Interstate 80: Closed Again

     Woe the skiers who got a late start for the Sierra yesterday: Cal Trans closed the road in both directions last evening(9th) from Colfax to the Nevada state line(past Truckee).  Multiple vehicle spin outs caused the shut down as falling snow hindered visibility and control by drivers.  Usually, drivers under these conditions are prudent and stop before an incident.  But, as we know here in Tahoma, when ignorance takes the wheel, bad things happen.
      Snow is forecast off and on for the next few days: be careful; carry chains, USE THEM, and don't drive unless you have to.

Book Review: U.S. Grant: Personal Memoirs, Webster & Co., New York,1885

Lt. General U.S. Grant, 1865

     President Abraham Lincoln had hardly begun his first term when he was confronted by the start of the Civil War, America's greatest existential crisis before or since.  The contested issues finally came to a head as the Southern States seceded and formed the Confederate States of America(C.S.A.).  The first shots fired at Fort Sumter began the long, bitter, bloody war between the States.
    Initially, the Congress and the Army thought that the entire affair would be over in a few months.  The South, an economy based on a few major crops- cotton and tobacco and a few others, was not viewed as a reputable opponent for a well-equipped modern army possessed by the North and its member states.  A large percentage of the Southern population was comprised of slaves, Blacks who did not enjoy any benefit as residents there in.  The plantation owners were going to fight for their way of life enjoy for centuries.  They would enlist those members of Southern states who held similar beliefs.  All male members of the population were expected to defend their homes. their businesses, their farms, and plantations.
     The first major battle occurred at Manassas(Bull Run) in Northern Virginia, about 20 miles west of Washington, D.C. The contested ground was not a grand landscape, but a site of agricultural pursuits in the rolling hills of red earth.   The contestants faced off with lines of artillery closely laid, often within 100 meters of each other.  Spectators from Washington arrived to "watch" the show.  Shortly, it became evident that the federal troops were being routed by the boys in gray, and the day trippers retreated in haste back to the relative safety of their homes along the Potomac River.  It was to be a long war.
      Lincoln took the news with alarm, and immediately convened his cabinet with special attention to the Sec. of War Stanton.   Questions were asked:  what did the army require to become an offensive unit?  Who were the leaders we have and who did we need to take command?  These questions would continue to be asked and answered over the next 4 years.
     One of those who answered was a former Army captain, a renowned figure who performed with distinction in the Mexican War approximately 13 years before.  Ulysses S. Grant had been a civilian after returning to business in the intervening years.  He was recruited initially to command the troops from the state-raised militia.  Before long, he would be called upon to lead a division as a brigadier.
      Meanwhile, Mr. Lincoln was getting reports from his staff as to the fitness of his troops and their leaders.  He wanted them in the field and in pursuit of the rebels.  His generals were reluctant to get started, waiting for optimum conditions.  Gen. Grant was now on the move in the Mississippi Department where the great river would become the focus of much activity for his 2 years.  The river was the highway for much of the middle of the country, now crisscrossed with railroads.  It was the principle conduit used by the South to market their produce and also to supply the rebel forces operating along the border states.   Gen. Grant recognized its importance and immediately made it his main effort.   His success caught the eyes of both Pres. Lincoln and Sec. of War Stanton.  In their combines effort to marshal the troops,  Gen. Halleck in Washington called for Grant's transfer to lead the Army of the Potomac operating in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.  His opponent in this region would be his former Mexican War comrade, Robert E. Lee, a most able soldier and son of old Virginia, and a son of the famous Light Horse Lee.   Grant would request and receive his most dependable general,  William T. Sherman.   After establishing himself in the tidewater country around the Potomac, he immediately put his forces on the offensive.
       With remarkable skill, this man of barely 40 years turned the tide against all the efforts of the South to establish a separate government from that established in 1789.  He would move his forces with a steady hand, placing able leaders where they could be most effective.   The names are a roll call of well known individuals who occupy a pantheon of American heroes:  Sherman at the top of the list; Phil Sheridan, the cavalry leader, George Armstrong Custer, another cavalry stalwart;  Gens. Meade; McPherson;  Schofield; Hancock; Wright; Warren, and many others.
        Reading the memoirs of one of the most able generals anywhere, it is apparent that the war was  a contest without a clear victor until Grant was given command of all the Union forces.  In a very short time, it became evident to most observers that the South was going to be the loser.  Grant was an aggressive, relentless, and able to gather his troops to defeat any and all the Southern armies no matter who led them in the field.
       After the surrender of Lee and his army at Appomattox Court House, Grant returned to Washington only to have his most generous supporter and leader cut down by an assassin's bullet.  Grant would go on to lead the country for two presidential terms before his untimely death a few months after his memoirs were completed.   He knew he was dying of an incurable disease and worked without  let up to complete the job.   Few native sons could achieve his status in a single lifetime.
     The book is divided into two volumes, often combined into one.  A new, abridged edition is now in print.

