Calilyforneea Odyese

by ron

When we got here in Beamont, CA. The wind was blowing as it most always does in Beaumont. It is located at the funnel end of the pass from Palm Springs and in the middle of California's Santa Ana wind corridor. It is dry... humidity 15%. It takes a couple of days for me to get acclimated as the temp is in the 90's (gasp!). My nose goes into rebellion mode and starts on demand nose bleeds. It is really hard to keep my finger out of it. (gross I know but this is reality talking here).

Grand kids are here and after an 8 hour drive through some of the most freeway crazed people on earth they are ready with all their puzzles and games. Jacky is up for it but not me. The next four days are me fixing all the stuff that was found during the house inspection and Jacky is packing shelf by shelf. She paces herself well. I on the other hand race into everything full bore. First is the yard gate that allows access to the pool. It is leaning and rubs the sidewalk. My Grandson helps me which is pretty humorous as he is only 5. He has pockets.. Good for storing screws. In trade he only asks to run the electric drill. Rob comes and helps.. scavaging a saw from a fellow (my son was a Marine sergeant) retired Marine Gunnery Sargeant who comes along later to have a laugh at how we are doing.

The gate and I wrestle for most of the day and finally we discover a mounting screw that is 1/4 in diameter that should have been 1/2 in. That caused the gate to lean. Fixed.. nope! Missing paling and opener must be repositioned because the gate is now straight. 90 degrees ugh.

Next up ... Replace the entry door into the garage from the house. Rob put a kitty door in the other one so the katz could go outside. Turns out the door is a solid core door due to a fire regulation and they don't want the cat door in it in order to pass inspection. No you can't just board it up. Has to be replaced. It has hinges that are spring loaded to make the door self-closing
Of course it is a non standard door. These things are cut to fit also the hardware and weather striping will have to be removed and installed precisely as they were on the original door. This takes tools I didn't bring and Rob doesn't have. I go to the local ACE hardware and find a door that can be cut to fit. They will prep the door and put all the hardware on it for $20. DEAL!

This door weighs a ton.. I wrestle it off the wall ... grandson wants to know why I am doing that? I tell him I am breaking Daddy's house. Off he goes to rat me out. Rob helps me wrestle it into the car and I will take it down tomorrow. Rob's pool becons to me and I slide my shoes off and head for a cooling dip.... The water has just melted from some snow fed stream. Myself gets wet no higher than my ankles.

Back in the house I raid the beer supply. Ryan (my grandson awaits. He has his Shogun helmet and sword and a battle axe... he looks determined. Rob (my son) suggests Ryan show me the latest moves from his Karate class. Soon we are in complete all out warfare. I threaten to quit if the sword and battle axe are used. I'm a pussy.

The next morning the door is taken to the hardware and it will be ready that afternoon. The kids left last night for their Mom's home. I have a sore back, split lip and my heel has dried out and split giving me a John Wayne roll to my walk. Two bloody noses today.

The door is finished and I go to get it. They don't want the old one so now I have two doors in the van. I wrestle it out of the van and tote it on the dolly to its new home. Weighs about 70 or 80lbs. Get Jacky to put 3 screws in while I hold it in place. then the other screws go in. The deadbolt and the door mechanism are off by 1/4 of an inch....I quit for the day. At least it appears to fit.

The door is not through with me.. Lacking templates and proper tools I head to the ACE hardware store where they now know me by name. I buy a reamer for my drill figuring to enlarge the holes in the frame and move the frame hardware. Now I find a hammer and chisel would be handy. Make do with a screw driver and a hammer. After reaming and drilling the jamb several times I have a fit on both locks. Now for the spring loaded hinges... I have pins to put in after I increase the tension. Use a nail to pry the hinge around but it bends.. Can't get the tension needed. Back to ACE. Best I can do is an ice pick as a prying tool. ... SNAP! So goes the end of the ice pick..This pretty much takes up the day. Beer and frozen swimming pool...

Wanted a snack about 10pm decided to fix a bowl of Raisin Bran Cereal. Munching and chewing... Snap! Like a gunshot going off in my head.... My top denture has just snapped in two. Now I am toothless on top.

Next day, chapped lips, split lips, split heel no bloody nose ....yet, no teeth. Eat my breakfast gruel and am ready for the door that hates my guts. First the hinges... I find an old drill bit and it fits.. I lever everything and pin the hinge ... it works! But we are not done yet. Now it needs to be painted. Mask off everything and the floor and paint and paint and paint. It takes 3 coats before it looks ok.

Next day.. drive the extra van we brought down to its destination in Artesia. Manage to get myself in the traffic from hell. After diving the van all the way here without an incident I have 2 close calls on the 91 freeway. Rob is following later on he drives like the rest of the maniacs and does not want to be stuck behind me at only 65mph. I gas the van up and ask the attendant where the restroom is? They don't have one. For those of you who have an enlarged postrate you know the feeling. Fortunately sitting down cures the feeling ..Back in the van. I arrive, park the car and go to the apartment complex office. no one home. It is secure you can't get in I call the person... Answering machine no one there. Prostate sending shivers up my spine. back to the van. Call Jacky.. Where is my person. Maybe outback cleaning the garage. Rob follows me into an alley and we find our person. I just want to get to a restroom but have to get the car in the garage for her... Suppose to stay and help unpack but I can't hang on much longer. In the car with Rob.. He misses the first restroom.. Sweat beads on my brow. Finally he finds a Taco Bell but says I may have to pay a quarter to get in.

Back in the car. Rob is silent and drives us home. He is upset.. Something about he lost $3 million in a program he is working on and needs to be back working on it instead of gallivanting all over.
Tense all the way home.

Today, pack.

What happens when a Pitbull picks a fight with a Porcupine?






Sent in by Wayne Hill

Packing for the Move....

I would like to say I am one not to complain... That would not be true.. I'm ready to moan and groan. Especially when we wake to another 90 deg. plus day while at home a beautiful 32 deg morning is happening.

I'm getting emails wanting to know how we are doing. Tonight I will write the entire miserable experience to date... Stay tuned.

This afternoon we sadly hear from Barb Dudley....

We were down playing Canasta today and heard that Danny Volk past away. His wife is in California and his mother apparently found him this morning. Thought you would like to know.

NewsGator Online

NewsGator Online: "'I always keep a supply of stimulant handy in case I see a snake--which I also keep handy.'"

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NewsGator Online: "'Love thy neighbour as yourself, but choose your neighbourhood.'"

Tornado Responders Slowed By Cell Phones, First Responders In Alabama Used Cell Phones Instead Of New $18M State Radio Network - CBS News

Tornado Responders Slowed By Cell Phones, First Responders In Alabama Used Cell Phones Instead Of New $18M State Radio Network - CBS News: "(AP) In the chaos after a tornado killed nine people in Enterprise, emergency workers had trouble talking to one another because they tried to use their cell phones instead of the state's $18 million emergency communications upgrade, officials say.

'People were frustrated, but all they had to do was turn on their radios,' state Homeland Security Director Jim Walker told The Associated Press in a recent interview.
"

Here's some rather interesting facts for you to learn!! .......

1. Money isn't made out of paper, it's made out of cotton.
2. The Declaration of Independence was written on hemp paper.
3. The dot over the letter i is called a "tittle".
4. A raisin dropped in a glass of fresh champagne will bounce up and
down continuously from the bottom of the glass to the top.
5. Susan Lucci is the daughter of Phyllis Diller.
6. 40% of McDonald's profits come from the sales of Happy Meals.
7. 315 entries in Webster's 1996 Dictionary were misspelled.
8. The 'spot' on 7UP comes from its inventor, who had red eyes. He
was albino.
9. On average, 12 newborns will be given to the wrong parents, daily.
10. Warren Beatty and Shirley MacLaine are brother and sister.
11. Chocolate affects a dog's heart and nervous system; a few ounces
will kill a small sized dog.
12. Orcas (killer whales) kill sharks by torpedoing up into the
shark's stomach from underneath, causing the shark to explode.
13. Most lipstick contains fish scales (eeww).
14. Donald Duck comics were banned from Finland because he doesn't
wear pants.
15. Ketchup was sold in the 1830's as medicine.
(MORE TO FOLLOW AT A LATER TIME...WATCH FOR IT)

MARCH BREAKFAST...SATURDAY MARCH 31..8AM-10AM

HOSTED AND COOKED BY THE CANASTA LADIES....OUR MENU WILL BE BELGIAN WAFFLES TOPPED WITH STRAWBERRY FRUIT COMPOTE AND WHIPPED CREAM, BACON, JUICE AND???. SUGAR FREE JAMS AND JELLIES PLUS THE REGULAR STUFF.

