Residents Brace for new storm
The reports of the end of the Winter of 2010 were premature. The 10-days forecast includes at least 5 days of precipitation to include rain and snow. Don't put the boat in the lake just yet. WAIT a little longer.
Keep the snow shovel handy, along with the salt and sand. Oh, well.
Noticed snow on the east face of Rubicon peak on Saturday. That is quite rare for May Day. Duly noted.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Movie Review: Mid-August Lunch(Pranzo Di Ferragosto)
Italian Delights
For italophiles, this film is a treat! Absent are the sensuous actors, lush landscapes of Tuscany,and coastside fishing villages of traditional films. Here we find a Roman condo(or any condo) and its two inhabitants: aging Mamma and doting, unemployed, unmarried son. Life has not been easy of late for either of them, but, they're getting by. Now, it is mid- summer, the City is empty, its residents fleeing the heat for the coast, either one.
By simply squeezing the son, a few acquaintances coerce him into accepting their own mothers as house guests while they join the hoards at the coasts. Within a few hours, the condo is now the temporary home of 3 more aging Mammas. Their personal interactions, their individual characters, and their angst and humor are artfully followed by hand held cameras as they adjust to their new surroundings.
As one who was raised with grandparents close at hand, it is an easy reach to the empathy position with the son: it is a duty to be there, despite the difficulties coupled with aging. We know them-physical deterioration, forgetfulness, selective memory,confusion, and often pain.
Director Di Gregorio is called by some an advocate of Neo-realism. But I believe his style and others like it are in the van of changes brought by, what else? technology! With video capabilities in almost every electronic gadget, and everyone a man w/ camera, films will undergo rapid, dynamic change. Couple this with the popularity of reality entertainment and we have the making of a new age of film.
The characters in the film: Valeria de Franciscis, Marina Cacciotti, and Maria Cali are all untrained performers. Shortly after production started, Di Gregorio threw away the script and did an adlib, with the women making the most of it. Humorous, touching, and sympathetic, the film warms the heart, treats the eyes, and brings a smile to one's face.
For italophiles, this film is a treat! Absent are the sensuous actors, lush landscapes of Tuscany,and coastside fishing villages of traditional films. Here we find a Roman condo(or any condo) and its two inhabitants: aging Mamma and doting, unemployed, unmarried son. Life has not been easy of late for either of them, but, they're getting by. Now, it is mid- summer, the City is empty, its residents fleeing the heat for the coast, either one.
By simply squeezing the son, a few acquaintances coerce him into accepting their own mothers as house guests while they join the hoards at the coasts. Within a few hours, the condo is now the temporary home of 3 more aging Mammas. Their personal interactions, their individual characters, and their angst and humor are artfully followed by hand held cameras as they adjust to their new surroundings.
As one who was raised with grandparents close at hand, it is an easy reach to the empathy position with the son: it is a duty to be there, despite the difficulties coupled with aging. We know them-physical deterioration, forgetfulness, selective memory,confusion, and often pain.
Director Di Gregorio is called by some an advocate of Neo-realism. But I believe his style and others like it are in the van of changes brought by, what else? technology! With video capabilities in almost every electronic gadget, and everyone a man w/ camera, films will undergo rapid, dynamic change. Couple this with the popularity of reality entertainment and we have the making of a new age of film.
The characters in the film: Valeria de Franciscis, Marina Cacciotti, and Maria Cali are all untrained performers. Shortly after production started, Di Gregorio threw away the script and did an adlib, with the women making the most of it. Humorous, touching, and sympathetic, the film warms the heart, treats the eyes, and brings a smile to one's face.
Spring Moon over the Lake in the Sky
For those still up at 2am, the view south provided a glimpse of the full moon for May Day. Rising to a point about 22 degrees above the horizon, La Luna provided sufficient light for reading. With the reflection off the calm surface of the lake, the effect was extraordinary- a real visual treat for any observer. The Mayor appreciates these phenomena!
On the "In between Season": many complaints from local businesses that the down economy is more in evidence now than a year ago. Coming off a terrific winter season, locals can only hope to hold on until Memorial Day/ 4th of July. There were no boats in the Obexer's marina, but a few sailors were seen preparing craft for impending good weather.
Homewood Resort looked forlorn with its empty parking lot, but that should change within weeks.
Meeks Bay Fire Dist. will continue prevention operations with controlled burns in the Meeks Creek basin. Successful efforts have left telltale burned over areas on the south facing side of the canyon. Not much left to burn there indicating a considerable amount of fuels. The snow levels are high for May and there could be more coming on Mothers' Day Sunday: not what we wanted to hear.
Squaw valley update
Squaw valley Corp. has taken over the Intrawest Development after some very bad years. THis should provide better on scene management for residents and guests. Time will tell.
The weekend was a warm one, and appears to harbinger more springtime weather to come. Builders may start to show up in their signature T's this week.
