Cal Trans will begin work this summer on the extension of the bike trail from the Sugar Point Park boundary to the Meeks Bay Resort, completing the long-delayed project. It will commence operation of the work in July, after the holiday weekend, I suspect. THis is the third of 3 highway projects on the West Shore this season. The other two are the Fanny Bridge replacement in Tahoe City, and the other is drainage improvements(catch basins) from Wilson Ave. to Granlibakken Rd.
ONly 2 stoppages will occur at one time, possibly for up to 20 minutes.
Plan accordingly locals. Visitors will still be confused and confounded, again.
Tuesday, April 25, 2017
Monday, April 24, 2017
Rubies: Mozambique?
Miners reported significant amounts of genuine ruby(corundum) in surface deposits in Mozambique. Prices are falling as increased numbers of the gem come to market. Mine owners are also faced with the prospects of illegal miners stealing the rough gems from remote mine sites.
Most gem quality rubies have been found in Burma(Myanmar) and have a distinctive color, often called "pigeon's blood".
While no extraordinary-sized crystals have been advertised as found, marketing efforts could see a change in public announcements soon. Over the past 3-4 decades, many natural stones have been treated in various ways to enhance color and appearance. These methods include heat treatments, dyeing, oiling(to hide flaws on surface, surface coating(s), doubling/capping, and irradiation treatment(dangerous).
As always, buyer(s) beware when it comes to precious gems, especially over the internet.
Most gem quality rubies have been found in Burma(Myanmar) and have a distinctive color, often called "pigeon's blood".
While no extraordinary-sized crystals have been advertised as found, marketing efforts could see a change in public announcements soon. Over the past 3-4 decades, many natural stones have been treated in various ways to enhance color and appearance. These methods include heat treatments, dyeing, oiling(to hide flaws on surface, surface coating(s), doubling/capping, and irradiation treatment(dangerous).
As always, buyer(s) beware when it comes to precious gems, especially over the internet.
French Election Results: A Runoff Between Monsieur Macron and Madame LaPen
The earth shook and the result is a runoff election next month between to top two vote- getters. The entire EU breathed a sigh of relief. Brussels thought it might survive another year or two. French voters now can expect a new political landscape when the results of the next election are tabulated. Polls indicate that Mr. macron is heavily favored to win the contest. A former Minister of Finance for Mr. Hollande, he does not represent either of the two popular parties that have governed the nation since the beginning of the post-war period.
It's a new day in France.
It's a new day in France.
Sunday, April 23, 2017
Book Review: With the Old Breed at Pelelieu and Okinawa, E.B. Sledge
This book has been around for many years. It is a personal account on one man's experience and what he saw as a Marine infantryman during World War II in the Pacific. The man took notes! And he was able to save them. Both feats are remarkable in themselves. Sledge dropped out of college and joined the Marine Corps after Pearl harbor was attacked by the Japanese naval air forces.
He decided to publish his notes in book form and found a publisher in Novato, California to do the job. Presidio Press found a wide audience for this memoir. John Keegan, a noted military historian, called the book "one of the most important personal accounts of the war that I have ever read".
The battle of Pelelieu is not a well known incident of the war: a small coral island occupied by an entrenched Japanese force was attacked by Marines for dubious reasons. Many Marines died for little strategic value. The battle for Okinawa is well known: known as the last battle of WW II. It was a grim affair that was fought on land and sea. Kamikazes attacked US Naval forces at sea, sending many ships to watery graves. Many others were severely damaged and limped home to the West Coast for repairs.
The land battle was even worse. Marines had to deal with numerous Japanese troops hold up in caves that were deep and well defended. Many caves were just blown up at the entrance, sealing the occupants to a death in the dark. The Mayor has spent time on Okinawa and he has walked the ground at various locations. It is a place not easy to forget, even if the experience came years after the battle.
After Okinawa, Sledge was posted to China with the marines to assist in the protection of civilians caught up in the civil war between Mao Zedong and Chiang Kai-Shek. Not a good outcome from that experience. His book served as a core reference for the HBO mini-series; The Pacific, which featured several former Marines as actors.
This book is one that any historian should have to get an accurate account of one man's wartime activity.
He decided to publish his notes in book form and found a publisher in Novato, California to do the job. Presidio Press found a wide audience for this memoir. John Keegan, a noted military historian, called the book "one of the most important personal accounts of the war that I have ever read".
The battle of Pelelieu is not a well known incident of the war: a small coral island occupied by an entrenched Japanese force was attacked by Marines for dubious reasons. Many Marines died for little strategic value. The battle for Okinawa is well known: known as the last battle of WW II. It was a grim affair that was fought on land and sea. Kamikazes attacked US Naval forces at sea, sending many ships to watery graves. Many others were severely damaged and limped home to the West Coast for repairs.
