The Mayor hosted his old friend Zak last week. Zak is a professional photographer who likes pizza hia way. He has developed his own recipe that is a real crowd-pleaser.
Here it is for your dining delight. (Note: measurements are EXACT-follow closely for best results).
Ingredients
300 grams bread flour
6g. Kosher salt
3g. yeast
3.75teaspoons Olive oil
206.25g. room temperature water
use 19 5/8"by 13 3/4" _steel baking sheet
Combine dry ingredients + oil with a whisk. Add water slowly while dough mixes in a stand mixer for 6 mins.
Allow dough to rest for a few minutes while coating try with 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil.
Spill dough onto tray, spread with oiled hands. Cover with plastic wrap, spread as much as possible. Let dough rise for 1-2 hours minimum/ 4-6 hours maximum.
Preheat oven to 550 degrees F. When heated, remove plastic wrap, top with handful of parmesan cheese, parBake for 6-7 minutes.
Remove from oven, top with chunks, 1"-2" Square of mozzerella cheese, dollops of simple chunky tomato sauce, then crush a medium ball of fresh mozz. cheese, spread on top of sauce
bake for 6-7 mins.
Remove, top with fresh basil, pecorino cheese, parmesan cheese, e.v.o.o.
Back into oven directly under Hi-broiler for 1-2 minutes.
Enjoy!
Friday, September 29, 2017
I Mean It-Really
Have you noticed the prevalence of the phrase "I mean"? It has replaced every other American cliche' known to man. Sadly it pervades all forms of spoken communication. All professionals, talking heads, newsies, preachers, teachers, and those who should know better. I've taken it upon myself as Mayor of Tahoma to eradicate this catch all phrase as it indicates a pervasive lack of attention to the spoken word as we knew it.
It is as though we as a society must underline all statements made in whatever context we are communicating; what ever circumstance surrounds our speech; and no matter how high or how low the environment.
I mean-really; how could this happen? Think about it, I mean something has gone wrong with our brains. Remember when we used to speak without cliches'? I mean there was a time when we didn't have to clarify every little statement no matter how mundane. Now we must emphasize all our spoken efforts. I mean it's ridiculous.
Today's lesson No. 1
Focus on the phrase throughout the day in all forms of communication and all media that one is exposed to during the day. Report back ASAP.
More tomorrow on this problem that has taken America by storm.
It is as though we as a society must underline all statements made in whatever context we are communicating; what ever circumstance surrounds our speech; and no matter how high or how low the environment.
I mean-really; how could this happen? Think about it, I mean something has gone wrong with our brains. Remember when we used to speak without cliches'? I mean there was a time when we didn't have to clarify every little statement no matter how mundane. Now we must emphasize all our spoken efforts. I mean it's ridiculous.
Today's lesson No. 1
Focus on the phrase throughout the day in all forms of communication and all media that one is exposed to during the day. Report back ASAP.
More tomorrow on this problem that has taken America by storm.
Friday, September 22, 2017
FBI-1, China -0
No surprises here: Chinese business spy talks his way past corporate security. While the CEO was giving his staff a report he noticed the Chinese visitor sitting among the group. When he asked who this person was, nobody had an answer. He called security, who called the FBI, who responded immediately to the scene. Next thing you know, the perp was in 'cuffs and being escorted out of the building to a waiting car. Next stop: jailhouse. Hmmm.
Turns out this spy was a dual Chinese-Canadian citizen, aka an alien from the north. Anyone with a few bucks can buy his or her way into Canada these days. Even if you're Syrian of dubious background-welcome. But this man was bent on something a little more serious than refugee status. He was hoping to steal some proprietary information that he could pass on to his handlers in Beijing. This comes at a time when the credit rating of China has been downgraded because of increased debt loads carried by the government and state supported companies. The offender is locked up without bail. His case will be touted as an example of why Chinese businesses are not playing according to the rules. Dah!
More later.