BREAKFAST WILL BE $3.50 PER PERSON OR SEASON PASS HOLDERS WILL BE FREE!!

DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THIS ACTIVITY!!!!!!!!!!!!

THANKS JACKY

REMEMBER TO MARK THE CALENDAR.. LADIES COFFEE IS TUES MARCH 27
AT 10AM... COME MEET AND GREET.. FIND OUT ALL THE LOCAL HAPPENINGS IN THE PARK... GREAT WAY TO MEET NEW PEOPLE..
THANKS JACKY

TICKET SALES FOR DINNERS

WE'RE ALSO TRYING SOMETHING NEW IN TICKET SALES. YOU MAY ALSO PURCHASE A TICKET FOR A DINNER OR ACTIVITY BY PUTTING YOUR CHECK INTO THE LOCKED CUBBYHOLE SLOT AND GINGER DALE WILL GET A TICKET TO YOU..
TRY IT AND YOU MIGHT LIKE IT...

THANKS JACKY

IT'S THE WEARIN' OF THE GREEN ON SATURDAY MARCH 17 AT 5 PM. WE'RE HAVING A CATERED ST. PATRICK'S DAY DINNER AT THE CLUBHOUSE. SOCIAL HOUR IS AT 5PM AND DINNER WILL BE SERVED AT 5:30 PM... THE MENU WILL BE..
CORNED BEEF
CABBAGE
CARROTS
ONIONS
POTATOES
DINNER ROLLS
DESSERT BAR
COFFEE & TEA
TICKETS ARE $8.50 PER PERSON..

BUY YOUR TICKETS FROM BETTY HANUS, BARB DUDLEY, GINGER STOUT, MARILYN BREAKFIELD & KATHY SMITH

MARK YOUR CALENDAR... SAVE THE DATE.....

TUESDAY MARCH 13...... 2 PM.... DISTRICT ATTORNEY BERNICE BARNETT AND MS EDNA ABBOT WILL PRESENT "IDENTITY THEFT" AT THE CLUBHOUSE.
BRING ALL YOUR QUESTIONS... REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED..SEE YOU THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THANKS JACKY

Wayde Dudley..

sent in a Visa/Mastercard scam that is going on and you should really take the time to read about it. We verified it through the Snope's Urban Legends web site. You can read it by following the link below. Snope's classifies it as true.

Click here to read about it..

Go the Newport Police link on the left side of the page and navigate to the Arrests log to read the latest.

Sent in by Arleta Lucht

Stay with this -- the answer is at the end. It will blow you away.

One evening a grandson was talking to his grandfather about current events.
The grandson asked his grandfather what he thought about the shootings at schools, the computer age, and just things in general.

The Grandfather replied, "Well, let me think a minute, I was born before:
'television
'penicillin
'polio shots
'frozen foods
'Xerox
'contact lenses
'Frisbees and
'the pill
There were no:
'credit cards
'laser beams or
'ball-point pens
Man had not invented:
'pantyhose
'air conditioners
'dishwashers
'clothes dryers
'and the clothes were hung out to dry in the fresh air and
'man hadn't yet walked on the moon

How old is Grandpa???
Your Grandmother and I got married first, . . And then lived together.
Every family had a father and a mother.
Until I was 25, I called every man older than me, "Sir".
And after I turned 25, I still called every man older than me, "Sir"
We were before gay-rights, computer- dating, dual careers, daycare centers, and group therapy.
Our lives were governed by the Ten Commandments, good judgment, and common sense.
We were taught to know the difference between right and wrong and to stand up and take responsibility for our actions.
Serving your country was a privilege; living in this country was a bigger privilege.
We thought fast food was what people ate during Lent.
Having a meaningful relationship meant getting along with your cousins.
Draft dodgers were people who closed their front doors when the evening breeze started.
Time-sharing meant time the family spent together in the evenings and weekends-not purchasing condominiums.
We never heard of FM radios, tape decks, CDs, electric typewriters, yogurt, or guys wearing earrings

We listened to the Big Bands, Jack Benny, and the President's speeches on our radios.
And I don't ever remember any kid blowing his brains out listening to Tommy Dorsey.
If you saw anything with 'Made in Japan ' on it, it was junk.
The term 'making out' referred to how you did on your school exam.
Pizza Hut, McDonald's, and instant coffee were unheard of.
We had 5&10-cent stores where you could actually buy things for 5 and 10 cents.
Ice-cream cones, phone calls, rides on a streetcar, and a Pepsi were all a nickel.
And if you didn't want to splurge, you could spend your nickel on enough stamps to mail 1 letter and 2 postcards.
You could buy a new Chevy Coupe for $600, .. . . But who could afford one?
Too bad, because gas was 11 cents a gallon.
In my day:
'"grass" was mowed,
' "coke" was a cold drink,
'"pot" was something your mother cooked in and
'"rock music" was your grandmother's lullaby.
'"Aids" were helpers in the Principal's office,
'"chip" meant a piece of wood,
'"hardware" was found in a hardware store and
'"software" wasn't even a word.
And we were the last generation to actually believe that a lady needed a husband to have a baby. No wonder people call us "old and confused" and say there is a generation gap... And how old do you think I am?
I bet you have this old man in mind...you are in for a shock!
Read on to see -- pretty scary if you think about it and pretty sad at the same time.
This man would be only 59 years old

NewsGator Online

NewsGator Online: "'Life is a moderately good play with a badly written third act.'"

On the way to CA...

We transported a 2nd car down to CA. for a couple of our residents. As we traveled we found yet another use for the FRS radios we hope you are considering acquiring. We were in two cars and me being the usual navigator for one of these jaunts Jacky had a problem. We solved it with our radios. We were chattering all the way here. I told her about the turns coming up and she drove my backseat from 2 car links back. Possibly a new world recored for a back seat driver.

Our Poll results

We see that 51 people view this website from the community. I wish it were more.

Of the 51 .... 16 say they would be willing to read the monthly newsletter on line and receive a calendar via email. That isn't what I thought the answer would be but it's certainly enough to go ahead with the task. I will be showing Charlie how to publish the newsletter on line.. It is really simple... All he has to do is email it to a special address and it will self publish... Simple as that. That is the same way our police dept publishes on their websites. The same way that Lincoln County CERT team and Newport CERT team publish on their websites.

After I get Charlie up to speed I suggest you email me your email address and I will send you a calendar and I will put a link to the newsletter on the left of the webpage. When you feel you are happy with what we've done you just tell Charlie that you get your newsletter and calendar on line so he doesn't have to have one published for you. You snowbirds will probably find this service a real plus.

We've been thinking it would be a real plus for the people who advertise in the newsletter to have ads on the website. The revenue would be for the Social Club. Ads are time consuming and will take a bit of work. They also can run every day of the week. To put them on we will need volunteers to learn how. The ads should not come cheaply. On the other hand the vendor can have a break in that we can have a link for people to click that will bring up their whole menu and what's on special. They will be allowed to change it once a week. This should not be a $10 a month thing. More changes = more money. Large ad= more$.

Think it over Social Club... and answer in the comments if you would. Meanwhile a new poll concerning using the website as an income generator will be up shortly.

NewsGator Online

NewsGator Online: "'The word 'politics' is derived from the word 'poly', meaning 'many', and the word 'ticks', meaning 'blood sucking parasites'.'"

Gas in CA at its highest $3.22

Average $3.15

:(

Updating Marian Rogers

This was sent in by Barb Dudley...


