10 The Julian News
March 19, 204
POST NOTES
by Bill Fink
Ukraine The Ukraine and the Crimean Peninsula of which it is part, has never been a silent little corner of the world. Today it is no exception as once again Russian expansion into the region is causing worldwide angst. Russian troops are staged at the Ukrainian border and in fact are in the Crimea protecting their investment of a warm water port on the Black Sea. The Ukraine is both eastern European, and while it is not Asian per se, migration of people from the east over the centuries have created districts of people of Asian descent throughout the country. Presently, the country is bordered by Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Moldova. In centuries past and today its border with Russia and the Black Sea have led to the Ukraine’s turmoil. Ukraine is the site of early man and has been inhabited for over 40,000 years. It is one of the areas where the horse was first domesticated. Over the centuries it has been ruled by the Goths, Huns, Khazars, Cossacks, Tartars, Varangians (Vikings, Norsemen), and Mongols. In more modern times it was a part of or ruled by the Ottoman Empire, Lithuania, Poland, Russia and Austria. Obviously this region that has changed hands so often, coveted by nation states and the powerful hordes before them, has caused a history of war, death and destruction for its people. In the 1850’s, which represent modern times in the history of the Ukraine, Russian was already pursuing a policy of expansion. At the time Ukraine was primarily inhabited by Cossacks and Crimea by Tartars. Ukraine and Crimea at the time was ruled by the Ottoman Empire, a fading geographical, political and ruling force of 600 years. It had been a very successful empire beginning in Turkey and encompassing areas of Europe and Asia ruling over a diverse ethnic and religious population.
It was in conflict with Russia who under the pretext of protecting its Orthodox Christians moved Russians enmasse into the area. Russia’s real goal was to promote its trade, ergo potential wealth. It needed a warm water port, which Sevastopol on the Black Sea in the Crimea provided. Russia was also militarizing the Black Sea with war ships to protect its trade. The Ottoman Empire did not want to lose its buffer against Russia expansion and in alliance with Britain, France and Sardinia fought the Crimean War. The Allied forces beat back the Russians in war that lasted for two and a half years. Nearly 600,000 combatants on both sides died in the conflict of direct battle, wounds and disease. That did not include civilians caught in the conflict. The result was that the Russians were forestalled until the turn of the century when the Ottoman Empire fell. The Crimean War also gave us the Charge of the Light Brigade and a poem by Tennyson and Florence Nightingale. In 1917 the Tsars in Russia fell in the revolution and the communists came to power with a continuing lust for the Crimea. In 1919 the Russians fought a war with the newly established Ukrainian People Republic and brought it into the Soviet’s Republic. When Stalin came to power, he reflected the Russians hatred for the ethnic differences of the Ukrainians and through genocide of starvation called Holodomor (death by hunger) killed by some estimates, seven million people. During WWII, the Germans invaded the Crimea in 1941. The “Crimean Offensive” lasted eight months culminating in a 250-day siege of Sevastopol. The Soviets were not able to recapture Sevastopol until 1944. Once again, the Crimea was the sight of death and destruction seeing nearly 97,000 German and Romanian casualties and over 84,000 Soviet casualties in some of the bloodiest fighting on the eastern front. These losses do not account for civilian deaths. When the Germans conquered Ukraine there was by some of the population, an initial acceptance and collaboration. There was a hatred of the Soviets for their prior acts and thoughts that the Nazis would aid in Ukrainian independence. Racism and anti-Semitism was rampant though and with the aid of many Ukrainians, hundreds of thousands were rounded up and forced into slave labor. The Jews and Romis (Gypsies) suffered terribly under the Nazis and Romanians. At Babi Yar, a
ravine outside Kiev, 33,771 Jews were killed by machine gun in two days. Psychiatric hospitals, Romis, intelligencia and others contributed to about 100,000 murders at Babi Yar alone. At Odessa and surrounding areas of Ukraine mostly machine gunning killed over 100,000 people of all ethnicities. Ukraine was the site of the Syrets concentration camp. In 1991 the Soviet Union collapsed and Ukraine became an independent and autominous state. There are many diverse ethnicities and political biases still in Ukraine. Many lean toward alliance with the west and the European Union while many of the ethnic Russians still favor the influence of Motherland Russia. Recent events have seen the ouster of Russian leaning president Viktor Yanukovich by Parliament. The demonstrations against him by hundreds of thousands in Kiev has resulted in violent battles with police where people have been killed and fires set. Putin has rapidly moved in to the Crimea claiming the need to protect Russians. He holds the cards to a large portion of Ukraine and European energy through his pipelines. Is there anything that can be done, is there anyone that can do it or come to the aid of Ukraine or is history about to repeat itself in a new century?