Turns out this spy was a dual Chinese-Canadian citizen, aka an alien from the north. Anyone with a few bucks can buy his or her way into Canada these days. Even if you're Syrian of dubious background-welcome. But this man was bent on something a little more serious than refugee status. He was hoping to steal some proprietary information that he could pass on to his handlers in Beijing. This comes at a time when the credit rating of China has been downgraded because of increased debt loads carried by the government and state supported companies. The offender is locked up without bail. His case will be touted as an example of why Chinese businesses are not playing according to the rules. Dah!
More later.
Thursday, September 21, 2017
ZAPAD: Russya Moves Troops
Look, World, we're relevant. So, Little Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin watches his minions conduct a full scale military exercise near his beloved St. Petersburg(his home turf). His generals sat glum-faced as he posed for fotos with his field binoculars stuck on his face. I can see forever, he seemed to be saying.
"Look Little Baltic States, the famous Russian Bear lurks in your backyard. Aren't I big and scary?" And so it goes, as Mr. Putin flexes his puny little body for all the world to see. The messages are similar to those put forth by his Bro Donald T. who recently set tongues wagging at the U.N. General Assembly on Tuesday. He, Mr. Putin, must grab headlines, too. Or chance being forgotten. It is a form of international advertising; all rather bothersome. Look at North Korea: that dictator loves advertising and it doesn't cost him much except in scorn heaped on his little mud hole of a country.
Mr. Putin wants Europe to be aware of his proximity and his capabilities. Done. They get it. But they also get the economic necessity of doing business with Europe as an important part of the economy in the vast Siberian wastes. Hmmm. Can Mr. Putin overplay Russyan relevance? Yes, definitely.
Stay tuned. But not to RT media.
"Look Little Baltic States, the famous Russian Bear lurks in your backyard. Aren't I big and scary?" And so it goes, as Mr. Putin flexes his puny little body for all the world to see. The messages are similar to those put forth by his Bro Donald T. who recently set tongues wagging at the U.N. General Assembly on Tuesday. He, Mr. Putin, must grab headlines, too. Or chance being forgotten. It is a form of international advertising; all rather bothersome. Look at North Korea: that dictator loves advertising and it doesn't cost him much except in scorn heaped on his little mud hole of a country.
Mr. Putin wants Europe to be aware of his proximity and his capabilities. Done. They get it. But they also get the economic necessity of doing business with Europe as an important part of the economy in the vast Siberian wastes. Hmmm. Can Mr. Putin overplay Russyan relevance? Yes, definitely.
Stay tuned. But not to RT media.
Tuesday, September 19, 2017
Flying the Not So Friendly Skies
Hard to cross the country these days without flying one of America's big 4 airlines: United/ Continental, Delta, American, Alaska/Virgin. So, given that DC is the goal, United had a better schedule. When is First Class not so "1st Class"? When you fly United in an old 737. Leg room was hardly of a special 1st Class size. The food-not so 1st class. When the Mayor ordered a suggested entree, he was told they were out of 2 of 3 and the 3rd was unappetizing on its face. He opted for the cheeseburger, which was cheesy, and unappetizing, given its micro=waved preparation.
It's interesting how corporate America thumbs its nose at its paying customers, those folks who they assume are only concerned with ticket price and departure times. Do they care about comforts and the experience? Of course not; they just want to go some place, no matter what. By the way, staying in the aircraft for an hour and a half after boarding is NOT A PLEASANT EXPERIENCE! Sure, business is booming, but can an air traffic controllers speed things up? Apparently, not, too many general aviation aircraft(private jets?). So, the poor chumps who bought tickets for a flight suffer, again.
Recently, veteran traveler, author, writer Paul Theroux remarked in an article about how flying has become so objectionable that folks are actually choosing to drive the "friendly roads" of America as an alternative to the terrible status of flying for passengers of all stripes. Yes, some folks want cheap flights and some airlines provide them. But given the lower fuel costs and the prevalence of massive industry profits, one would expect the corporate bosses to put a few benefits into the mix for those who fill the seats. I won't mention "fees", etc.
Have a nice day. And Dr. Gao, you have a nice day, too.