Look out for the boat tractors around Obexers' in coming weeks as yachtsmen get the urge to return to the Deep Blue. By the way, The Chron reported a free diving record set in the Bahamas-285', a man w/ a single fin! What is the free diving record @ the Lake? More research necessary here.
Read the letter to locals from the director of TRPA. She stretches her credibility by stating TRPA wants to promote better economic conditions w/i the Basin. Her nose is starting to grow again. As always, TRPA speaks through many filters and rarely comments with any understandable language. They all could take lessons from the Mayor.
On the "In between Season": many complaints from local businesses that the down economy is more in evidence now than a year ago. Coming off a terrific winter season, locals can only hope to hold on until Memorial Day/ 4th of July. There were no boats in the Obexer's marina, but a few sailors were seen preparing craft for impending good weather.
Homewood Resort looked forlorn with its empty parking lot, but that should change within weeks.
Meeks Bay Fire Dist. will continue prevention operations with controlled burns in the Meeks Creek basin. Successful efforts have left telltale burned over areas on the south facing side of the canyon. Not much left to burn there indicating a considerable amount of fuels. The snow levels are high for May and there could be more coming on Mothers' Day Sunday: not what we wanted to hear.
Squaw valley update
Squaw valley Corp. has taken over the Intrawest Development after some very bad years. THis should provide better on scene management for residents and guests. Time will tell.
The weekend was a warm one, and appears to harbinger more springtime weather to come. Builders may start to show up in their signature T's this week.
Look out for the boat tractors around Obexers' in coming weeks as yachtsmen get the urge to return to the Deep Blue. By the way, The Chron reported a free diving record set in the Bahamas-285', a man w/ a single fin! What is the free diving record @ the Lake? More research necessary here.
Read the letter to locals from the director of TRPA. She stretches her credibility by stating TRPA wants to promote better economic conditions w/i the Basin. Her nose is starting to grow again. As always, TRPA speaks through many filters and rarely comments with any understandable language. They all could take lessons from the Mayor.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Mayor Acts As Arbiter in Contest
Thursday last, the mayor's office received a request for assistance in a local contest down hill, near the Big Blue. The parties involved anticipated a challenging event that could escalate to a confrontation if an arbiter was not available. The mayor stepped up and proceeded to referee the contest, which ended in a tie, neither side scoring any points. While the outcome did not satisfy either party involved, both were able to walk away with their pride intact. This contest was between Tamalpais and Novato High's soccer teams. The Mayor was ably assisted by a traveling beef salesman(Prather Co.) He did an excellent job.
Tomorrow, there's a possibility of rain, but, conditions can change dramatically on the local scene.
Tomorrow, there's a possibility of rain, but, conditions can change dramatically on the local scene.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Still Snowing
Yes, that white stuff falling is the same stuff: snow! Late winter/early spring snow. It will soon be summer. Will it ever arrive?
Don't despair, the above average snowfall always has a long term benefit: lots of water runoff into the Lake. This we all agree is a good thing.
So, keep your chin up, be patient, full spring will be here shortly.
Civic notes
Police report
The investigation into the details surrounding the shooting in Meeks Bay is continuing. No new details have emerged and the El Dorado County Sheriff is working closely with Placer County to solve this crime. We will continue to follow this very important case.
Animal Control
A bruin was spotted in a vehicle near Sugar Pine Point early Sunday morning. The animal was small, maybe a year old, more or less, and appeared healthy and at normal weight for spring. Remember: these locals are cut, but they are WILD,WILD, WILD. They are not cartoon characters and have not been on TV. Generally, they'll move of their own accord without harassment. When in doubt, call animal control.
Sportsmen Arrive
With the end of ski season giving way to summer outdoor activities, be aware of cars & trucks hauling trailers, campers, boats, ATV's,etc. They move slowly, as they should around the lake, and often are not the most experienced drivers. Welcome them.
Spring Cleanup efforts
As property owners open cabins for the next season, be aware of the Truckee Landfill. They have a recycling center that accepts the usual items: glass, aluminum cans, yard waste, appliances, and large bulk items. Better there than in the basin.
Don't despair, the above average snowfall always has a long term benefit: lots of water runoff into the Lake. This we all agree is a good thing.
So, keep your chin up, be patient, full spring will be here shortly.
Civic notes
Police report
The investigation into the details surrounding the shooting in Meeks Bay is continuing. No new details have emerged and the El Dorado County Sheriff is working closely with Placer County to solve this crime. We will continue to follow this very important case.
Animal Control
A bruin was spotted in a vehicle near Sugar Pine Point early Sunday morning. The animal was small, maybe a year old, more or less, and appeared healthy and at normal weight for spring. Remember: these locals are cut, but they are WILD,WILD, WILD. They are not cartoon characters and have not been on TV. Generally, they'll move of their own accord without harassment. When in doubt, call animal control.