Ron,

I was going to post this on the website but I thought maybe it would be better for you to do an update since you already had something posted there. Ginny Scherer called me today with an update on Marian's condition. She is doing extremely well, all things considered. She is still in ICU, regained consciousness, and has even said a few words. The first 4 days are the most critical and she is through that, but the next 7 days are also critical. She is still making progress even though she still can't read. She can smile and laugh and, with everything she has been through, that is really saying a lot. She's not home free yet but it sounds like she's on her way. I am sure she can still use prayers and good thoughts from everyone.

LIVE ACTION DRILL !




The LVH CERT team is going to have a mini drill incorporating the things we have been learning over the past year and a half. We want to to take a look at our areas of strengths and weaknesses. This will help direct our training in the coming months.

You may have been listening to the new LVH Neighborhood Watch Radio Network on CH 5 FRS. In which case you have listened to the CERT team in operation. When a threatening condition develops or begins to develop in our community the word is passed and we begin instituting one of our disaster plans. We have had a couple live actions based mostly on high winds and power outages. We think the team performed really well in those events but now we plan to take them into the world of earthquake disaster.

This time will be different in many ways. The first thing is that we plan to announce the date and time of our simulated disaster. We also plan to conduct most of our radio communication on CH5 FRS (our local Neighborhood Watch Channel). The reason we are doing that is to invite you to listen as the drama unfolds on your FRS radios. We also invite you to watch our operations at the disaster site and at the clubhouse which will be our command post and temporary hospital.

Ben Davi is a registered Nurse with an up to date license and we have asked him to examine the victims as we transport them to the clubhouse. He will decide the order of evacuation. Several City officials may be present to give advice.

Team members are not and will not be aware of what is in store for them so that will add to the drama and confusion that will be generated. This is reality training and necessary so the observers can help point out the areas that we need training in and our strengths. The drill will not be long. We are hoping for less than an hour and a half. It will happen between 9:30 am and noon.

We expect errors. We want them... This is how you learn best. During the drill if anyone on the team is unclear about what is happening or in their roll they will pause the drill until a leader clarifies the point.

Now you know about the drill.. I would like to talk about your roll in this drill. We know that when a disaster strikes some good Samaritans will come to help. We would like you to do just that. Our plan is to assign CERT team members as rescue and triage team leaders but they will need approximately 4 volunteers per team. You will work under a team's direction in the rescue operation. They know how to safely do the job. Most of you don't know. We ask these volunteers to do as directed by the team. This will give the teams a chance to see the problems of using untrained volunteers. Some lifting and bending is anticipated. Women or men are acceptable.

We will be contacting some Neighborhood Watch Block Captains in the drill test area and asking them to call in assesments on their FRS radio to the CERT Communications. This will be the first use of Neighborhood Watch to do this task and is the main reason for the new Park Radio alerting system. This action will save the CERT team many hours and allow them to go right into emergency mode.

We will need records keepers and radio communications assistants who will also work under the direction of CERT team members. You can help we look forward to seeing you on drill day. The rest of the park you will be given locations where you can observe or just tune into CH5 with the new FRS radio you want to go out and buy right now.

Those of you who do have your FRS radios and are using them you could help us out here by putting in a comment and telling everyone what you think about this new system and what you have experienced with it.

The drill is currently scheduled for Wednesday the 28th of MARCH.

Some other things for you to know folks. We think this is the first time CERT and Neighborhood Watch have worked together... anywhere. We think our Neighborhood Watch is the first one to use radios for every individual as a communications resource. You truly are the modern Oregon Trail pioneers ... circling your wagons preparing for difficult times.

NEWS ABOUT MARIAN ROGERS

According to Ginny Scherer, Marian Rogers was taken to the local hospital Tuesday evening. She had an aneurysm in the brain. She was life flighted to Portland. They don't know what hospital. Jim has quit his job as head of security at Pacific Shores RV park so he can be with her in Portland. Ginny said he will be home this Saturday to pick up his mail , etc If you would like to put a card in the cubbyhole, the number is #168 Loving thoughts and prayers to Marian
Jacky

NewsGator Online

NewsGator Online: "'Whenever I dwell for any length of time on my own shortcomings, they gradually begin to seem mild, harmless, rather engaging little things, not at all like the staring defects in other people's characters.'"

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NewsGator Online: "'Let not the sands of time get in your lunch.'"

Get Ready For The Big Time Switch, Larry Magid's Tips On How To Adjust Your PC & Gadgets To New DST - CBS News

Get Ready For The Big Time Switch, Larry Magid's Tips On How To Adjust Your PC & Gadgets To New DST - CBS News: "This coming Sunday is the start of Daylight Saving Time. That, and the switch back to standard time in the fall, have been with us since long before computers were invented but this year it will be different. A 2005 federal law dictates that U.S. Daily Saving Time will begin three weeks earlier than before and extend a week later to the second Sunday in November. "

FOR SALE

TOW DOLLY

$650. VERY GOOD CONDITION

GOOD TIRES, 2 SETS TIE DOWN STRAPS

100" WIDE with 74" WIDE DECK (will fit full size car)

Contact Greg Pfalmer 541 574-0065




e

Our Radio Alert system works again this day

If you had your FRS radio tuned to CH 5 this am you would have heard....

About the water and power outage. You would have known what there was to know.

We communicated with Larry Henson and asked him to make an announcement on CH5 FRS when he has information about community problems.. Someone is always listening now. This is your source for rapid information and What to do with it.

You need to buy an FRS radio and be prepared for emergencies, Neighborhood Watch concerns like strange vehicles and cars that are about. Police patrol cars, ambulances in the park.

Go to CH 5 and simply ask what is happening. Someone will tell you. You will be better informed and will get suggestions about what can be done. Or you can tell everyone about something you have witnessed. Eyes and radio can track anybody or anything around the park.

In addition to Larry Henson (park mgr) There are several people monitoring the local PUD, Fire, and Police frequencies and they share what's happening with us on CH 5 FRS.

More people listen all day all the time now. For less than $20 you can be informed. Buy a radio today at WalMart or Staples. Can't afford it? Talk to a CERT team member.. They will find a way to get one to you if there are spares available.

New Poll!

New Poll Question on the left...

by ron

Folks,

We have the means with this poll question to save some printing $$ and answer a few other questions with just your simple "Yes or No" vote. Let me tell you what the whole thing will do.

First, all that is necessary to have the Newsletter posted on line is for me to show Charlie how to do it. A very simple process. When the newsletter is kept on line all the copies of it are archived forever. A search engine is available to search for past articles.

The calendar is not part of it. But, I have to make up a monthly calendar anyhow so if you give me your email address I will send you an attachment copy for your own. You can print as many as you want for hard copies.

All that said there is more information we can garner here. Every so often someone says, "Not everyone in our community has a computer". We all know that is true but do we know how many in our community do have a computer tuned to this website? Nope, we don't. We know generally that there are 150+ visits to the site daily. We have a statistical counter rigged up that shows how many visits, where the visitors are located geographically, the number of times they have visited recently, etc. But we really don't know how many use the site community wide. We know that relatives and friends of our community drop in from time to time to keep track of Mom and Dad or grandpa/grandma.

When you vote yes or no it will give a very rough idea of how many residents have computers and read the site. So we have an indirect stat there. If you see any other stats that can be inferred then let us hear about it in the comments below.

Outdoors - StatesmanJournal.com

Outdoors - StatesmanJournal.com: "The original look

WHAT: Final touches in the renovation of Yaquina Head Lighthouse

WHERE: Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, two miles north of Newport

WHEN: Windows will be installed in the oilhouse this month to restore it to the way it looked when lightkeeper Fayette Crosby first climbed the 114 steps to the lantern room and lit the wick of the oil lanterns the evening of Aug. 20, 1873.

THE LIGHT: The original Fresnel lens is in place, but the oil lanterns have long been retired in favor of a 1,000-watt globe that blasts a 130,000-candlepower beam out to sea."

News - StatesmanJournal.com

News - StatesmanJournal.com: "All of the cottages and other dwellings for seniors would be rented, Deines said. The intent is to 'create a large, age-restricted senior campus,' he said.