It's interesting how corporate America thumbs its nose at its paying customers, those folks who they assume are only concerned with ticket price and departure times. Do they care about comforts and the experience? Of course not; they just want to go some place, no matter what. By the way, staying in the aircraft for an hour and a half after boarding is NOT A PLEASANT EXPERIENCE! Sure, business is booming, but can an air traffic controllers speed things up? Apparently, not, too many general aviation aircraft(private jets?). So, the poor chumps who bought tickets for a flight suffer, again.
Recently, veteran traveler, author, writer Paul Theroux remarked in an article about how flying has become so objectionable that folks are actually choosing to drive the "friendly roads" of America as an alternative to the terrible status of flying for passengers of all stripes. Yes, some folks want cheap flights and some airlines provide them. But given the lower fuel costs and the prevalence of massive industry profits, one would expect the corporate bosses to put a few benefits into the mix for those who fill the seats. I won't mention "fees", etc.
Have a nice day. And Dr. Gao, you have a nice day, too.
Ken Burns and Vietnam
A new documentary series begins this week produced by the dean of American film documentaries: Ken Burns. Partnering with long time collaborator, Lynn Novick, he has put together a history of that conflict that humbled the USA over 10 years of proxy warfare in South East Asia. The 10 part, 18 hours long show has aired 2 episodes so far. These two lay the ground work for what is to come: the horrific landscapes of war with millions of participants struggling for years to gain advantage. As we will see, the conflict was ultimately concluded with the Communist victory over a satellite proxy state in the south of the coastal country, now known to the world as Viet Nam.
Bear and Dragon Dance in Sea of Ohkutsk
Well, aren't they something? That is, the military forces of the Bear(Russya) and the Dragon(China). They are currently conducting joint exercises on Russya's east coast, that remote region most Russyans don't even know exists. Using the old port of Vladivostok as a base of operations, the two old foes cozied up together to demonstrate to the world(now in New York City for a U.N. General Assembly complete with Trump) that these two (Communist and slightly Communist) countries can cooperate on something(anything).
Please Kim Jung-Un, take note. Given that North Korea has been rattling cages in the neighborhood for some months, he'll be pleased to know that he has turned the respective heads of both countries. This can be good or bad, depending. The U. S. is increasing sanctions on Russya, mostly economic and a few diplomatic sanctions(closing of consular offices). Meanwhile, the Chinese government is under more close scrutiny for its efforts to control the computer chip world market by buying American companies to steal their proprietary designs and patents. None of this sits well with Mr. Trump and his advisors, many of whom come from the ranks of the professional military.
In addition to these bilateral moves, Russya, with Vlad still in the Kremlin, is trying to forge a closer alliance with the Dragon to his southeast. He wants Europe and the USA to see that he has many other ideas about Russya in East Asia. The Russyan Far East, a remote, under-developed wasteland, has recently been the scene of much Chinese involvement. Over 5 million Chinese nationals now live in Russya, working mostly in agricultural pursuits. The bridge that connects the two countries has yet to be completed on the Russyan side of the river. Hmmmmmm. Stalling? Soon I expect that the Chinese occupation will expand even more and spread west and points north toward the Arctic, that vast area known to the world as Siberia, land of the famous Gulags.
A short while ago, Russyan troops went to China for some joint training on Chinese military systems and weapons, mostly, small arms and tactical weapons for manuevering elements. The current military exercises include naval vessels of various design and capabilities. Maybe they are trying to avoid collisions as happened to the vaunted U.S. Navy this summer in the Straits of Malacca.
All very interesting geopolitics. Stay tuned.
Please Kim Jung-Un, take note. Given that North Korea has been rattling cages in the neighborhood for some months, he'll be pleased to know that he has turned the respective heads of both countries. This can be good or bad, depending. The U. S. is increasing sanctions on Russya, mostly economic and a few diplomatic sanctions(closing of consular offices). Meanwhile, the Chinese government is under more close scrutiny for its efforts to control the computer chip world market by buying American companies to steal their proprietary designs and patents. None of this sits well with Mr. Trump and his advisors, many of whom come from the ranks of the professional military.