The land battle was even worse. Marines had to deal with numerous Japanese troops hold up in caves that were deep and well defended. Many caves were just blown up at the entrance, sealing the occupants to a death in the dark. The Mayor has spent time on Okinawa and he has walked the ground at various locations. It is a place not easy to forget, even if the experience came years after the battle.
After Okinawa, Sledge was posted to China with the marines to assist in the protection of civilians caught up in the civil war between Mao Zedong and Chiang Kai-Shek. Not a good outcome from that experience. His book served as a core reference for the HBO mini-series; The Pacific, which featured several former Marines as actors.
This book is one that any historian should have to get an accurate account of one man's wartime activity.
Warriors: Playoff Victory Number 3
The Warriors pulled another victory from the jaws of defeat. They were down by 17 points in the second half, and they couldn't hit a 3 or a 2. They were even missing free throws. And then: They turned the whole game around. It was fun to watch. Clay Thompson started the comeback, hitting a few three pointers, back-to-back. The Trailblazers had been holding their own and were making many shots. But, they went cold, and couldn't defend against the Warrior onslaught.
So, the Bayside Boys are up: 3 games to nil. One more game to go to move on.
So, the Bayside Boys are up: 3 games to nil. One more game to go to move on.
Venezuela: Getting a Bit Rough
Need to buy a Chevy? Well, it will be a lot harder in Nicolas Maduro's Venezuela. He decided to seize GM's automobile plant last week for several fake reasons, mostly known only to him. GM followed the action with its own decision: it will close the operation and lay off the 2700 employees. America's largest auto manufacturer says they have been forced to cease operations because of the illegal seizure of its assets by the government.
According to the NY Times, political tensions, corruption, high crime rates, a restrictive investment law and interruptions of electrical service have made doing business in Venezuela akin to running an obstacle course en route to bankruptcy. Hmmm. How long can the dictator survive before the military seizes control of the country and imposes martial law? I would guess not much longer. With starvation the new reality and gangs of thieves roaming freely about cities and towns, a refugee crisis is just around the corner. What will the O.A.S. do to alleviate conditions that have been going on for years since the old dictator, Hugo Chavez croaked in 2013? The O.A.S. has been around since 1889. Maybe they can come up with a solution. Maybe not. Maybe the president in Ecuador will offer assistance; maybe not. Maybe aid will come from Peru; no, not a chance. Chile? Ha. Bolivia? More ha.
So, the poor folks in Venezuela will suffer more deprivations; more indignities; more deaths as a result of a man whose idea of governance he probably read on a milk carton.
According to the NY Times, political tensions, corruption, high crime rates, a restrictive investment law and interruptions of electrical service have made doing business in Venezuela akin to running an obstacle course en route to bankruptcy. Hmmm. How long can the dictator survive before the military seizes control of the country and imposes martial law? I would guess not much longer. With starvation the new reality and gangs of thieves roaming freely about cities and towns, a refugee crisis is just around the corner. What will the O.A.S. do to alleviate conditions that have been going on for years since the old dictator, Hugo Chavez croaked in 2013? The O.A.S. has been around since 1889. Maybe they can come up with a solution. Maybe not. Maybe the president in Ecuador will offer assistance; maybe not. Maybe aid will come from Peru; no, not a chance. Chile? Ha. Bolivia? More ha.
So, the poor folks in Venezuela will suffer more deprivations; more indignities; more deaths as a result of a man whose idea of governance he probably read on a milk carton.
Friday, April 21, 2017
Reno: New Land of Opportunity
Well, now, just when you thought everybody was happy in Reno, we find out that it has a housing crisis: as in not enough. The Carson City cowboys, that doesn't include Punch drunk Harry Reid, former US senator, have enticed businesses to relocate to Nevada by offering generous, long term tax breaks. Voila, housing crisis.
The Tesla factory, soon to be the largest building in the world under a roof, will need lots of housing. And, to top it off, Google just bought 1200 acres in the nearby industrial park for a future development. Things are rolling in northern Nevada. Unemployment is at 4.6%, and yet, more workers are needed. Employers are scratching their bald pates asking themselves, "where can we find more employees?"
The housing situation has led to a significant jump in home prices-almost double from 2012-$320,000 from $145,000 according to Reno/Sparks Board of Realtors. Apartment rents have also jumped to$1066 from $822. Vacancies are at 2.9%, from 5.6% in 2012. It was reported by the Western Nevada Development Authority that 30,000 jobs have been created since 2012, and another 30,000 are expected by 2020.