Prices for renting one of the assisted-living units have not been determined, but at other facilities it ranges from about $2,300 to $3,200 a month for a two-bedroom unit; memory care units cost more. Meals, weekly housekeeping, and utilities are included with rent.

Those living in the cottages at the West Salem project would be able to get meals at the main building's dining hall.

The 'independent living' portions of the project would be aimed at people 55 years and older, while the assisted living facility's primary clientele would be those 75 years old and older, Deines said."

NewsGator Online

NewsGator Online: "'Acquaintance, n.: A person whom we know well enough to borrow from, but not well enough to lend to.'"

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NewsGator Online: "'I know that there are people who do not love their fellow man, and I hate people like that!'"

Oil Innovations Pump New Life Into Old Wells - New York Times

Oil Innovations Pump New Life Into Old Wells - New York Times

SOCIAL CLUB MINUTES-FEBRUARY, 2007

Oops! Sorry, I did not get the minutes from the last Social Club Meeting to Charley in time to publish in The View so here they are. Also, as always, there will be a copy on the Bulletin Board in The Clubhouse. My heartfelt thanks to NancyLee Moore for filling in for me. She did a great job!

LONGVIEW HILLS SOCIAL CLUB MEETING

February 19, 2007

Meeting was called to order by Ben Davi, Co-Chairman at 4:02 PM. Present were Ginger Dale, Treasurer, and NancyLee Moore, substitute Secretary. 20 residents attended the meeting.

Minutes from last meeting were read and approved.

Treasurer's Report - as of Feb. 1, 2007, showed $6,113.61 balance.

Activity Director, Jacky Thomas lost her sunglasses at the Clubhouse - whoever found/finds them, please return as she is unable to see well in daylight. Jacky also expressed her Thanks to all who have helped in so many ways to brighten the lives of all our residents, especially decorating and helping with the dinners, breakfasts, etc held at the Clubhouse.

Feb. 24 - Breakfast at the Clubhouse - Hart's group doing the honors.

Mar. 13 - 2:00 PM at the Clubhouse - Edna Abbott and Bernice Barnette will answer Questions regarding Identity Theft - bring your questions.

Afterwards, the Block Captains will have a meeting.

Mar. 17 - St. Patrick's Day dinner, at Clubhouse - corned beef/cabbage etc. Happy Hour at 5 PM, dinner at 5:30. Catered by Barb, our Domestic Goddess, for $8.50 each. Included will be a dessert bar. If you cannot find anyone from whom to buy a ticket, Please put your money in an envelope with your name on, and drop in lockbox in Clubhouse. Ticket will be given to purchaser. Betty Hanus will also be selling tickets.

March 31- Breakfast at the Clubhouse - Canasta Players will officiate. There has been Another group volunteering to put on breakfast - the CERT team.

April 8 - Easter Sunday Brunch - Pot Luck - 12 noon.

April 21 - Spring Dinner

April 22 - Leftovers Sunday

A discussion was held for a once-a-week catered lunch at the Clubhouse. It will cost $4.40 per person. If interested, let Jacky Thomas or check the Bulletin Board.

May 13 - Mother's Day Dinner - $14.00 - catered - 3 entrees.

March 6 - Cooking Club meets at 1 PM. Pot Luck Salad - welcome to all interested Parties.

Jean Hart has been Kitchen Coordinator for many years. She has done a fine job but now is planning her retirement. The Board is looking for someone to follow in her footsteps.

Jean will continue as Sunshine Committee, sending cards/phone calls to those under-the­-weather.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

1. Report from Ron Thomas on progress of the CERT Team and their increased efforts to bring us all more safety during emergencies.
2. Discussion was continued to purchase and display a continuing Service Award to be displayed in the Clubhouse - first medallion on the Board will be a Copper plate honoring Donna Davi. Don Newman made motion, seconded by Nancy Lee Moore. Motion carried unanimously.
3. Table tennis replacement was discussed, information shared. Final assessment will be taken by Board.
4. The air pot coffee maker which needed to be replaced, has been.
5. Newsletter - Charlie Currie reported the competition for cover picture was taken by Brenda Chase. Congrats to Brenda - it is a beautiful pic - hope all enjoy it. Suggestion that a gift certificate be sent to John Forsloff for his long-term care of printing our Newsletter.
6. CERT update - ham radio operators met - they are taking a course of study for Certification with the US Navy, Coast Guard, etc. Many thanks to them for their continuing hard work to help us.
7. Discussion ensued regarding use of car horns to announce emergencies ­earthquakes, tsunamis, etc. They're free and most people have them.

MEETING WAS ADJOURNED BY BEN DAVI, CO-CHAIR AT 5: 18 pm. Minutes submitted by NancyLee Moore, sub. sec.

Deer Roping

Sent in by Wayde Dudley

>
> I had this idea that I was going to rope a deer, put it in a stall, Feed it up on corn for a couple of weeks, then kill it and eat it. The First step in this adventure was getting a deer. I figured that since
> They congregated at my cattle feeder and do not seem to have much fear of me when we are there (a bold one will sometimes come right up and sniff at the bags of feed while I am in the back of the truck not 4 feet away) that it should not be difficult to rope one, get up to it and toss a bag over its head (to calm it down) then hog tie it and transport it home.
> I filled the cattle feeder then hid down at the end with my rope. The cattle, who had seen the roping thing before, stayed well back. They were not having any of it. After about 20 minutes my deer showed up - 3 of them. I picked out a likely looking one, stepped out from the end of the feeder, and threw my rope. The deer just stood there and stared at me. I wrapped the rope around my waist and twisted the end so I would have a good hold. The deer still just stood and stared at me, but you could tell it was mildly concerned about the whole rope situation. I took a step towards it...it took a step away. I put a little tension on the rope and received an education.
> The first thing that I learned is that while a deer may just stand There looking at you funny while you rope it, they are spurred to action when you start pulling on that rope. That deer EXPLODED.
> The second thing I learned is that pound for pound, a deer is a LOT stronger than a cow or a colt. A cow or a colt in that weight range I could fight down with a rope with some dignity. A deer, no chance. That thing ran and bucked and twisted and pulled. There was no Controlling it and certainly no getting close to it. As it jerked me off my feet and started dragging me across the ground, it occurred to me that having a deer on a rope was not nearly as good an idea as I originally imagined. The only up side is that they do not have as much stamina as many animals. A brief 10 minutes later, it was tired and not nearly as quick to jerk me off my feet and drag me when I managed to get up. It took me a few minutes to realize this, since I was mostly blinded by the blood flowing out of the big gash in my head.
> At that point I had lost my taste for corn fed venison. I just wanted To get that devil creature off the end of that rope. I figured if I just Let it go with the rope hanging around its neck, it would likely die Slow and painfully somewhere. At the time, there was no love at all between me and that deer. At that moment, I hated the thing and I would venture a guess that the feeling was mutual. Despite the gash in my head and the several large knots where I had cleverly arrested the deer's momentum by bracing my head against various large rocks as it dragged me across the ground, I could still think clearly enough to recognize that there was a small chance that I shared some tiny amount of responsibility for the situation we were in, so I didn't want the deer to have it suffer a slow death so I managed to get it lined back up in between my truck and the feeder - a little trap I had set before hand. Kind of like a squeeze chute. I got it to back in there and started moving up so I could get my rope back.
> Did you know that deer bite? They do! I never in a million years would have thought that a deer would bite somebody so I was very surprised when I reached up there to grab that rope and the deer grabbed hold of my wrist. Now, when a deer bites you, it is not like being bit by a horse where they just bite you and then let go. A deer bites you and shakes its head - almost like a pit bull. They bite HARD and it hurts.
> The proper thing to do when a deer bites you is probably to freeze and draw back slowly. I tried screaming and shaking instead. My method was ineffective. It seems like the deer was biting and shaking for several minutes, but it was likely only several seconds. I, being smarter than a deer (though you may be questioning that claim by now) tricked it.
> While I kept it busy tearing the bejesus out of my right arm, I reached up with my left hand and pulled that rope loose.
> That was when I got my final lesson in deer behavior for the day. Deer will strike at you with their front feet. They rear right up on their back feet and strike right about head and shoulder level, and their hooves are surprisingly sharp. I learned a long time ago that when an animal like a horse strikes at you with their hooves and you can't get away easily, the best thing to do is try to make a loud noise and make an aggressive move towards the animal. This will usually cause them to back down a bit so you can escape. This was not a horse. This was a deer, so obviously such trickery would not work. In the course of a millisecond I devised a different strategy. I screamed like woman and tried to turn and run.
> The reason I had always been told NOT to try to turn and run from a horse that paws at you is that there is a good chance that it will hit you in the back of the head. Deer may not be so different from horses after all, besides being twice as strong and three times as evil, because the second I turned to run, it hit me right in the back of the head and knocked me down. Now when a deer paws at you and knocks you down it does not immediately leave. I suspect it does not recognize that the danger has passed. What they do instead is paw your back and jump up and down on you while you are laying there crying like a little girl and covering your head.
> I finally managed to crawl under the truck and the deer went away.
> Now for the local legend. I was pretty beat up. My scalp was split open, I had several large goose eggs, my wrist was bleeding pretty good and felt broken (it turned out to be just badly bruised) and my back was bleeding in a few places, though my insulated canvas jacket had protected me from most of the worst of it. I drove to the nearest place, which was the co-op. I got out of the truck, covered in blood and dust and looking like hell. The guy who ran the place saw me through the window and came running out yelling "what happened".
> I have never seen any law in the state of Kansas that would prohibit an individual from roping a deer. I suspect that this is an area that they have overlooked entirely. Knowing, as I do, the lengths to which law enforcement personnel will go to exercise their power, I was concerned that they may find a way to twist the existing laws to paint my actions as criminal. I swear...not wanting to admit that I had done something monumentally stupid played no part in my response. I told him "I was attacked by a deer". I did not mention that at the time I had a rope on it. The evidence was all over my body. Deer prints on the back of my jacket where it had stomped all over me and a large deer print on my face where it had struck me there. I asked him to call somebody to come get me. I didn't think I could make it home on my own. He did. Later that afternoon, a game warden showed up at my house and wanted to know about the deer attack. Surprisingly, deer attacks are a rare
> thing and wildlife and parks was interested in the event. I tried to describe the attack as completely and accurately as I could. I was filling the grain hopper and this deer came out of nowhere and just started kicking the hell out of me and BIT me. It was obviously rabid or insane or something.
> EVERYBODY for miles around knows about the deer attack (the guy at the co-op has a big mouth). For several weeks people dragged their kids in the house when they saw deer around and the local ranchers carried rifles when they filled their feeders. I have told several people the story, but NEVER anybody around here. I have to see these people every day and as an outsider - a "city folk". I have enough trouble fitting in without them snickering behind my back and whispering "there is the idiot that tried to rope the deer."