In addition to these bilateral moves, Russya, with Vlad still in the Kremlin, is trying to forge a closer alliance with the Dragon to his southeast. He wants Europe and the USA to see that he has many other ideas about Russya in East Asia. The Russyan Far East, a remote, under-developed wasteland, has recently been the scene of much Chinese involvement. Over 5 million Chinese nationals now live in Russya, working mostly in agricultural pursuits. The bridge that connects the two countries has yet to be completed on the Russyan side of the river. Hmmmmmm. Stalling? Soon I expect that the Chinese occupation will expand even more and spread west and points north toward the Arctic, that vast area known to the world as Siberia, land of the famous Gulags.
A short while ago, Russyan troops went to China for some joint training on Chinese military systems and weapons, mostly, small arms and tactical weapons for manuevering elements. The current military exercises include naval vessels of various design and capabilities. Maybe they are trying to avoid collisions as happened to the vaunted U.S. Navy this summer in the Straits of Malacca.
All very interesting geopolitics. Stay tuned.
Sunday, September 17, 2017
Cassini/ Huygens: Goodbye After 20 Years
Mission control announced early Friday morning that the spacecraft Explorer Cassini/Huygens was sent to its fiery end into Saturn. The purpose of its destruction came at the end of its power limits and the end of mission. Launched 20 years ago, the goal was to gather information on the ringed planet of Saturn, and to analyze its mysterious rings about which little was known.
It took the Explorer 7 years to arrive at its designated station in the vicinity of the planet and its atmosphere. Immediately, the instruments began to gather and analyze data, sending back reams of data for scientists to gather, catalogue, and study. Scientists acknowledge that the amount of data collected is staggering and will take decades to study intensively. CalTech faculty and staff were of mixed emotions on Friday as the end of mission wrapped up 20 years of their personal involvement with Cassini. But now, they know it's a new beginning as they move into a new era.
It took the Explorer 7 years to arrive at its designated station in the vicinity of the planet and its atmosphere. Immediately, the instruments began to gather and analyze data, sending back reams of data for scientists to gather, catalogue, and study. Scientists acknowledge that the amount of data collected is staggering and will take decades to study intensively. CalTech faculty and staff were of mixed emotions on Friday as the end of mission wrapped up 20 years of their personal involvement with Cassini. But now, they know it's a new beginning as they move into a new era.
Saturday, September 16, 2017
Japanese Express Serious Response to Kim Un's Latest Missile
So, despite UN sanctions, North Korea has fired another missile over the island of Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost inhabited main island. This "stick-in-your-eye" response clearly sets a stage for further international action and tells major powers(US,Russya, and China) that the little fat guy will not back down.
Patience is wearing thin in most East Asian venues and perhaps Tuesday's UN General Assembly meeting in New York City will outline an upcoming consensus on sanctions and other responses. We'll see.
Patience is wearing thin in most East Asian venues and perhaps Tuesday's UN General Assembly meeting in New York City will outline an upcoming consensus on sanctions and other responses. We'll see.
The Nations Triathlon 2017
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| Washington Monument at Dawn-Capitol Dome too |
The first group into the river were professionals, the only group allowed to 'dive' into the 68 degree water. They were followed by others in cohorts of 12, every 2 minutes. About 2000 athletes paid $100 dollars for the privilege. The weather was perfect: clear, cool, and nary a breeze. Well organized by years of experience in many different venues, the event had a number of spectators who arrived to support and cheer on partners and family who had trained for months to meet the challenge.
Book Review: The Liberator by Alex Kershaw
Ken Burns, the American film documenterian, will air his newest production The Vietnam War tomorrow night at 8 pm on PBS. It will chronicle America's longest war until then, which ended in 1975. The heart of the film will be the interviews with participants in the conflict on all sides. They in turn will focus on the infantryman, the grunts, the riflemen of the day. Alex Kershaw wrote the history of one infantryman from the prior war, the war we won: World War II. The events of that conflict have provided endless fodder for all writers the world over. Mr. Kershaw has written previously about historical events with considerable success. He does his homework; he writes well; and his editors provide excellent control and advice. His most recent effort- The Liberator, is his best effort to date.