So, how does Reno respond: by taking 2 1/2 years to get a building permit. Hmmmmm. What's going on in these planning/permit departments? Nothing. The incompetent boobs probably show up at the office and think today is the same as yesterday. Political leaders are in the same boat. How tough can it be to accept change? Within the last 8 years, Reno was the center of foreclosures for the state and the West. Folks, we are in a new up cycle. Wake up, smell the coffee.
These facts will have an impact locally in Tahoma/Homewood. All those new residents and employees will be arriving on Highway 89 with plans for a nice visit and a vacation. They will need places to stay. Our own housing crisis has not been solved and will continue to get uglier as taxes increase as per Jerry Brown's recent moves indicate.
Reno: get with it: now's the time to speed up the permitting process. 2 1/2 years for a permit is absurd. Almost criminal. Time to break the rules and get things done.
The Tesla factory, soon to be the largest building in the world under a roof, will need lots of housing. And, to top it off, Google just bought 1200 acres in the nearby industrial park for a future development. Things are rolling in northern Nevada. Unemployment is at 4.6%, and yet, more workers are needed. Employers are scratching their bald pates asking themselves, "where can we find more employees?"
The housing situation has led to a significant jump in home prices-almost double from 2012-$320,000 from $145,000 according to Reno/Sparks Board of Realtors. Apartment rents have also jumped to$1066 from $822. Vacancies are at 2.9%, from 5.6% in 2012. It was reported by the Western Nevada Development Authority that 30,000 jobs have been created since 2012, and another 30,000 are expected by 2020.
So, how does Reno respond: by taking 2 1/2 years to get a building permit. Hmmmmm. What's going on in these planning/permit departments? Nothing. The incompetent boobs probably show up at the office and think today is the same as yesterday. Political leaders are in the same boat. How tough can it be to accept change? Within the last 8 years, Reno was the center of foreclosures for the state and the West. Folks, we are in a new up cycle. Wake up, smell the coffee.
These facts will have an impact locally in Tahoma/Homewood. All those new residents and employees will be arriving on Highway 89 with plans for a nice visit and a vacation. They will need places to stay. Our own housing crisis has not been solved and will continue to get uglier as taxes increase as per Jerry Brown's recent moves indicate.
Reno: get with it: now's the time to speed up the permitting process. 2 1/2 years for a permit is absurd. Almost criminal. Time to break the rules and get things done.
Sunday, April 16, 2017
The Drought is Over: Brown Raises Taxes by $5 Billion
As storms continue to dump rain over the north State of California, the Old Goat of Sacramento, Jerry Brown, has finally, yes, Finally, declared the drought "officially" over. Thank you, Sir, you are too kind. But in the same breath, he encouraged the lopsided state legislature to vote on another incredible tax increase. This increase will suck $5.3 billions of dollars/per year-(per year!) from taxpayers -statewide-allegedly to pay for infrastructure improvements and upgrades.
Welcome to the Bluest state on the planet. This is how a single party in control does business. A few legislators cringed at the thought; but, after a little cajoling by Chief Arm-Twister DeLeon, the trio fell into line and voted yes. The tax will fall on vehicle owners in the form of higher vehicle registration fees and, of course, gasoline and diesel fuel taxes-per gallon, on top of those already imposed. Yes, Bunkie, it will cost more to drive to work, and to drive over to Mom's house on Sunday for a visit to Granny(How quaint, the thought!).
Pundits like to point out California's high income taxes. These new taxes are called fees. Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahha. As though they were imposed by United Airlines, like extra baggage.
Get out of the way: emigrants coming. The unemployed and under-employed will soon be heading east for a break from this onslaught on wages and savings. Yes, Jerry Brown insists he won't be running for any office again: "this is it!," he says. How pathetic a legacy: a tax burden that would be impressive in Scandinavia, let alone the USA. But it is in CALIFORNIA, home to Silicon Valley and other mythical valleys.
Happy Easter.
Welcome to the Bluest state on the planet. This is how a single party in control does business. A few legislators cringed at the thought; but, after a little cajoling by Chief Arm-Twister DeLeon, the trio fell into line and voted yes. The tax will fall on vehicle owners in the form of higher vehicle registration fees and, of course, gasoline and diesel fuel taxes-per gallon, on top of those already imposed. Yes, Bunkie, it will cost more to drive to work, and to drive over to Mom's house on Sunday for a visit to Granny(How quaint, the thought!).
Pundits like to point out California's high income taxes. These new taxes are called fees. Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahha. As though they were imposed by United Airlines, like extra baggage.
