Readers of any business news have been rewarded of late at good coverage of the Euro bloc and its finances and politics. Do we care? Does anybody outside of Europe care? Why don't the Brits
care? The big meeting Saturday in Brussels, Belgium, was intended to demonstrate that European states could settle their financial markets by agreeing to terms intended to improve sovereign debt problems and reassure investors that they are serious this time about reform. Well, it didn't really happen. Lots of smoke and mirrors, lots of rhetoric, but not much else. Economists and academics agreed it will take 2-3 years to finalize any binding agreements among the nations in the Euro zone. Great Britain refused to sign on board, no doubt reflecting her reluctance to accept the Euro currency in 1999. It was more the idea that the City of London, Europe's anointed financial center, would remain so. Without that guarantee, London opted out.
Does this affect Tahoma and the West Shore? Of course. With the fate of the Homewood Mountain Resort in the hands of would be investors/developers, the world of high finance directly affect the future of out lakeside habitat, for better or worse.
Stay tuned.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Meeks bay Fir District Budget 2011 2012
The Board of Directors has approved a new budget for 2011/2012. needless to say, there has been an increase in expenditures across the board. Details will soon be posted.
One has to ask the question: Should the chief of a small, seasonal fire district make as much per year as a senior pilot for a major American airline?
One has to ask the question: Should the chief of a small, seasonal fire district make as much per year as a senior pilot for a major American airline?
minister of aviation and aerospace
Our aviation guru, the Minister of Aviation, touched down in the Bay Area over the weekend to deliver a report on current matters related to his specialty. Transportation was an issue this trip as his main vehicle was having engine issues and had to be de;ivered to the auto maintenance shop.
But, this did not alter the basic plan to explore the delights of the Valley of the Moon(on the weekend of the lunar eclipse,to boot). The Mayor had promised the Minister and his aide-de-camp a tasting trip into the northern reaches of Sonoma Valley.
In obvious distress with some lower back pain, the Mayor prescribed a double dose of Aleve(the miracle drug) and it worked like magic. Shortly thereafter, an afternoon was spent in the wine country, specifically B.R. Cohn Winery and Olive Press. The Pinot was wonderful and the Syrzin exceptional. Lunch was taken in Glen Ellen at the Fig Cafe, a fine, local establishment on many lists of good eats in Sonoma.
The Aviation maestro has plans to head north today, to Oregon, to inspect some agricultural aspects of the Ashland area and how the general aviation business can adapt to local business interests and needs. A report will be filed upon his return.
But, this did not alter the basic plan to explore the delights of the Valley of the Moon(on the weekend of the lunar eclipse,to boot). The Mayor had promised the Minister and his aide-de-camp a tasting trip into the northern reaches of Sonoma Valley.
In obvious distress with some lower back pain, the Mayor prescribed a double dose of Aleve(the miracle drug) and it worked like magic. Shortly thereafter, an afternoon was spent in the wine country, specifically B.R. Cohn Winery and Olive Press. The Pinot was wonderful and the Syrzin exceptional. Lunch was taken in Glen Ellen at the Fig Cafe, a fine, local establishment on many lists of good eats in Sonoma.
The Aviation maestro has plans to head north today, to Oregon, to inspect some agricultural aspects of the Ashland area and how the general aviation business can adapt to local business interests and needs. A report will be filed upon his return.
Minister of Latin American Affairs
Our globetrotting minister, Mr. B., will return to California on Wednesday, to confer with the Mayor on the State of Affairs south of the border. He will deliver his report on the Bogata Conference and its outcomes, and outline new agendae for 2012, which will include some details of his promotion w/i the OAS.
We look forward to his report.
We look forward to his report.
Front Page Snow Report
Ski fans ans other snow junkies, the news coverage of conditions has begun in earnest. Sunday's Chronicle had a lead story pointing out the lack of the white stuff inside the basin. Unlike last season(remember then?), not much snow has fallen to date this season. Remarks by those persons interviewed definitely point out year-to-year differences as normal, that is, seasonal weather does not follow a straight line continuum: it varies, and we data collectors like to point out variations as newsworthy items to SELL newspapers.
So, until the heavy storms begin, look for more articles with the lament of no new snow.
So, until the heavy storms begin, look for more articles with the lament of no new snow.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Kubota World
The Japanese are amazing and they make amazing machines. The Mayor and his deputies have known this fact for years. Ever since a Sony transistor radio was gifted to the young mayor by his father(sometime in the 50's), this was understood. This was followed by a Kenwood stereo receiver-state of the art for music reproduction, a treat for the audiophile. Then the assorted Japanese cars that showed up: Toyotas, Hondas, Lexus, etc.