All historians know the window is closing on the lives of all participants in the fighting of WW II. The youngest soldiers are in their 90's; actual numbers shrink by the day. His research, which began in earnest less than 10 years ago, just captured enough survivors' accounts to provide depth and truth to his narrative. Mr. Kershaw tells the story of one American whose experience underlined the life of an infantryman on many fronts as America took charge of the Western front in Europe in 1944.
Felix Sparks was a young infantry officer in the US Army. After the war began for the US at Pearl Harbor, the long build up of the military began in earnest. While some offensive operations began in 1942( Solomon Islands and Midway Island), it would be 1943 before serious counter attack would commence. North Africa was the initial point of landings followed by the invasion of Sicily. It was here that Lt. Sparks would taste combat for the first time as a platoon leader in the 45th Infantry Div., a National Guard unit composed of elements from Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah. Many were native Americans from local tribes.
All historians know the window is closing on the lives of all participants in the fighting of WW II. The youngest soldiers are in their 90's; actual numbers shrink by the day. His research, which began in earnest less than 10 years ago, just captured enough survivors' accounts to provide depth and truth to his narrative. Mr. Kershaw tells the story of one American whose experience underlined the life of an infantryman on many fronts as America took charge of the Western front in Europe in 1944.
Felix Sparks was a young infantry officer in the US Army. After the war began for the US at Pearl Harbor, the long build up of the military began in earnest. While some offensive operations began in 1942( Solomon Islands and Midway Island), it would be 1943 before serious counter attack would commence. North Africa was the initial point of landings followed by the invasion of Sicily. It was here that Lt. Sparks would taste combat for the first time as a platoon leader in the 45th Infantry Div., a National Guard unit composed of elements from Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah. Many were native Americans from local tribes.
Monday, September 4, 2017
Russyan Consulate : CLOSED FOR BUSINESS
Mr. Putin won't have a place to stay for gratis in San Francisco by the Bay. The White House ordered the Russyan consulate, the oldest in the USA, to close indefinitely. This sets up a new criteria for foreign relations with the former Soviet Union(disappeared since 1989). Seems Mr. Trump, et al. did not take kindly to Mr. Putin's order that 755 embassy employees of the USA in Moscow hit the bricks. The White House also ordered the closure of two "trade missions" in Washington, D.C., and New York City.
In San Francisco, employees told the Fire department that they were only burning documents and other papers in an internal incinerator and that no fire existed outside the burner. Neighbors in the exclusive Pacific Heights neighborhood called the alarm when columns of black smoke were seen coming from the roof area of the multi-story building. Long a target of protests, demonstrations, and clandestine comings and goings, the locals will be happy to have their sidewalks back for strolling and socializing.
What's the next step? Certainly, visas for applicants from both countries will be more difficult to obtain. Oh, well, it's not like we've forgotten the Cold War. It only ended in 1989, or not quite 30 years ago. Barely a generation ago. Recently, a well regarded biography of Mikhail Gorbachev, Russyan premier at almost the very end(Boris Yeltsin was that man). He is accurately portrayed as the architect of the transition period from Soviet Union to Russyan Federation. Not many were able to predict this transformation, excepting those economists who studied the multiple failures of the old Soviet Union and its inability to direct the economy to reasonable production and growth.
What will happen with Mr. Putin at the helm? Hmmmmmm. Is anybody paying attention? Have a look in Ukraine, Crimea, Baltics, and Southern Europe. You get the idea.
Having an election? Don't invite the Russyans- they are hackers, among other things.
In San Francisco, employees told the Fire department that they were only burning documents and other papers in an internal incinerator and that no fire existed outside the burner. Neighbors in the exclusive Pacific Heights neighborhood called the alarm when columns of black smoke were seen coming from the roof area of the multi-story building. Long a target of protests, demonstrations, and clandestine comings and goings, the locals will be happy to have their sidewalks back for strolling and socializing.