Get out of the way: emigrants coming. The unemployed and under-employed will soon be heading east for a break from this onslaught on wages and savings. Yes, Jerry Brown insists he won't be running for any office again: "this is it!," he says. How pathetic a legacy: a tax burden that would be impressive in Scandinavia, let alone the USA. But it is in CALIFORNIA, home to Silicon Valley and other mythical valleys.
Happy Easter.
Homewood resort Closes for Season
After months of excellent snow and excellent timing, Homewood Ski Resort closed today(4pm). The past week was actually part of an extended season to accommodate spring skiers taking a week of holiday fun by Lake Tahoe. Resort owners will again have to decide about the future of Homewood Village, the long delayed development at Highway 89 in Homewood. Go or No go is the question. Everybody would like to see the future, but alas, we are only mortal men and women with limited powers of perception and foresight.
Given the resurgent economy, maybe the developer will finally put up the funds. Maybe not.
Given the resurgent economy, maybe the developer will finally put up the funds. Maybe not.
Tall Ship launched: In the Bay
They were treated to a novelty rarely seen by anybody these days in and around San Francisco Bay.
While common 100 years ago, ships and boats of any size are seldom built on American soil. Perhaps because this ship utilized volunteer labor during its 4+ plus years under construction, the organization was able to make it happen with few paid staff.
The organization, eduactionaltallship.org, has put together a great group of craftsmen volunteers who were more than willing to stay involved until this point. Another year of rigging lies ahead as the interior finishing requires months of attention.
Whoops! United Airlines Raises Passenger Ire
Well, it's a case of too much money, again. Airline profits are soaring as the recession recedes into history. Oil/fuel prices are stable and new fees have fattened bottom lines. The result of all these factors: corporate arrogance. Reminds one of the banking business, in all its forms.
So, what happened? A passenger on a UA flight was bumped, but with a different twist. The overbooked flight had few takers for the airline's offer of $$$ for leaving to take a later flight. UA wanted to use seats for crew who had to return to a base hub. A passenger, a Dr. Gao, was ordered to leave his seat and take a later flight. He explained that he was a doctor and had patients with appointments. Chicago airport police were called and they came aboard the aircraft to talk some "sense" into Dr. Gao. Within minutes, Dr. Gao was forcibly removed by having the police drag him from his seat, then dragged by the arms down the aisle to the hatch. During this action, the doctor's nose was broken; he suffered a concussion, and severe bruises over his entire body. Somehow, the doctor re-boarded the plane after his removal. This confounds investigators as this was not supposed to happen.
The doctor is in seclusion, talking with his lawyer(s) pending the filing of a multimillion dollar suit against the airline.
The CEO of the airline offered several lame excuses. The chairman of the board offered even more lame excuses. Videos of the whole affair are on the internet, as one would expect. Airline passengers/users are outraged because they identify with Dr. Gao. We know about the power of the airlines these days, and understand the precarious nature of your "paid" ticket. Nobody knows what a ticket really costs these days. We do know that all the flights are full and the airlines have added fee after fee after fee to fatten the bottom line. In addition, seats are smaller than ever; carry-on restrictions grow ever more strict; food is none existent; service not helpful; crews overworked; lines longer than ever; policies are changed on a whim; and regulators are not worthy of the name.
Will Congress step up? Hardly. Will the FAA intervene? Will UA change? Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha.
So, what happened? A passenger on a UA flight was bumped, but with a different twist. The overbooked flight had few takers for the airline's offer of $$$ for leaving to take a later flight. UA wanted to use seats for crew who had to return to a base hub. A passenger, a Dr. Gao, was ordered to leave his seat and take a later flight. He explained that he was a doctor and had patients with appointments. Chicago airport police were called and they came aboard the aircraft to talk some "sense" into Dr. Gao. Within minutes, Dr. Gao was forcibly removed by having the police drag him from his seat, then dragged by the arms down the aisle to the hatch. During this action, the doctor's nose was broken; he suffered a concussion, and severe bruises over his entire body. Somehow, the doctor re-boarded the plane after his removal. This confounds investigators as this was not supposed to happen.
The doctor is in seclusion, talking with his lawyer(s) pending the filing of a multimillion dollar suit against the airline.
The CEO of the airline offered several lame excuses. The chairman of the board offered even more lame excuses. Videos of the whole affair are on the internet, as one would expect. Airline passengers/users are outraged because they identify with Dr. Gao. We know about the power of the airlines these days, and understand the precarious nature of your "paid" ticket. Nobody knows what a ticket really costs these days. We do know that all the flights are full and the airlines have added fee after fee after fee to fatten the bottom line. In addition, seats are smaller than ever; carry-on restrictions grow ever more strict; food is none existent; service not helpful; crews overworked; lines longer than ever; policies are changed on a whim; and regulators are not worthy of the name.