PANDORA'S BOX..

EDITOR:
This is a must LOOK AT... Read about it below as the author describes it. Then below his story we tell about our experience and give you the how to do it. First you have to have hi-speed internet or it won't work. Now go and read.

On January 6, 2000 a group of musicians and music-loving technologists came together with the idea of creating the most comprehensive analysis of music ever.

Together we set out to capture the essence of music at the most fundamental level. We ended up assembling literally hundreds of musical attributes or "genes" into a very large Music Genome. Taken together these genes capture the unique and magical musical identity of a song - everything from melody, harmony and rhythm, to instrumentation, orchestration, arrangement, lyrics, and of course the rich world of singing and vocal harmony. It's not about what a band looks like, or what genre they supposedly belong to, or about who buys their records - it's about what each individual song sounds like.

Over the past 6 years, we've carefully listened to the songs of over 10,000 different artists - ranging from popular to obscure - and analyzed the musical qualities of each song one attribute at a time. This work continues each and every day as we endeavor to include all the great new stuff coming out of studios, clubs and garages around the world.

It has been quite an adventure, you could say a little crazy - but now that we've created this extraordinary collection of music analysis, we think we can help be your guide as you explore your favorite parts of the music universe.

We hope you enjoy the journey.

Tim Westergren
Founder
The Music Genome Project

Ok that was a nice article. Here is what you get FREE. The senior mantra... It's FREE! The way it works can be tried out first. You don't have to download anything! just follow the link below and then when you get there click "create a new station".. You put in a song or composer that you like. Then it may start with say Neil Diamond then the next song it will play is one from him then their software goes out and selects a singer that is much like him and plays that song and so forth. As each song plays the album it came from is displayed. By placing the cursor on it it gives you a thumbs up or down option. Thumbs up and it continues to play... down and it ejects. Now it compares what you have said youlike and goes and finds more songs like it. Each time you click thumbs up or down it hones into what you really like and saves it.

Now the important feature ... click minimize and the site disappears on to your start tool bar and you can surf to all the other websites you want to go to while it plays your music. If a song comes up that is primo just click the tool bar icon and give it a thumbs up... If it's a stinker thumbs down. If it's just ok I let it play on with no input. It saves your choices for the next time you come back provided you sign up for a free account. There are more features but we will leave them for you to discover. Here is the link:

http://www.pandora.com/?cmd=tuner

The New Neighborhood watch system in action...

A call came in that there was an ambulance entering the park on the radio...

Ron on FRS Ch5 :
An ambulance with flashing lights just passed by on Windmill..

RuthAnne:
It just turned north on evergreen

Marlene:
Say again.

Ruthanne:
An ambulance just passed heading north on Evergreen

Marlene:
I see it.. Its stopped.

Ron:
Where?

Ron:
Do you have your map?

Marlene :
Yes standby while I get it.

Marlene:
It's house #105

The conversation continues updating the ambulance crews actions and the resident's name. On the way out the ambulance is reported as it leaves the park.

During the radio dialog Ruthanne observes that this is way for us to have concern for a fellow resident in crisis and offers a silent prayer.

This will become the way of neighborhood watch as the network grows and you all begin to monitor CH5 you will be well informed about what's going on in the park... Won't you join in by purchasing an FRS radio today. The more eyes and ears the safer the park becomes and the safer you become in an emergency.

Wave energy coming to coast

Wave energy coming to coast: "Wave energy coming to coast
Renewable resource - An Oregon-based electricity co-op and a New Jersey company join forces
Related Documents (PDF):
1
Thursday, March 01, 2007
GAIL KINSEY HILL

A Portland-based electric co-op has hooked up with a private company to help develop a wave energy project off the Oregon Coast near Reedsport."

News - StatesmanJournal.com

News - StatesmanJournal.com: "Tickets for Delta Air Lines flights from Salem went on sale Tuesday, the first time travelers could book a flight from the state capital in more than a decade."

NewsGator Online

NewsGator Online: "'Those who flee temptation generally leave a forwarding address."

2007 Oregon Coast Home and Garden Show - Oregon Coast Home and Garden Show

2007 Oregon Coast Home and Garden Show - Oregon Coast Home and Garden Show: "2007 Oregon Coast Home and Garden Show


'There's No Place Like Home'

Plan to Attend This Weekend!

The 28th annual
Oregon Coast Home and Garden Show
March 2, 3 & 4, 2007
at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds in Newport, Oregon

For 28 years, we've been the coast's resource for information on all your home and garden needs. From new home construction to great tips for your garden, you'll enjoy demonstrations and learn about the many products and services available.

There will be prizes awarded every hour to show visitors!

Admission and Parking are free!"

