of searching for original parts, the project can go into the finished column.  I can't wait for a ride around the block.  See photos.
     Note: the final assembly has not been finished;  missing here fenders, running boards, head lamps, and some door trim.  The front seat is beautiful top grade leather, in a light grey.

Lake Oroville on the Move

       Well, Democrats in Sacramento woke up this morning with another headache.   Evidence abounds that state water officials rejected environmental groups efforts to cover the dam's emergency spillway with concrete -10 years ago.   Hmmm.   Where have all the rats gone off this sinking ship?  Hmmm.  Retired wirth nice fat state pensions, of course.   meanwhile, 190,000 residents of the town of Oroville have been ordered to evacuate their homes immediately because of the increase in chances of a catastrophic dam failure at Lake Oroville.   Capacity of the dam reached 100% on Saturday and officials ordered water released using the emergency spillway.  Then lo and behold, the dirt lining of the spillway began to erode away.  No surprises here for anybody with a brain.  Pour water on dirt and voila'= erosion.
       Gov. Moonbeam Brown has put the entire California National Guard on alert for immediate deployment to Oroville.  Great, Jerry.  Maybe you should drive up and take a peek.  Show some serious political involvement-for the people.  Just think:  an entire town orderd out of their beds into the cold winter weather for an indefinite time.  Could be expensive for folks living pay check to pay check.  And after 5 years of drought, maybe the folks at the dept. of water resources could have looked over the dam's construction, looking for flaws and damage after nearly 40 years of usage.  What good is the storage of water if it all has to be dumped before farmers and ranchers can use it for irrigation?   Ahhhh, the incompetence.   Makes Washington look good.
      Engineers are working furiously to avert a disaster.  Water levels have dropped below the lip of the emergency spillway, and crews are dumping bags(?) of rocks into the channel of the spillway.  Will this work to alleviate the danger/  Your guess is as good as mine.  Maybe Si o Maybe No.   More rain isn't expected until Thursday.  So, the rock heads have 3 days to work some magic.  The snow in the Sierra won't begin melting for another few weeks: then the fun really begins.
      Go Jerry, Go.   Tell Ann, the wife, to start packing: the flood could reach Sacramento and you will have to join the exodus.   Enjoy president's day.
Happy Birthday George and Abe.

How's Vladimir Kara Murza?

      The world awaits word on the status of Mr. Vladimir Kara-Murza, lying in a hospital bed in Moscova, trtying to beat the poison given him , again, last week. 

Alexei Navalny Found Guilty

     Russyan opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, was found guilty of corruption by a court in Kirov, about 500 miles east of the Moscova cesspool.  he received a suspended sentence; but the conviction removes him from any hope of running against V.V. Putin in any election.  No doubt, this outcome is better than another poisoning which always causes discomfiture among the Kremlinistas.  Maybe Navalny will get the message without further complications.  maybe not.
   Seems that if one opposes the Kremlin, there's trouble.   Just look what happened in Ukraine.   Hmmm.  A rebel commander, supported by the Kremlin in its efforts in east Ukraine, was sitting at his desk conducting a meeting when, low and behold, some miscreant fired an antitank rocket through the window and killed the unsuspecting rebel leader.  Was he not responsive enough to demands from the kremlin?  He must have said the wrong thing and poison was not an option in this case.  He'll be mourned by a few of his comrades for a day or two, then, forgotten forever.   Mr. Putin, president of the largest country in the world, is navigating meetings on Syria and efforts to concluding that hot mess.   With all the "nuts" at the table there, one wonders how the Chief Nut has time to send a rocket through somebody's window.

Tahoe Lake Level Up

      Recent storms have pushed the lake level at Tahoe City above the natural rim.  As of this week, the level sits at about 6223' or 1' foot above the rim.  Hydrologists put up the figure of 8.9 billion gallons of water added to the lake just in the last week.   Since January 1, the amount is close to 5 times that amount.  It appears likely that 2017  will be a wet year for the Sierra in general and the lake in particular.  That's good news for all, especially in Tahoma where residents depend on the lake for everything.
       Now don't forget the skiing.  Nice powder can be found-in your driveway.  Well, yea.  But the slopes are also covered with blankets of fresh powder.  It might be the heavy, California version, but we'll take it, nonetheless.  As long as one can get to the slopes, the effort is worth it.   Get a hot wax job first to ensure a smooth ride down the hill.
      The State Water Resources Agency reports that the water temperature at General Creek(Sugar Pine Point Park) is 0.3 degrees C.  , or almost zero, or almost freezing.  Seems like it's normal there, again.   Need some ice?