Maduro Blocks Humanitarian Aid

     Venezuelans were dealt a serious blow yesterday as Maduro's military followers placed a blockade on the border highway leading into the country in an effort to block food and medicines en route to the country.  Mr. Maduro seems destined to shoot himself in the foot regularly.  He's done it again in this case.  International organizations, recognizing the dire straits of the people of Venezuela, have assembled aid packages to assist in efforts to avoid starvation and deaths by various diseases now overtaking the nation's health care system run by Cuban doctors.
     These acts ordered by Mr. Maduro underscore his incompetence and his ignorance.  His behavior illustrates the desperate attempt to hold power in a dictatorship.   He wants power; he wants control; he wants to win.   He is being held back by external influences.  He will not capitulate.  His brain has lost its mind.   The people of Venezuela continue to suffer.
      South American leaders are hamstrung:  what to do?  In other areas, border countries being inundated by refugees seeking food and shelter would issue ultimatums to governments responsible.  Here it is different.   Given the political situation across the continental landscape, few leaders would agree to take this route.  With the backing of Iran, Cuba, Russya, and China,  Maduro has been able to survive a bit longer.  The day of reckoning is at hand;  his followers are melting away.  The Cubans are starting to get nervous and cannot keep up with the opposition government that has been formed to oppose Maduro.
     This month should mark the end of this Cuban takeover of a foreign country by subversion and intrigue.   Perhaps the Organization of American States will agree on a plan.  Or perhaps the United nations.  Or perhaps the Lima Group.   The World waits.  

Big Dump of Snow Lights up Lake

      With over 6 feet of new snow and 6" of new powder last night, skiers and boarders are reveling in the Sierra scene.  Chains are required on Highway 89 and the Emerald Bay roas on 89 is closed UFO.  Don't jump the barrier!
      So, put on your chains and get to your favorite mountain resort for best -of- season experience: more snow, perfect temperatures, and small crowds to contend with-ideal.

Snow by the Bay

     Well, we Tahomans know cold and snow.  Yesterday, our coastwise neighbors in San Francisco received some snow for the first time in 8 years.  8 years!  That's considered a drought up here.  The dusting came as a result of a sharp drop in overnight temps that dipped below freezing.  High hills of the City captured some precipitation in the form of S-N-O-W.   Mt. Sutro, in the City center, Mt. Davidson nearby, and famous Twin Peaks all received enough to color the City White for a few ho¨rs.  as dawn broke, the winter landscape began to change, and only early risers enjoyed the picturesque scene.   Lucky them.

Super Bowl LIII/50-Its Over

    So, Tom Terrific did it again- his 6th victory in 9 tries:  more than anybody else.  It is an amazing achievement for an individual to attain such success over 17 years of a career.  No doubt the combination of individual talent,  leadership among the coaching staff(including Bill Belichick), and an owner(Robt. Kraft) with deep pockets helps keep the momentum up.
     The game was billed as a contest between the old and the new.  The new represented by Jared Goff and his coach at the LA Rams, Sean McVay, 24 and 33 respectively.   Tom Brady is 41, and Bill Belichick is 66.   It turned out to be a contest between defenses: the score by quarter tells the story-
1st qtr: 0-0
2nd qtr:NE 3- LA Rams 0
3rd qtr: Tied 3-3
Final:
New England 13-
Los Angeles Rams 3
      Only 1 touchdown was scored by either team, with New England finally getting into the Red Zone to make it 10-3.  LA came back later in the quarter and tried a field goal that missed.  Finally, on a drive late, Jared Goff threw an interception on the 3 yard line that spelled the end for LA.
Many punts were kicked during the contest, with 3 downs and kick the order of the day.  Both punters earned their pay.   The LA kinker put a 53 yard field goal through the uprights for the team's only points in the 3rd quarter.
     Bottom line: New England and Tom Brady continue their reign as masters of the art of Football in the NFL.   HIs days are almost at an end calling signals as he is apt to age out any minute at 41+.  Jared Goff should be on the verge of a long career, barring injury.  He and his cohort members could take the NFL to a new era of sports.
    The MVP
       Julian Edelman was selected as MVP of the contest.  The scrappy flanker caught a dozen passes for almost 200 yards, He was an easy choice because he stood out among all others.  he had a banner day and provided lots of great moments for all fans everywhere.

SNOW, Snow, and more Snow

   Well, ski dogs, get ready for some mid-winter powder skiing.   Snow will begin falling tonight, Friday, February 1st.  It should continue for at least 4-5 days, ending around Tuesday, Feb. 5th.  Powder skiing will begin on the 6th.  So, meantime, load up on food for the next 5 days; go shopping this morning, maybe add a few batteries for the portables, and some meds just in case.
       The Super Bowl LIII will take place Sunday afternoon in Atlanta between the East Coast and the Left Coast.   It is a contest engineered for hype from all quarters.  A sportswriters dream event: age v. beauty; seniors v. youths; veterans v. newbys; experience v. freshmen.   New England v. the World of Hollywood;  Marin County v. San Mateo County.   I hope your wagers are in place.   This game could break records especially if the score is close during the contest.  It will be.  Passing, passing, and more passing.   Bellichick will pull out the stops;  LA will begin with dazzling movements meant to confuse the defense.   Watch the snow fall, stay warm, drink in moderation.