Is it time to fill up the tank? Apparently, propane prices dictate that it is time to get ready for the winter in Tahoma. Prices have declined over the last month from $1.20/gal. to $0.85/gal. Trying to anticipate changes is a fool's errand, and the reality is before us: a nice price drop at the right time. Go for it.
Buying Firewood
Every fall, I like to remind our Tahoma friends that a word of caution is in oreder when orderinf wood for your winter supply. Various suppliers take advantage of this time period and offer many choices. However, all of them have one constant: they sell by the cord.
What is a cord of wood? By definition, it is a volume metric that is defined by these dimensions: 8'X4'X4'= 128 _cubic feet. Cubic is the word. This feature of the word "cord" is what causes problems. The measurement is not nominal, as in a 2"x4". It represents the actual measurement. The definition also includes the statement: tightly packed. Split longs usually have 2 flat edges, joined in a "v" shape. These pieces are conveniently packed together. The pieces 'should' be 16" long to achieve the 4' dimension. This is another area of suspect behavior. More often than not, the pieces are less than 16", usually 15" to 13"-14". From the beginning, then, a stack of pieces less than 16" in length will not make up the 4' measure. The other big issue is delivery. Unless the supplier shows up with wood stacked in the truck, tightly packed, there's no way to know if you are getting the cord you paid for. Until it is stacked on your property, you won't know for surehow much was delivered.
So, be aware of these situations as you pay out $425/CORD for wood this year.
Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Germany Searches For New Leader After Merkel
So, now Germany faces a leadership change: Angela Merkel, who has led the German nation for over 13 years, will not run again after section defeats for her party. This was not unexpected, as sentiments shifted against her policies over the last two years. Much of the changes came on the heels of her widely publicized acceptance of hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees who sought safety in the EU as they fled war and repression from the Assad government's civil war.
An election will soon be held and three candidates have already appeared on the list. First on the list is Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer,, the former head of the state of Saarland. She is the current secretary-general of CDU and is popular in the party. She is often referred to as mini-Merkel. The second candidate is 38 year old Jens Spahn. He is the current health minister and the most polarizing of the three. The third candidate is 62 year old Friedrich Merz. He is part of the more conservative wing of the CDU. He is an opponent of multiculturalism and might appeal to that group of conservatives in the party.
Ms. Merkel says she will stay on until general elections in 2021, but this could change as many important decisions in the near term just might bring a call for earlier voting. The issues facing the EU, including Brexit and immigration, have brought changes in many other EU nations, including Greece and Italy. France's Pres. Macron is also treading lightly as opposition to his economic policies are opposed by more of his support base.
An election will soon be held and three candidates have already appeared on the list. First on the list is Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer,, the former head of the state of Saarland. She is the current secretary-general of CDU and is popular in the party. She is often referred to as mini-Merkel. The second candidate is 38 year old Jens Spahn. He is the current health minister and the most polarizing of the three. The third candidate is 62 year old Friedrich Merz. He is part of the more conservative wing of the CDU. He is an opponent of multiculturalism and might appeal to that group of conservatives in the party.
Ms. Merkel says she will stay on until general elections in 2021, but this could change as many important decisions in the near term just might bring a call for earlier voting. The issues facing the EU, including Brexit and immigration, have brought changes in many other EU nations, including Greece and Italy. France's Pres. Macron is also treading lightly as opposition to his economic policies are opposed by more of his support base.
NY Yankees Sick Over Series Outcome
After losing the longest game in World Series history(18 innings), the Boston Red Sox demonstrated their quality and resilience. They didn't lose another game, and they beat the Dodgers on LA's home turf 3 games in a row to win the Series match up. The final game was won by veteran pitcher David Price who can now add World Champion to his resume. He won 3 games during the playoffs and was a standout in the finale, going 7+ innings, holding the Dodgers to 3 hits.
His focus and his performance elevated the game for his teammates who lauded the athlete with superlatives usually reserved for singular heroes. Of course, he had help. Seasoned veteran pitcher for the Dodgers, Kershaw, gave up 3 one-run homers in the final game, giving credence to Boston's balance as a team: pitching, hitting, and defense equals victory(s).
A word about Red Sox defense is called for. Some of the plays resulting in outs at critical points during play remain memorable. The strike thrown by right fielder Mookie Betts(league MVP) to throw out a streaking Dodger runner will be replayed for years to come. The long ball to right field was chased down by Betts who turned and threw the ball on a line to the second baseman who placed the tag on the sliding runner for the out. What a delight to watch that play! Additionally, a catch by left fielder Benintendi spoke volumes: a deep flyball came off the LA hitter's bat and looked like extra bases, at least a double. Benintendi, at full stride, dove to the ground with glove hand fully extended and caught the ball. LA fans sat down and assessed their fate: the Red Sox came to play.
So, maybe next year for the Dodgers; and maybe next year for the Red Sox. First year manager, Alex Cora, will be hard pressed to repeat as history illustrates how difficult that is to do. A look at past winners, such as San Francisco in 2010, 2012, and 2014, demonstrate those difficulties, even with proven talent.
See you in April, 2019.
His focus and his performance elevated the game for his teammates who lauded the athlete with superlatives usually reserved for singular heroes. Of course, he had help. Seasoned veteran pitcher for the Dodgers, Kershaw, gave up 3 one-run homers in the final game, giving credence to Boston's balance as a team: pitching, hitting, and defense equals victory(s).