SUNSET AT THE NORTH POLE........click on picture to enlarge

Sent in by John Spangler

From the Desk of Pat Schwoch Executive Director
					Eighteen months of negotiations are finally coming to a close. Our proposed legislation is now in Legislative Counsel. This is where any proposed legislation goes to be drafted and receives an LC number. When it leaves there it will go to the House and Senate, for a reading after which it has a bill number and is ready to be heard in committee. We will post the bill on our OSTA web site as soon as we have it in hand. That site is http://www.mhoo-osta.com. Give us until about the 2nd or 3rd week in February to get the information on the site. Briefly this is what the bill offers: A Payment of $5,000, $7,000 or $9,000 for a single wide, double wide or triple wide from the park owner; no charge to resident for disposing of the old home; A $10,000 state tax credit that is universally refundable for all tenants displaced by the closure, regardless of income or whether you are able to move your home or not; The landlord who elects to sell to the residents will be able to avoid Oregon state capital gains taxes. When the election returns came in I began hearing from people that we should be able to "get everything we want" since the Democrats won! Yes, they did win but with a one-person majority in the house. Some of those democrats are more conservative than others, as are some Republicans more liberal. So we submit our legislation and ask for their support. Is our Coalition bill everything we want? NO! Am I getting flack from people who think we didn't get enough. YES! But by the same token MHCO is getting flack from their members that they were too generous. That is what compromise is about. There are several other bills being presented. Some of them deal with legislation to enable us to become involved in coop's, such as that in New Hampshire, where it has been used so successfully in helping residents to become involved in buying their parks. There are bills to help fund those issues. As bills that deal with our issues come into focus we will add those to the web site. As you know I have worked with the Coalition for the past 5 sessions (10 years). To those of you who are new to OSTA, let me explain why the legislation concerning manufactured landlord tenant law comes out of the coalition. When I first became active in the legislative efforts of Manufactured Home Owners some 14 years ago I didn't have a clue how the legislative procedure worked. The first session was kind of a daze. We didn't even get a hearing. At the beginning of the second session Frank Burelson, who was a resident of Greenway in Dallas, and I made it a point to go to every hearing that the landlords had and protest that we were being ignored. Finally, Senator Bill Kennemer, a past senator from Clackamas, heard our pleas and turned to the landlord group and said to them," Don't you ever come before the legislature with legislation that affects these people, without their having been involved and you have an agreement, because if you do we will not hear your legislation." From that date forward we have worked with the coalition and have gained many benefits that has made our lives much better. We were reminded of that legislation last session when Senator Ben Westlund praised John Brenneman and I for working for legislation that both parties could agree to. A run down on some of those rights can be found in the article entitled "MEMBERSHIP IS CRUCIAL" in the current issue of the "OSTA Review". Finally, there is a small group, some of whom are OSTA members, who think they can come up with legislation that is better than ours. That is a possibility, but getting it passed is another story. I have been accused of "being in the pocket of the owners," regarding our coalition bills. Anyone who knows me knows nothing could be further from the truth. The coalition members have worked hard to learn to trust each other and in this day and age that is a good feeling and a rare relationship. Now we wait and work with the legislators to get this legislation into law. We will be asking for your support. Again, watch the web site, http://www.mhoo-osta.com, for additional information. Thanks, Pat

Our Hospital Lectures Here Soon

Social Club President Wayde Dudley has arranged a presentation from Newport Samaritan Hospital.

Hospital Services from our local hospital will be here to explain how they serve the community and what services they offer on April 18th from 2 to 4pm.

This will be an informative meeting. Everyone is encouraged to attend.

For those that might be interested, the annual Blessing of the Fleet will be Saturday, March 17th. There is a Survival Suit Race at 9:30 a.m., which starts in front of Mo's on the Bayfront. At 1:00 p.m. there is The Blessing of the Fleet from the U.S. Coast Guard Station (the parade can be viewed along the Bayfront). At 3:30 p.m. is a Fishermen's Memorial Service at the Fishermen's Memorial Sanctuary at Yaquina State Park. From 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. is a "Battle of the Frypan" to see who wins the Best of the Bay, at the Newport Middle School, as well as entertainment, art silent auction, displays, etc. There is a charge for the evening event. This year the Honorary Commanders of the Parade are Mike and Kathy Holmgren. Mike is the coach of the Seattle Seahawks. For more information you can go to fishermenswives@yahoo.com, or call 574-5555.

Sent in by Milt Sadusky...

AND IT CAME TO PAST.........

in ancient Israel, it came to pass that a trader by the name of Abraham Com did take unto himself a young wife by the name of Dot. And Dot Com was a comely woman, broad of shoulder and long of leg. Indeed, she had been called Amazon Dot Com.

And she said unto Abraham, her husband: "Why dost thou travel far, from town to town with thy goods when thou can trade without ever leaving thy tent?"

And Abraham did look at her as though she were several saddle bags short of a camel load, but simply said: "How, dear?"

And Dot replied: I will place drums in all the towns and drums in between to send messages saying what you have for sale, and they will reply telling you which hath the best price. And the sale can be made on the drums and delivery made by Uriah's Pony Stable (UPS)."

Abraham thought long and decided he would let Dot have her way with the drums. And the drums rang out and were an immediate success. Abraham sold all the goods he had at the top price, without ever moving from his tent.

But this success did arouse envy. A man named Maccabia did secrete (look it up, it means to hide) himself inside Abraham's drum and was accused of insider trading.

And the young men did take to Dot Com's trading as doth the greedy horsefly take to camel dung. They were called Nomadic Ecclesiastical Rich Dominican Siderites, or NERDS for short. And lo, the land was so feverish with joy at the new riches and the deafening sound of drums that no one noticed that the real riches were going to the drum maker, one Brother William of Gates, who bought up every drum company in the land. And indeed did insist on making drums that would work only with Brother Gates" drumheads and drumsticks.

And Dot did say: "Oh, Abraham, what we have started is being taken over by others."

And as Abraham looked out over the Bay of Ezekiel, or eBay as it came to be known, he said: "We need a name that reflects what we are."

And Dot replied: "Young Ambitious Hebrew Owner Operators." "YAHOO," said Abraham.

And that is how it all began.

Google simplification


Google bought our blogging company sometime ago and has been adding and modifying the way this webpage is made. Over time they have made innovations to remove the necessity for knowing html code to make a page work. I learned the code to create what we have now. As time and age move on though we may not be able to keep up this website and others that fall under our umbrella.

So, while we are able we will be incorporating Google's new designs into this site. I suspect there will be days that we wish it was never attempted. Google says when we finish though people will be able to design and make what has to be done now with code without a bit of knowledge of code. That means one day a new editor will step up to the plate and carry Longview Hills @ Newport Oregon into the future. It is already a living history of a retirement community around the 21st century.

The ARCHIVES

We have had comments that the archives for the website stopped working. Worked on it today and found a new way to make them work and it should be a lot easier for you. When you scroll down the page on the left you will find a new box to the archives that conveniently lists them by date. The website is archived weekly right back to its beginning. Everything is there, a miniature history of LVH for about 5 years. Over 5000 posts!

Should you care to research the archives or the current articles there is a search engine just for this website alone in the top left corner of the page just above the banner picture. Put in your search key words or names and up will pop links to all that was said on the subject in the past. Try putting in your name or a friend's that is active in park activities.

A word about the looks of what you will see... When an archive is called it brings up all the stories written on the date range selected but the rest of the website does not change. All that changes are the articles. Look for the dates on the postings and you will know you are in the right place.

2007 Legislature - StatesmanJournal.com

2007 Legislature - StatesmanJournal.com: "As real estate sizzles in Oregon, converting manufactured home parks into traditional subdivisions or other uses is tempting. Park owners have gotten cold calls from Seattle developers waving 'gobs of money' to sell their sites, said John VanLandingham, a Legal Aid lawyer who helps coordinate the Manufactured Housing Landlord/Tenant Coalition."

Global Positioning System (GPS)

sent in by Wayde Dudley....

WHAT IS GPS ?

Wayde Dudley is planning a discussion of GPS. Everyone knows a little about GPS but not many know a lot. GPS is a reasonably simple method of calculating a position on the surface of the earth. Using that position together with accurate maps allows people to navigate their way to desired places.

The theory of GPS will be explained, what equipment is involved, accuracy of positioning, limitations, uses and truths and untruths.

Plan to attend this presentation and ask your questions about GPS. The time and place will be announced after we determine the level of interest.

Editors note... Wayde asked for a poll to be created to gauge interest in this class so you will see it on the left side of the page soon.

NewsGator Online

NewsGator Online: "'Quit worrying about your health. It'll go away.'"