Out in the rice paddies of Honshu, Kyushu, ans Shikoku, farmers were converting from oxen to motorized equipment powered by Japanese made motors of exceptional longevity, reliability, efficiency, affordable cost. The Yanmar motor became widely recognized as best in class. This was punctuated by the John Deere Tractor Corp. of America, when in the 70's, they opted to install Yanmar motors in their line of compact tractors to compete with Ford/New Holland, International, and all the rest. And then there is Kubota.
That bright orange signature color has become commonplace on the landscape, showing up in all the usual places: farms, ranches, orchards, vineyards, stables, feed lots, golf courses, city parks, and construction sights. The Kubota line, from compact to massive, has been able to compete with the big boys now for years. So, it was not surprising that the Minister of Agriculture submitted a request for a piece of machinery that would expand the stable of rollingstock : a fine Kubota L2600DT. A great tool to complete jobs often requiring significant man hours. NOw, the job can be done in shorter time and with far fewer man hours invested. This equals savings in dollars!
A view to the website of Kubota will tell you all you need to know. Have fun.
Out in the rice paddies of Honshu, Kyushu, ans Shikoku, farmers were converting from oxen to motorized equipment powered by Japanese made motors of exceptional longevity, reliability, efficiency, affordable cost. The Yanmar motor became widely recognized as best in class. This was punctuated by the John Deere Tractor Corp. of America, when in the 70's, they opted to install Yanmar motors in their line of compact tractors to compete with Ford/New Holland, International, and all the rest. And then there is Kubota.
That bright orange signature color has become commonplace on the landscape, showing up in all the usual places: farms, ranches, orchards, vineyards, stables, feed lots, golf courses, city parks, and construction sights. The Kubota line, from compact to massive, has been able to compete with the big boys now for years. So, it was not surprising that the Minister of Agriculture submitted a request for a piece of machinery that would expand the stable of rollingstock : a fine Kubota L2600DT. A great tool to complete jobs often requiring significant man hours. NOw, the job can be done in shorter time and with far fewer man hours invested. This equals savings in dollars!
A view to the website of Kubota will tell you all you need to know. Have fun.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Windy California
Santa Anna winds, those hot, dry, winds from the interior basin and range part of the west, have returned to the west coast. Damage has occurred, mostly in Southern California, and in a few other spots in the coast ranges. PG&E and SC Edison are doing their best(?) to restore power to many affected communities. El Dorado county has apparently been spared.
Snow? When? Maybe? Weather forecasts do not include any storms with potential snow. Temps near the coast set records Friday with highs in the 70's. Oh, well, it's not a perfect world.
Keep the faith. Christmas is still 3 weeks away. Put up some lights, do the tree, help the economy and your neighbor.
San Francisco
The first weekend of December was perfect in S.F. in may ways: the Bay way flat with breezes, ideal for a sailboat race in full swing, spinnakers aloft with an east wind, no less. There wasn't a cloud in the sky. The Legion Of Honor Museum of SF is hosting an exhibition of Impressionist painter Camille Pissarro- great show. As a bonus, some French funerary carvings are also on exhibit-magnificent work of Carthusian monks. The show was well attended and continues until 2012.
Resorts at tahoe
Seems like most resorts will open next weekend-depending. Without a good dumping, not much will happen other than the man made stuff for limited skiing.
Keep your fingers crossed.
Snow? When? Maybe? Weather forecasts do not include any storms with potential snow. Temps near the coast set records Friday with highs in the 70's. Oh, well, it's not a perfect world.
Keep the faith. Christmas is still 3 weeks away. Put up some lights, do the tree, help the economy and your neighbor.
San Francisco
The first weekend of December was perfect in S.F. in may ways: the Bay way flat with breezes, ideal for a sailboat race in full swing, spinnakers aloft with an east wind, no less. There wasn't a cloud in the sky. The Legion Of Honor Museum of SF is hosting an exhibition of Impressionist painter Camille Pissarro- great show. As a bonus, some French funerary carvings are also on exhibit-magnificent work of Carthusian monks. The show was well attended and continues until 2012.
Resorts at tahoe
Seems like most resorts will open next weekend-depending. Without a good dumping, not much will happen other than the man made stuff for limited skiing.
Keep your fingers crossed.
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