Sportsmen Arrive
With the end of ski season giving way to summer outdoor activities, be aware of cars & trucks hauling trailers, campers, boats, ATV's,etc. They move slowly, as they should around the lake, and often are not the most experienced drivers. Welcome them.
Spring Cleanup efforts
As property owners open cabins for the next season, be aware of the Truckee Landfill. They have a recycling center that accepts the usual items: glass, aluminum cans, yard waste, appliances, and large bulk items. Better there than in the basin.
Front Page Publicity:Again
Giddy locals reacted to today's Chronicle front page story. Entitled"New help to save'Jewel of Sierra', the article, w/ byline Carolyn Lochhead, outlines recent Congressional efforts to improve water clarity and quality, and to improve the basin environment, to include reduction in fire fuels,ie. deadwood; reduce infestation of Asian clams, and a similar invasion of quagga and zebra mussels.
The bill was pushed through by California's own Babs Boxer, our fearless little chihuahua from San Francisco. With support from Sens. DiFi, Johnny Ensign from Nevada and majority leader, Sen. Harry(Don't Call Me Hank)Reid, the bill is certainly going forward, despite the recession and its snail-like recovery.
The article notes the vast sums already spent since 1968: State of Cal.:$612.mil;Nev.$87 mil.;local govs.$59mil;and private sector$250.mil. The Feds have spent $424. millions with$68 millions left. Lady DiFi noted that the North
lake Tahoe Resort Assoc. has committed to $250 millions in private contributions. This Senate bill joins a House bill introduced in November '09 sponsored by Rep. Dean Heller of Nevada. This bill allocates more than $310 millions to help restore wetlands, control erosion, and control storm runoff(?).
So, friends, the Mayor's Office expects to see lots of money being thrown to the lakeshore soon. Get out your biggest nets to grab some of this free government money. Why? It's money that they took from you in the first place!: your tax dollars, coming Home.
Isn't that nice of 'em?
Stay tuned as we watch these bills go through the torturous process of passage into law.
The bill was pushed through by California's own Babs Boxer, our fearless little chihuahua from San Francisco. With support from Sens. DiFi, Johnny Ensign from Nevada and majority leader, Sen. Harry(Don't Call Me Hank)Reid, the bill is certainly going forward, despite the recession and its snail-like recovery.
The article notes the vast sums already spent since 1968: State of Cal.:$612.mil;Nev.$87 mil.;local govs.$59mil;and private sector$250.mil. The Feds have spent $424. millions with$68 millions left. Lady DiFi noted that the North
lake Tahoe Resort Assoc. has committed to $250 millions in private contributions. This Senate bill joins a House bill introduced in November '09 sponsored by Rep. Dean Heller of Nevada. This bill allocates more than $310 millions to help restore wetlands, control erosion, and control storm runoff(?).
So, friends, the Mayor's Office expects to see lots of money being thrown to the lakeshore soon. Get out your biggest nets to grab some of this free government money. Why? It's money that they took from you in the first place!: your tax dollars, coming Home.
Isn't that nice of 'em?
Stay tuned as we watch these bills go through the torturous process of passage into law.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Movie Review: VINCERE
Italian movie hits mark with side story of Fascist Era and Dictator Benito Mussolini. Director Mezzogiorno artfully mixed archival footage from the pre-WW II era when the dictator was flexing his muscles and attempting to restore some lost glory to the Italian peninsula. The story is focused not on his regime, but on his private life and the shameful details of a love affair early during his rise to power. The relationship produced a child that was essentially rejected by his father. The mother was harassed by authorities and institutionalized with the complicity of the Vatican, a newly formed independent state as a result of the dictator's Lateran Treaty of 1929.
The sad quest of the abandoned mother and child illustrates the inconvenience of personal histories when confronted by powerful political forces. Mussolini had a public marraige and fathered 4 more children. Later, he took another mistress who died with him near the end of the world war.
The film ran more than 2 hours and 5 minutes and was accompanied by blaring sound effects. It could easily have been cut to less than 100 minutes w/o great loss. The acting was superb and the editing was effective in aiding the depiction of power: Church and State in combination. The close ties of the King of Italy and the government of the country itself with the Pope is readily understood with the footage from the period between the wars.
This historical docudrama is well worth the time and effort.
Rated by the Minister of Culture: ****!
The sad quest of the abandoned mother and child illustrates the inconvenience of personal histories when confronted by powerful political forces. Mussolini had a public marraige and fathered 4 more children. Later, he took another mistress who died with him near the end of the world war.
The film ran more than 2 hours and 5 minutes and was accompanied by blaring sound effects. It could easily have been cut to less than 100 minutes w/o great loss. The acting was superb and the editing was effective in aiding the depiction of power: Church and State in combination. The close ties of the King of Italy and the government of the country itself with the Pope is readily understood with the footage from the period between the wars.
This historical docudrama is well worth the time and effort.
Rated by the Minister of Culture: ****!
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