We know exactly where one cow with Mad-cow-disease is located
among the millions and millions of cows in America, but we haven't
got a clue as to where thousands of illegal immigrants and terrorists
are located. Maybe we should put the Department of Agriculture in
charge of immigration.

State Government - StatesmanJournal.com

State Government - StatesmanJournal.com: "House Bill 2639, sponsored by Rep. Vicki Berger, R-Salem, and others, would require drivers 75 and older to renew their licenses every four years instead of eight. It also would require them to take the driving-skills test, although Berger said she's willing to drop that provision to enhance the bill's chances for approval.

'I am not against old people, and I am not against old people driving,' Berger said. 'But in Oregon, we can go eight years -- eight years -- without ever having to enter the Driver and Motor Vehicle (DMV) Services office. That is a long time, and a lot of older people are not monitored by family and friends.'"

Turn Your Home Green, A Few Simple Steps Can Save You Money And Help Protect The Environment - CBS News

Turn Your Home Green, A Few Simple Steps Can Save You Money And Help Protect The Environment - CBS News: "MINIMIZING DIRT: Stop wearing shoes inside your house. It's estimated that up to 80 percent of all household dirt is brought inside by shoes and clothes. You can cut down on allergy-causing dirt by doing what many Asian households do: Leave your shoes at the door. When guests come over, offer them a cozy pair of cashmere socks to make the ritual less demanding, and more inviting. "

NewsGator Online

NewsGator Online: "Lucille Ball
2/20/2007 5:00:00 PM [rss@quotationspage.com (Quotes of the Day)]

'The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age.'"

NewsGator Online

NewsGator Online: "Mae West
2/21/2007 5:00:00 PM [rss@quotationspage.com (Quotes of the Day)]

'You're never too old to become younger.'"

BBC NEWS | Asia-Pacific | NZ fishermen land colossal squid

BBC NEWS | Asia-Pacific | NZ fishermen land colossal squid: "world-record-breaking colossal squid.

Fisheries Minister Jim Anderton said the squid, weighing an estimated 450kg (990lb),took two hours to land in Antarctic waters."























e

Alerting the community

We have been tossing around ideas to come up with a signal that would alert the entire community to go to CH 5 FRS radio and find out what's happening that an alert has been called without having to spend hours dialing everyone in the park. Buying a radio and using CH5 FRS to broadcast alerts and information on CH5 are two components. The third, alerting the community that there is an event that needs their attention is a bit more elusive.

Two of the components, monitoring and getting the entire community to buy and learn how to use their radios are making great progress. New folks are coming on board regularly. The third component is elusive but we have some good leads to track down. The idea of megaphones being used to call an alert is not workable due to the heavy insulation our homes all have they are just not audible when the windows are closed like in winter. We thought that a series of automobile horns oscillating on emergency horn honk would be the answer but again these well insulated homes tend to cancel that idea out also.

BUT, today at the CERT meeting a couple of team members spoke about other parks similar to our own that had a special system installed where the neighborhood watch member or like person pushed a button on their phone and it rang every phone in the park with a special tone. If such a system is available to us we could say if that special tone sounds everyone go to CH 5 on their radios for an announcement and update on the problem. Such a system would tie the whole park together almost instantly and put everyone on CH 5 throughout the event with continuous updates. A staggeringly wonderful idea. We will research it and keep you informed from the KnowZone this is RT signing off.

CARD GAME GOING STRONG AT LVH'S........

I tryed to find out what kind of
card game these ladies were
playing, but seems to be a secret.
They all still had there clothes on
and so we are safe. They were having a
great time and lots of laughs.
(picture by C. Burke)

WeatherBug

WeatherBug: "SNOW ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM PST WEDNESDAY FOR THE NORTH AND CENTRAL OREGON COAST RANGE AND THE WILLAPA HILLS OF SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON
Issue Time: 7:58 PM PST Tuesday Feb 20 2007
Valid Until: 4:15 AM PST Wednesday Feb 21 2007
Details"

OBSERVATIONS

OBSERVATIONS

There were a couple of articles in Monday's Salt Lake City Tribune that
might not have made it to Newport yet and I thought you'd like to be kept up
to date.

"People Different From Us". The New Jersey Department of Health and
Senior Services issued a warning in January to residents of the city of
Ringwood that they should limit their intake of squirrel to no more than
twice a week (children once a month). (A toxic waste dump is nearby).
Dan Gulley Jr., 70, and David Brooks Jr., 62, fought in January in
Atmore, Ala., and acccording to police, Gulley pulled out a gun and shot
Brooks. The two were arguing over how tall the late singer James Brown was.

"When Bad Things Happen to Stupid and Unlucky People". Glenn Vickers,
58, allegedly intoxicated, wildly tailgated a driver in January on
Interstate 64 that happened to be Kanawha County, W. Va., Sheriff Mike
Rutherford in an unmarked car. After jockeying behind Rutherford for a
while, Vickers peeled off at an exit and flipped Rutherford the finger, but
immediately crashed into a guardrail.

The March/April issue of AARP magazines delights us by telling us that
"They'll be back-- four million kids ages 25 through 34 will move back home
this year".

Warren Beatty turns 70 next month, be sure to send him a card.

I think I am finally starting to understand why the Muslims in Iraq are
killing each other, and it took Garry Trudeau's "Doonesbury" cartoon in last
Sunday's paper to clue me in. In the strip an American GI and an Iraqi
interpreter are cruising the streets of Bagdad in a Humvee looking for a bad
guy. The GI tells the interpreter that their orders are to capture the bad
guy and do him no harm. The interpreter says that as soon as he sees the
suspect he is going to kill him instead. The GI is puzzled and asks why?
The Iraqi explained that a member of the suspect's family had killed a
member of his family and he was sworn to avenge the act. The American
asked: "Gosh, when did this happen?". The Iraqi said: "In the year 1358".
(This is a great time for an Editorial Comment, but I will refrain and let
you make your own comment here).

The next time you see Ben Davi, pull up a chair and ask him to tell you the
joke about the talking dog. I advise that you hold onto the chair to keep
from falling out when he delivers the punch line.

The Dixie Chicks are releasing their new album "Shut Up and Sing" today.
Oh, well.....I DO agree with half of the title.

Fill in these answers: "I'm gonna love you like nobody's loved you......"
(when?)
"They bring the flowers that booom in
May....." (who?)
"So I just did me some talkin' to the
sun....." (why?)
"Getting soaking wet, torturing my heart by
trying to forget....." (what?)

You got them all right, didn't you? When....come rain or come shine.
Who....April Showers. Why....Raindrops keep falling on my head.
Why....Just walking in the rain.

I dunno if the Editor's Box is still up in the Club House. I will be there
on March 3 if there is anything you'd like to share.

Jim and Marilynn McCrea (Utah transplants)

Scanners

Uh-huh... Like a cat in a sand box I'm covering more bases with our CH 5 monitoring.... IDEA! There are folks in the park with scanners that listen 24/7 to fire calls, PUD, ambulance, and police. It's kind of a hobby for some and others like to stay on top of what's happening. Sitting here and thinking about it, I know of 5 people park wide that do this. There are probably more.

I will find out what the frequency of CH5 FRS is and post it here and email those with scanners with it asking them to put it on their scanners. That will get us even more folks monitoring Ch5 all the time.. It may just fulfill our goal of around the clock monitoring and put more ears on our KnowZone network.

If you are a scanner person please tell your Neighborhood Watch Coordinator... They are like a clearing house for all information park wise. They talk to one another and keep each other informed. The park is divided into 3 areas with a coordinator in each area. The coordinators pretty much monitor CH 5 all the time. You can tell or ask them about park going ons any time between 8:00 AM and 6:00pm.. After that time make calls only to inform of something going on or to find out about an outage. Call 911 if something bad is happening.

If you live on Windmill and south of Windmill your coordinator is Bill Furgason.. If you live north of Windmill but south of the lake your coordinator is Rod (Coach) McCready. If you live north of the lake your coordinator is Marlene Crites. If you live in between any of those lines you can talk to your choice of coordinator.