S-U-P-E-R Bowl 2017 -L I(51)

     Well, the NFL is happy.  Over 113 million viewers watched a game they could only dream of: a nail biter.  The first overtime game in Super Bowl history(51 years of bowls).  The game had lots going for it:  a perennial favorite versus a newcomer upstart.  That is: the New England Patriots with veteran Tom Brady behind center versus the Atlanta Falcons with Matt Ryan at quarterback.  Both had come off good seasons with impressive records in all categories.  Yes, they are different teams, but well matched and well coached.  But, with these contests, one can never be sure of the outcome or the manner of victory.  All these unknowns add to an enticing matchup.  And, for your halftime entertainment, we have Lady Gaga and her troupe to keep you focused(on whatever).
     So, the first quarter 0-0.  Hmmm, not very auspicious.  Then, Atlanta breaks the game open:  turnover, touchdown.  Determined drive: touchdown.  Then, New England, field goal.  Then, a strong Atlanta drive: touchdown.  Before you know it, the score reads 25-3, Atlanta.  After another field goal, it's 28-3.   And, much to the surprise of Atlanta and New England both, that was the end of scoring for Atlanta.  
     The long comeback began slowly, with the Pats first touchdown late in the 3rd quarter.  Then after 3 and out by Atlanta, another long, tough drive by the Pats:touchdown, missed point after: 28-20.  Another missed opportunity by Atlanta gave the ball to New England and with 3 minutes to go, the Tom Brady-led team rolled down toward the goal line.  With 3 key penalties against the Falcons, the Bostonian faves did the impossible and tied the game 28-28.  Overtime: new territory.
      New England won the toss and elected to receive.  With steady effort, they marched relentlessly toward the end zone where they scored the winning touchdown, sending the entire East Coast into a state of euphoria.   Poor Matt Ryan, he never got to touch the football in the overtime.   The Atlanta defense, much vaunted as the best, could not hold the New England steamroller.   It was meant to be. 

Putin Goes to See Viktor

     Vladimir Vladimirovich is taking his show on the road to eastern Europe.  Welcome, Mr. Putin.   Hmmm.   The economy must be in worst shape than we thought.  Look for the price of oil to soften again.   Price of oil down today to $53./bbl.  See.

Another Poisoning in Moscova

      So, one opposes Mr. Putin.  What is in store for those who oppose Mad Vlad?  Let's go to a hospital(yes, there are some hospitals in Moskova) and look at the condition of Vladimir Kara-Murza, the journalist.  He's fighting for his life; yes, he's near death, again.  It appears to all observers that he's been poisoned.   Hmmm.  This is the second time the poor guy has gotten poisoned recently.  In 2015, he fell ill after being poisoned.  Thursday last, it was a repeat event: poisoned again.  He's only 35, but his youth cannot protect him against the severity of the poison.   No doubt the Kremlin wishes him gone, once and for all.  His friend, another Kremlin opponent, Gary Kasparov, stated that this could be the end for Mr. Kara-Murza.  He has been a long time contributor to various American news outlets(REAL, NOT FAKE).
     Does Mr. Kara-Murza pose a threat to Mr. Kremlin?  Hmmmm. Does a peaceful, native opponent pose a serious threat to anybody?   Apparently, yes, when it comes to Mr. Mad Vlad.  All opposition must be put down, harshly and immediately.  Send a message to all opponents: oppose us is to sign your own death warrant.
      Welcome to the "New" Russya.
Status as of 2/6/17
     Mr. Kara-Murza is on the brink andis not expected to survive the hospital.  He is unconscious, and unresponsive.

Winter: 2017:Update

    Well, the holidays are over; and it's still snowing.  Wonderful.  The West Shore locals are reveling in the quiet glory of midweek skiing opportunities.  Resorts give ample time off to their employees(maybe not enough) to hone their respective downhill skills.  It's been awhile since these opportunites have presented inside the Basin.  This is the way it should be.  My good buddy, Lawrence, has been complaining about excessive amounts of the white stuff he has to move out of his drive way.  Get a life, lawrence.  It's Lake Tahoe, and it's W-I-N-T-E-R.  So Lawrence goes and does what red-blooded 'Merikans do: he bought himself a nice new Kubota tractor, complete with snowblowing attachment.  This $22,000 machine has all the bells and whistles except an enclosed cab for -winter.  Lawrence: did you not realize when you need this baby?  When it's snowing, of course.  Oh, well.  It works for him.  But he has no room in the garage.  He'll have to build a shelter.  I guess he'll be calling for some carpentry help in the Spring.
    Let it snow.  All weekend, in the forecast.  Enjoy, Tahomans.