Will Congress step up? Hardly. Will the FAA intervene? Will UA change? Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha.
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
U.S. Banks: Gotta LOve 'Em
It was reported last week that US banks have made a considerable sum charging fees for certain transactions of their customers. Such fees include those for paying for an overdraft on account; using an ATM machine for cash as on overdraw, and other retail services(normal, everyday clients).
The amount: $33.3 billion. $33,300,000,000. Yes, 3 threes followed by 8 zeros. Count 'em. Most of this money was sucked right out of people's pockets. Some clients don't even realize it's gone. Others are only perplexed. But the banks know how people react to these fees because they can analyze mega data and adjust the algorithms to extract just the right amount. Bank regulators don't seem to concerned for retail clients. Consumer groups appear to be asleep at the wheel; and small business sees their sales figures decline(along with all other major retail outlets).
So, the banking " business" is really, bad for business as it continues to suck money out of circulation and send it to Wall Street.
Mr. Trump: get to work and fix this financial shakedown of the citizenry. Oh, while you're at it, dump some of the Goldman Sachs operatives on your staff. For the good of the republic.
The amount: $33.3 billion. $33,300,000,000. Yes, 3 threes followed by 8 zeros. Count 'em. Most of this money was sucked right out of people's pockets. Some clients don't even realize it's gone. Others are only perplexed. But the banks know how people react to these fees because they can analyze mega data and adjust the algorithms to extract just the right amount. Bank regulators don't seem to concerned for retail clients. Consumer groups appear to be asleep at the wheel; and small business sees their sales figures decline(along with all other major retail outlets).
So, the banking " business" is really, bad for business as it continues to suck money out of circulation and send it to Wall Street.
Mr. Trump: get to work and fix this financial shakedown of the citizenry. Oh, while you're at it, dump some of the Goldman Sachs operatives on your staff. For the good of the republic.
Mr. Putin: Welcome Back to St. Petersburg
So, a Russyan citizen blows himself up on a subway train. Sadly, he murdered 14 innocent people while making his final statement of his miserable life. Turns out, he was a 22 year old former immigrant from Kyrghistan, a former Soviet republic. Video cameras in the subway station have photos of him walking on the boarding platform. Investigators also found DNA evidence on another bomb that was defused before detonation. Good work, there.
All of this mayhem happened to coincide with a visit to the city by Russyan President Vladimir Putin. He has a close relationship with this city, going back to his days as a young officer in the KGB when he served under the mayor of the city as his security advisor and Federal Security contact. No organization has stepped forward to claim responsibility, but the event also coincides with a bombing in Syria by regime airplanes that delivered poison gas munitions that killed an estimated 200+ civilians, including many children. Russyan military spokesman denied any use of such material.
This is not the first time that Russyan civilians have been targeted by militant terrorists with Islamist connections. The list is growing longer.
Perhaps Mr. Putin will tighten control; perhaps he will not. Perhaps he will give up activity in Ukraine; perhaps he will not. Perhaps he will give up Crimea; perhaps he will not. Perhaps he will deploy more missiles in Europe; perhaps he will not. Perhaps he will accept a million refugees from Turkey and Syria; perhaps he will not.
Have a nice day.
All of this mayhem happened to coincide with a visit to the city by Russyan President Vladimir Putin. He has a close relationship with this city, going back to his days as a young officer in the KGB when he served under the mayor of the city as his security advisor and Federal Security contact. No organization has stepped forward to claim responsibility, but the event also coincides with a bombing in Syria by regime airplanes that delivered poison gas munitions that killed an estimated 200+ civilians, including many children. Russyan military spokesman denied any use of such material.
This is not the first time that Russyan civilians have been targeted by militant terrorists with Islamist connections. The list is growing longer.
Perhaps Mr. Putin will tighten control; perhaps he will not. Perhaps he will give up activity in Ukraine; perhaps he will not. Perhaps he will give up Crimea; perhaps he will not. Perhaps he will deploy more missiles in Europe; perhaps he will not. Perhaps he will accept a million refugees from Turkey and Syria; perhaps he will not.
Have a nice day.
Saturday, April 1, 2017
Trouble in Venezuela: Again
The pro-Maduro Supreme Court of Venezuela ruled that the National Assembly was illegal, and, hence, dissolved. This is seen as one more step on the road to full blown dictatorship of the Maduro regime, the stepchild of Hugo Chavez' chavismo regime that has caused nothing but chaos and pain for the people of this Latin American country.
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