- Post Notes -
Hear Ye! Hear Ye!
This Sunday the Sons of the American Legion are going to hold one of their great all-u-caneat breakfasts to honor Alan Wolowsky. Alan was a long time YMCA guy and was the one who said, “camp is camp and it’s all good”. Breakfast is from 7 A.M till 11:30 with all proceeds going to Julian kids who’d like to attend YMCA camp.
The Value of... continued from page 9
one, but two trash compactors rationalizing that based upon kitchen size, two people might require the compactor simultaneously. When that moment of synchronicity finally arrived with his wife, Tom was vindicated and we, the neighbours*, were regaled with this story as only Tom could tell, ad nauseam**. For what it is worth, it is people like Tom (in his unmistakable orange shirts) that have made this place special. Burn After Reading: Before I finish I would very much like to thank Mike Hart for this forum.
Mike is truly a great guy. He is hard working in a mostly thankless and underappreciated role. Thanks Mike! Writing for me has been cathartic. It is helping me through a difficult time in my life. This vocation too has been more than I could ever have imagined. I have been privileged to have met so many wonderful people in and around this Town. At times during appraisal inspections folks have needlessly apologized to me for the disarray within their homes, their lives. To which I normally respond “you’re not being fair, you have not entered my home, my life”. The true value of your home is not numerical, it is intrinsic. It is never more true, more apparent, than when you are leaving it, as in a career or friendship. For me that day is here. I am blessed by having lived here on this tiny piece of land on a magnificent mountain. In part, because the hours “work” I have put into this property, was not really work. Just being outdoors in this environment, working or playing, is truly awesome. Rebuilding was actually a blessing in disguise because it gave to me time to spend with my Dad, my kids, my friends, my neighbors. Most importantly, it allowed me to become part of one really wonderful community. I have often thought to myself, “would I rather live in my dream home in a nightmare community or the other way around?” I’d live in a Yurt if it meant I could live in a great community such as this one. So I am off to shop for a Yurt. Well, that’s it for now folks. Hope everybody has a great year here in the mountains, and remember, buy more newspaper. They’re important. They provide jobs, advertising and information. Some of it is even useful. Jeff *Not all my Neighbors are “Neighbours”. ** I was required contractually to include, “ad nauseam”, at least once within this series of articles. I am sick to my stomach it did not appear more often.
Riccio's Accounting Service A Non-CPA Firm Quality - Integrity - Confidentiality
Kelly Riccio, CRTP
(760) 765-4867 Cell: (858) 945-0142 Specializing In:
On-Site Traing & Consulting
oks
QuickBo
It’s my passion to help small businesses manage their bookkeeping.
Email: kellyriccio@yahoo.com
* Quickbooks Onsite Training & Consulting Certified Quickbooks ProAdvisor * Bookkeeping, Payroll, Sales Tax & Workers Comp. * Taxes (Personal & Business) - IRS approved e-file provider CTEC Registered Tax Preparer #A004872
Call for an appointment
Bond #90-KJ-0211-1
PETS OF THE WEEK Farrah is a spayed 5 year old red Miniature Pinscher Mix who weighs 12lbs. She is a playful gal who enjoys hanging out with her human as well as her canine pals. Farrah can be scared of new places and situations, so she is looking for a gentle owner who can reassure her and continue to socialize her. She would love to have a canine pal at her new home to show her the ropes and build her confidence. Meet Farrah by asking for ID#A1571483 Tag#C450. She can be adopted for $35.
