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.
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