A word about Red Sox defense is called for. Some of the plays resulting in outs at critical points during play remain memorable. The strike thrown by right fielder Mookie Betts(league MVP) to throw out a streaking Dodger runner will be replayed for years to come. The long ball to right field was chased down by Betts who turned and threw the ball on a line to the second baseman who placed the tag on the sliding runner for the out. What a delight to watch that play! Additionally, a catch by left fielder Benintendi spoke volumes: a deep flyball came off the LA hitter's bat and looked like extra bases, at least a double. Benintendi, at full stride, dove to the ground with glove hand fully extended and caught the ball. LA fans sat down and assessed their fate: the Red Sox came to play.
So, maybe next year for the Dodgers; and maybe next year for the Red Sox. First year manager, Alex Cora, will be hard pressed to repeat as history illustrates how difficult that is to do. A look at past winners, such as San Francisco in 2010, 2012, and 2014, demonstrate those difficulties, even with proven talent.
See you in April, 2019.
Saturday, October 27, 2018
Election Tomorrow in Brazil
Will another populist be elected in Latin America tomorrow. Brazilians go to the polls to elect a new president and settle a runoff ballot between 2 candidates: one front the traditional left and a new candidate from the right. Don't miss this one. The largest economy in Latin America sets the tone for all the rest of the near neighbors.
World Series: Red Sox 2 wins; Dodgers 1 win
The Mayor fell asleep; not for lack of trying, but after 7+ hours of baseball, I had had enough. So, in the bottom of the 18th inning, the longest game in World Series history finally came to an end with a walk off home run by Muncie of LA. The seats were mostly empty at this point, but die hard fans got to see the home team save the locals the embarrassment of going down 3 games to none. few teams recover after losing 3 games to start a Series. But a 2-1 situation makes competition much more intense and much more likely to produce good results.
We'll see if the long game as holdover effects tonight. Game 4 at 5:05pm.
We'll see if the long game as holdover effects tonight. Game 4 at 5:05pm.
Friday, October 26, 2018
Who is Elena Alekseevna Khusyaynova?
What a mouthful! Great handle. A new accuser of Brett Kavanaugh? A former girlfriend of The Orangeman? A new Democrat candidate for the House midterm elections? Oh, wait. Don't associate her with anything having to do with elections. She's been fingered by US authorities as the central figure in an organized effort to sow discord among voters here in the No. 1 favorite country in the world. Where is she from? Why, St. Petersburg, Russya, of course. Mr. Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin's fave city on the Baltic Sea way out in western Russya, almost a stone's throw from New York City. In a front page article in the New York Times, the 44 year old was called out as the Chief Disrupter of a P-L-O-T /campaign of "information warfare" to interfere in American elections. US federal prosecuters unsealed charges against her calling her " chief accountant" of the organization.
My, my. Will the Kremlin ever behave? Sure, it's part of geopolitics, but come on, tone it down, Vova. What good does it do to the failing Russyan economy when sanction fall like rain over your own efforts?
More later
My, my. Will the Kremlin ever behave? Sure, it's part of geopolitics, but come on, tone it down, Vova. What good does it do to the failing Russyan economy when sanction fall like rain over your own efforts?
More later
Thursday, October 25, 2018
World Series: Boston 2 wins, Los Angeles 2 losses
Today is a travel day for professional baseball as both teams in the World Series fly west to California where they will play at least two more games. It could go more; they could play 3 games and then return to Boston, but the Dodgers will have to overcome lethargy and subpar performance in all areas from pitching to defense.
The Red Sox have displayed their remarkable talents across the board. Defense, the oft overlooked component of success, has received high marks as exceptional effort has been captured on camera several times. The Sox habit of coming from behind to win typifies a "can do" attitude that bolsters the morale of all members of the teams. Down 2 runs, no problem. We'll come right back. And they do. No matter the counter moves by the Dodgers, the Red Sox hitters put the ball into play and the base runners scamper around and come home to erase a temporary deficit. These efforts spell continued problems for Los Angeles. Will coming West change the chemistry? Tomorrow we will see immediately if the home team can rebound and give the locals something to cheer about.
The trend line is clear: it will be an uphill struggle for L.A.
An Aside
Golden State Warriors superstar, Steph Curry, had a big game last night: he scored 51 points in 3 quarters, hitting 1 three after another from many different positions. The fans love it, Curry loves it. He appears over his injury that benched him for most of last season. Watching this athlete play is pure joy. May it continue.
The Red Sox have displayed their remarkable talents across the board. Defense, the oft overlooked component of success, has received high marks as exceptional effort has been captured on camera several times. The Sox habit of coming from behind to win typifies a "can do" attitude that bolsters the morale of all members of the teams. Down 2 runs, no problem. We'll come right back. And they do. No matter the counter moves by the Dodgers, the Red Sox hitters put the ball into play and the base runners scamper around and come home to erase a temporary deficit. These efforts spell continued problems for Los Angeles. Will coming West change the chemistry? Tomorrow we will see immediately if the home team can rebound and give the locals something to cheer about.
The trend line is clear: it will be an uphill struggle for L.A.
An Aside
Golden State Warriors superstar, Steph Curry, had a big game last night: he scored 51 points in 3 quarters, hitting 1 three after another from many different positions. The fans love it, Curry loves it. He appears over his injury that benched him for most of last season. Watching this athlete play is pure joy. May it continue.
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