New Oval Sticker Aimed at Promoting Tourism on Oregon Coast

New Oval Sticker Aimed at Promoting Tourism on Oregon Coast: "Now, the central Oregon coast town of Newport has got in on the act, with its own sign of civic pride and tourism marketing."

The glass ceiling - In Depth - theage.com.au

The glass ceiling - In Depth - theage.com.au: "But even today's incandescent bulbs remain very inefficient, converting only about 5 per cent of the energy they produce into light."

FDA reissues Internet Drug Warning - The Emergency Email & Wireless Network .......... www. EmergencyEmail.ORG ........ NewsEmergency.com

FDA reissues Internet Drug Warning - The Emergency Email & Wireless Network .......... www. EmergencyEmail.ORG ........ NewsEmergency.com: "FDA reissues Internet Drug Warning

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has become aware that a number of Americans who placed orders for specific drug products over the Internet (Ambien, Xanax, Lexapro, and Ativan), instead received a product that, according to preliminary analysis, contains haloperidol, a powerful anti-psychotic drug."

The Know Zone

The plan for the communications part of the Know Zone is evolving and some very good foundation blocks are in place. The first major hurdle was to find a rapid way of communicating with you folks. We have it and it is in place and working pretty good.

We have been working on it for a couple of months now and here is a report. There are 3 Neighborhood Watch Block Captain Coordinators. At this time they all happen to be members of the CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) They have been trained by local police, fire, Red Cross, Coast Guard, State Police and Pacific West Ambulance.. Some have been certified in Red Cross First Aid, CPR, and AED (Automatic Electric Defibrillator) . They also have trained most diligently on a weekly basis to enhance LVH's safety.

What has been done with communications.... Thanks to some great benefactors the park has 5 radios with rechargeable batteries. They have 3 chargers. Each one of the Coordinators has a radio tuned to CH5 FRS all the time and they listen most of the time, 24/7. As time goes on more of the CERT team will be asked to carry rechargeable radios much of the time and monitor CH 5 if they wish to volunteer. When we can say we have coverage 24/7 all the time we will have reached a milestone.

Your part at this point is to buy a radio.. preferably with a charger, and learn to use it... CERT team members will help you learn just ask them. Practice any time from 9:00 AM to 6:00PM. Call for a radio check or to ask if there are any Neighborhood problems or to report a problem.. HOWEVER, we are not the police or ambulance service you should make those calls yourself but you could give us a heads up on CH 5 FRS. Do Radio Checks and ask questions on the air until you can work your radio with your eyes shut. A problem may happen during the night with no electricity... Buy your radio and practice now.

NewsGator Online

NewsGator Online: "Andrew W. Mathis
2/18/2007 5:00:00 PM [rss@quotationspage.com (Quotes of the Day)]

'It is bad luck to be superstitious.'"

NewsGator Online

NewsGator Online: "Evan Esar
2/18/2007 5:00:00 PM [rss@quotationspage.com (Quotes of the Day)]

'Anger is the feeling that makes your mouth work faster than your mind.'"

New Trail in Newport Captivates Oregon Coast Locals, Visitors

New Trail in Newport Captivates Oregon Coast Locals, Visitors: "t’s the opportunity to walk through wetlands without impacting them, and it’s an out-of-the-wind activity in Newport,” Protiva said.

First, the explorer has to find the trail – and you may initially get fooled. An unmarked paved path at the east end of the parking lot at Agate Beach apparently wanders off into the woods. It quickly forks to the south or north; the southern stretch takes you back across a creek running through the wayside, and down a path which wanders below the Agate Beach Best Western hotel, eventually taking you to the western end of the parking lot. This is not the trail, but a pleasant and pastoral diversion, nonetheless."







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Oregon lawmakers push bill requiring mountain climbers to carry beacons on Mount Hood - International Herald Tribune

Oregon lawmakers push bill requiring mountain climbers to carry beacons on Mount Hood - International Herald Tribune: "SALEM, Oregon: There is danger aplenty on Oregon's tallest peak — including avalanches and crevasses. Some say a small electronic device can improve the odds of survival.

Several Oregon lawmakers want to require climbers to wear electronic locators above 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) on Mount Hood — an idea mountaineers resist."

Scotsman.com News - Sci-Tech - It may hit Earth ... but don't worry, we've got a plan

Scotsman.com News - Sci-Tech - It may hit Earth ... but don't worry, we've got a plan: "It may hit Earth ... but don't worry, we've got a plan
RAYMOND HAINEY

A £150 MILLION space mission should be launched to deflect an asteroid which is set to pass dangerously close to Earth, experts warned yesterday."

TV WE LIKE

See some of the TV Ron & Jacky watch and the way we rate it. Like the concept? Send your favorites with dates, times and Channel and the way you rate it. Your name will be on the rating so make it good.

Find new programs and introduce them to others....

This is a test run.

The link is on the left next to the rotating star.

Send you favorites to:

teckron@gmail.com

Looking outside the box

Recently, I ran into a new friend down at Staples here in town. He is recently retired Police sergeant Dean Sawyer. Retirement being not being what he thought it was he looked for a part time job and found it with the tribal council in Siletz. He is their emergency coordinator now. We talked about the FRS radios that go on sale periodically for around $15 a pair and then he went on to tell me something that got my brain whirling...

In the office building at Siletz everyone has an FRS radio at their desk. In case of emergency they pick it up and turn it on. Instantly, everyone is connected and good to go. That is what we want here with our Neighborhood Watch FRS Security system. But, (there is always a but isn't there?) there is something missing.. it's right there in front of us... a basic component that would tie the whole thing together for us!

Here is what is needed... We need a signal of some kind that would alert everyone to pick up their radios and turn them on to CH 5.. Everyone interested in being notified would be in instant communications.

Here is what we have. 3 Block Captain Coordinators with radios tuned to CH5 and on 24/7 but not necessarily listened to 24/7.. That would be asking a lot of any volunteer. However, it is a good system that can be improved. They monitor CH 5 like many hobbyists in the park listen to a scanner to hear what public service agencies are doing.

Now we need a system that channels phone calls to these 3 coordinators about park events and emergencies. They then need an alarm of some sort to sound if they deem it necessary to make a park wide broadcast on CH 5.

I know there would have to be stringent rules about what constitutes an emergency that requires an alarm to be set off lest we begin to cry wolf to often.

For the most part things affecting the park that are non- emergencies like the shutting off of water or loss of power (even though they have the potential of becoming an emergency) could be relayed by a neighbor tuning to CH 5 and asking one of our coordinators if anything is going on. The coordinators will be informed about this type of information by Larry Henson.

However, if a coordinator, following park guidelines, (that don't exist as of yet) deemed a situation an emergency then he/she would activate the neighborhood emergency alert system and everyone would know that they should tune to CH 5 FRS to be informed and to get help.

The Alarm? Here is the way it could work for no cost to LVH or it's residents. Selected volunteers through out the park would agree to click the emergency horn icon on their car's key chain and let their car horn oscillate for 5 minutes. Neighbors hearing that would be asked to turn on their horns for 5 minutes. Horns can be activated from inside the home by just a press of the button. At the end of 5 minutes horns are turned off and folks are tuned to CH 5 to listen for instructions.

This system would need practice drills to get people used to what to do.

I would like to give the system a try but we need folks to buy into the idea... That means that there will not be 100% agreement. There are people on one end of the spectrum who think readiness, Neighborhood watch and CERT are a bunch of hooey. There are those on the other that think they should be involved in preparation for any event. Of course the majority live in the middle.

Do you have a comment or suggestion on how we can use this system? Let's hear them. Bad good or indifferent.

NewsGator Online

NewsGator Online: "Kin Hubbard
2/17/2007 5:00:00 PM [rss@quotationspage.com (Quotes of the Day)]

'Honesty pays, but it doesn't seem to pay enough to suit some people.'"

NewsGator Online

NewsGator Online: "Jane Caminos
2/17/2007 5:00:00 PM [rss@quotationspage.com (Quotes of the Day)]

'A waist is a terrible thing to mind.'"