Gizmo is a spayed 5 year old long-haired tortoiseshell who weighs almost 8 lbs. She is very social, outgoing and will walk right over to your lap and begin to "make bread" with her paws. Gizmo doesn't mind being picked up or carried around and will adjust easily to a home environment. She is a sweet girl who ended up at the shelter at no fault of her own. Meet Gizmo by asking for ID#A1573102 Tag#C884. She can be adopted for $35.
All adoption fees include vaccinations, spaying/neutering (upon adoption), a microchip and free Vet visit. Dog fees also include a 1 year license. Daphne and Merlin are at our Central County Shelter, 5480 Gaines Street, San Diego. The Shelter hours are 9:30AM to 5:30PM, Tuesday through Saturday or visit www.sddac.com for more information The Empire State Building is topped by a mooring mast for dirigibles. However, only one such ship ever docked there.
THE BEST REAL ESTATE COMPANY because we open the doors to your future ...
C orner of 4 th
760 • 765 • 1776
Get your books organized for the New Year!
and B streets , J ulian We have land listings too. Please give us a call CaBRE Lic# 01238746 d ce
du
Re
HOME SERVICES BLANTON APPLIANCE REPAIR All Makes & Models TVs, MicroWaves, Most Household Electronics
Insured B.E.A.R. Lic. #46524 Brian Blanton - Owner
760.315.7141 blantonappliance yahoo.com @
AD SPACE AVAILABLE 2 x 2 - 13 weeks Only $100 4 x 2 - 13 weeks Only $175 Contact The Julian News for details 760 765 2231
Paci�ic Cleaning Company
Carpet Cleaning - Tile & Stone Cleaning House Cleaning Dramatic 4 Bedroom, 3.5 Bath, 3300 sq.ft., on 2.5 acres. Custom built and architect designed. Five decks overlooking Volcan Mt., desert and the Julian countryside. A must see! $975,000
Kentwood in the Pines. Single level 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath home with many upgrades and a pellet stove for cozy fall and winter nights. Great buy at $329,000
Large, private, view home on 4 acres. Open floor plan featuring massive Rock fireplace. Detached 3 car garage. $435,000
Fabulous Views. 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath, 2,161 sq.ft. with detached garage with loft. Private on 2/3 of an acre. Reduced to $398,000
e uc
d
W
Stunning Two Story Pine Hills Home. 3 Bedroom, 3 Bath 4814 sq.ft. No expenses spared in this truly luxurious home. Reduced to $742,000
SHERYLL STRICKLAND REALTOR®
CABRE LIC# 01324619
Accredited Buyer Representitive Senior Real Estate Specialist 11 years julian real estate experience CALL 760 • 604 • 2226
and the backcountry
Whispering Pines 4 bedroom/2 bath. Indoor spa, brick fireplace, wood stove in Master bedroom. New paint, gutters, and more. Great buy at $395,000
Carpet Cleaning - Tile & Stone Cleaning House Cleaning
Level 2.5 acre parcel with a well and fantastic views. This would be a nice spot for a home or modular. $139,000
Juli Zerbe Broker/Owner REALTOR®
(760)560-8568
Paci�ic Cleaning Company
NE Country Home. 3 Bedroom, 3 Bath 1,732 sq.ft. on 4 all usable acres. Great for farming. Well at 65 gpm +/-. Gazebo with electricity. Reduced to $540,000
We Clean Julian
www.paci�iccleaningcompany.com
d
Re
No Hidden Fees or Gimmicks Competitive Pricing Safe for Kids & Pets Locally Owned & Operated
CABRE LIC# 01238746
Seller Representitive Specialist Risk Management Specialist Senior Real Estate Specialist 16 years experience CALL 760 • 445 • 1642
No Hidden Fees or Gimmicks Competitive Pricing Safe for Kids & Pets Locally Owned & Operated
We Clean Julian and the backcountry
We use our state-of-the-art Rotovac equipment for a fast and thorough deep cleaning of your carpet.
www.paci�iccleaningcompany.com
(760)560-8568