What's the next step? Certainly, visas for applicants from both countries will be more difficult to obtain. Oh, well, it's not like we've forgotten the Cold War. It only ended in 1989, or not quite 30 years ago. Barely a generation ago. Recently, a well regarded biography of Mikhail Gorbachev, Russyan premier at almost the very end(Boris Yeltsin was that man). He is accurately portrayed as the architect of the transition period from Soviet Union to Russyan Federation. Not many were able to predict this transformation, excepting those economists who studied the multiple failures of the old Soviet Union and its inability to direct the economy to reasonable production and growth.
What will happen with Mr. Putin at the helm? Hmmmmmm. Is anybody paying attention? Have a look in Ukraine, Crimea, Baltics, and Southern Europe. You get the idea.
Having an election? Don't invite the Russyans- they are hackers, among other things.
Sunday, September 3, 2017
New Neighbor on Pine St.
Construction of the 2nd home on the lakeside of Pine St. is about done. The modern home, while not of lakefront scale, is nonetheless, a nice addition to the neighborhood. From the exterior facing Pine St., the home looks to be about 2000 sq. ft. with two stories over the garage. A couple of decks extend from the 2nd floor with advantage taken of the lake view.
It is currently on the market.
Tahoe Cedars Update
The lot clearing process going on at the old Tahoe Cedars site looks to be about done. Grading has reshaped the lot for the upcoming construction of 3 multi-million dollar homes.
It is currently on the market.
Tahoe Cedars Update
The lot clearing process going on at the old Tahoe Cedars site looks to be about done. Grading has reshaped the lot for the upcoming construction of 3 multi-million dollar homes.
The Lake Front: Sugar Pine Point Park Pier
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| Double Ender at Sugar Pine Pier |
A very memorable day for the couple and their families.
Labor Day Weekend-2017
So, here we are: the end of Summer. The heat index is crazy high as records fall all over the state. Even the cooling fog has evaded San Francisco where a record temp of 106 degrees was posted on Friday. My, my. Still happy we're not in Texas where the clean up from Hurricane Harvey will begin. The long, sad process will consume billions and take years of intense effort. The emotional scars among the populous will last a lot longer.
New Business in town
Tahoma welcomes "The Farmhouse" gardening supplies and plants on Highway 89 in the Cut Rite building just south of 'downtown.' Proprietors offer a variety of hardware and other needs for the home gardener. An open house began Saturday morning and customers arrived shortly after 9am to check out the new enterprise. Best of luck.
Old Business Retires
Our local prime source of everything good is closing its doors. The PDQ Market, a local fixture for a generation is turning out the lights. Due to various expensive upgrades required by Placer County, the owners could no longer continue given the seasonality of the business. With an abbreviated summer season of barely 2 months, local retailers are finding it very difficult to continue. Finding customers is hard enough, but when hired help can't be found, then things get even more so.
We'll miss the deli sandwiches, the selection of all kinds of beverages, fresh produce, household needs, and all cold case items, too.
The building owners have advised that a new company will be taking over after structural improvements are completed and code requirements are satisfied.
West Shore Pizza
New hours: starting Monday, the pizza palace will be closing at 9 pm.
Where We Met Espresso will maintain its current schedule, pending seasonal changes as fall hours/days shorten before winter.
New Business in town
Tahoma welcomes "The Farmhouse" gardening supplies and plants on Highway 89 in the Cut Rite building just south of 'downtown.' Proprietors offer a variety of hardware and other needs for the home gardener. An open house began Saturday morning and customers arrived shortly after 9am to check out the new enterprise. Best of luck.
Old Business Retires
Our local prime source of everything good is closing its doors. The PDQ Market, a local fixture for a generation is turning out the lights. Due to various expensive upgrades required by Placer County, the owners could no longer continue given the seasonality of the business. With an abbreviated summer season of barely 2 months, local retailers are finding it very difficult to continue. Finding customers is hard enough, but when hired help can't be found, then things get even more so.
We'll miss the deli sandwiches, the selection of all kinds of beverages, fresh produce, household needs, and all cold case items, too.
The building owners have advised that a new company will be taking over after structural improvements are completed and code requirements are satisfied.
West Shore Pizza
New hours: starting Monday, the pizza palace will be closing at 9 pm.
Where We Met Espresso will maintain its current schedule, pending seasonal changes as fall hours/days shorten before winter.
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