villagevoiceoceansidecc@gmail.com
Vol. XXI, No. 11 | November 2012
Editorial
The Declining State of Media
How many of us get most of our news via television? Some will say all; others, a small portion. In any case, most of us have noticed a subtle, but dramatic change. Turn on your 5, 10 or 11 o’clock news from the major channels and what do you get? Blood and Guts: someone shot someone else in the outskirts of San Diego, a house burned down in Chula Vista, hold-up at a donut shop in Imperial Beach. And worst of all, “Breaking News” with a helicopter trailing a car chase into Tijuana. If you ever called the TV station to complain about the quality of news, their response is “We don’t feature news, we feature entertainment.” In other words, entertainment is now cloaked under the guise of news. An official of one of the five leading TV stations said that “blood sells, news does not.” And if blood sells, that attracts more advertisers. More advertisers mean more revenue. More revenue means the parent company gets to dictate the direction of what is being telecast. And the direction is not good. How we, as seniors, yearn for the past newscasters: Walter Cronkite, Edward R. Murrow, Lowell Thomas, Chet Huntley/David Brinkley, Dan Rather, John Cameron Swayze and Tom Brokaw to name just a few. All of us received vital news from them
EDITORIAL, CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
Our lush landscape, a major appeal at OHCC. Right, Tom Hogan monitoring water controls, central.
OHCC Blunt Higher Water Rates During the past year, efforts to conserve water is now beginning to pay off, this according to Tom Hogan, OHCC Landscape Director. Faced with a 6% higher water rate from Oceanside for the coming year, Tom feels that with our 20% cutback on water usage, landscape changes on Cannon Road and at the Park and the 80 newly installed sensors located throughout the golf course, our water costs could remain about the same. The new ground sensors from Turf Guard can relay temperature, moisture and salinity information every five
minutes to a central control in Tom’s office. With this information, he can take immediate action in the event there is a rise in temperature and salinity or a drop in moisture. During the hottest two weeks of August, the sensors indicated there was no need for watering of the golf course. This represented a savings of 5,614 units or $12,000. (One unit of water equals 748 gallons.) While the final figures of water usage at Cannon Road are not in, Tom estimates a savings of 90% to 95% in that area alone. WATER RATES, CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
The Village Voice is a publication of the OHCC Journalism Club
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EDITORIAL, Cont’d. from Page 1
and we believed what they had to say. And what they had to say formed the foundation of our good judgment, reasoning and a sincere feeling of what was important to our lives, our country and the international scene. But alas, newscasters such as those are gone…gone perhaps forever. The major stations are now providing us with good-looking reporters with goodlooking suits, ties and dresses. They provide us with excitement and we are enchanted with sex, murder and scandal, all delivered to us on a silver platter called “news.” Another source of news is our morning newspapers. Although readership is declining nationwide, there remains a strong readership in the Village. Our newspapers go hand-inhand with our morning coffee. Now that the North County Times has been purchased by the U-T San Diego, it will be interesting to see if the editorial agenda of the U-T will creep into our local paper. Our reporter, Russ Butcher, contacted a member of the NCT staff who confirmed that a couple of NCT reporters still remain, namely Deborah Sullivan Brennan and Paul Sisson, both of whom write about the environment. The staff member assured Russ that the number of reporters will increase and the coverage will be better, but for now and in the indeterminable future, the NCT will be redundant. (An alternative source of good news reporting is KPBS on Channel 11 and their sister radio station KPBS 89.5 FM. For more in-depth news reporting and analysis, many readers have switched to The New York Times or The Wall Street Journal. There is one thing you won’t find there: car chases.) ********
WATER RATES, Cont’d. from Page 1
At the meeting with the Master Board, Tom revealed that Golf Course operations for the year to date is $51,000 under budget due mostly to water savings. Landscape costs for common areas also reflect $119,000 under budget due to reduced tree trimming and water savings. ********
Palm Trees Get Trimmed
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Members of the O’Connell Landscaping staff are often seen scaling our palm trees in the Village seemingly without effort. It takes them only seconds to climb the trunks, secure themselves at the base of the branches and hack away at the seeds and lower limbs. According to Glen Foremen, Director, O’Connell Landscaping, there are three workers who are assigned to climb these trees. He said High tree balancing act. that it is a common job and they frequently perform this throughout the area. First a line with a led ball on the end is slung across the top of the tree. A heavy rope is then fastened to the end and is hoisted over the top and secured. He merely jimmies himself up and places his body in a comfortable but secure position,
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Editor: Bob Wong, 806-1310 villagevoiceoceansidecc@gmail.com Office address: 4935 Thebes Way, Oceanside, CA 92056 Distribution Coordinator: Jack Collar, 598-0580
Village Coordinators Upper Cordoba . . . . . . John Hanna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 940-1874 Cyrus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Betty Theel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .945-4588 Hydra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seymour Prell, Ruth Leader . 945-7631 Majorca . . . . . . . . . . . . Betty Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 758-1960 Mykonos . . . . . . . . . . . Betty Collar . . . . . . . . . . . . . 598-0580 Portofino . . . . . . . . . . . Werner Rind, Mary Duarte Santorini . . . . . . . . . . . Chuck Barlow . . . . . . . . . . . .758-0625 Zante . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alan DeCarle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 631-0179 Advertising:
Richard Travis, 724-4091 • Email: ohccvillagevoice@gmail.com Production: Sandra Powers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 579-9330
Mary Jane Matthews, President Gilda Barnard, Vice President Charlotte Pichney, Secretary Seymour Prell, Treasurer Bob Wong, Editor Marileen Johnson, Director Russ Butcher, Director
Ira Landis Andy Truban Dan Neilson Gilda Spiegl Joan Buchholz Joe Ashby Phyllis Ward Tom Lynch Tom Fuller
Selma Leighton Charlotte Pichney Russ Butcher Beverly Nickerson Peter Russell Jack Shabel Bob Barnes Marileen Johnson
Patronize the businesses you find in the Voice.
Village Voice 4716 Agora Way, Oceanside, CA 92056 Advertising E-mail: OHCCVillageVoice@gmail.com For information, call Richard Travis For information, call Sandra @ 760-295-1993 Ad Rates: Full Page $140 (Add $75 for color) Half Page $85 (Add $50 for color) Classifieds (3 lines) Quarter Page $45 (Add $25 for color) $9 Residents Eighth Page $25 (Add $10 for color) $12 Others ($3 addl line)
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then commences to saw. These climbers do not use cleats on their shoes that can injure the tree. When one was asked about the possibility of falling, he replied that it doesn’t hurt when you fall; it hurts only after you strike the ground. Residents are discouraged from trying to trim their trees themselves.
Residents Be Aware: Danger in Discontinuing Landline Phone ********
With the widespread and convenient use of cellphones, many residents have decided to discontinue their landline phones. While this may be a way of reducing monthly bills, it can also be a danger to your security and safety. Your telephone is connected to the alarm system in your home. (The alarm system is now referred to as EMS or Emergency Monitoring System.) So by disconnecting your landline phone, you have unwittingly disconnected your EMS. This warning was revealed by Len Weinstein, head of Security, now referred to as Community Patrol. Residents who discontinue landline phones are warned to consider the unintentional consequences. For additional information, call the front gate, (760) 758-7111. A Community Patrol Service officer will either answer your questions or meet with you, in your home, to review the system. ********
Holiday Gift Fund
As the holiday season rapidly approaches, it is time again to remember those who work in the Clubhouse, in the Homeowners’ Office and in the Community Patrol Services. The Ocean Hills Holiday Gift Fund (OHHGF) was established over 20 years ago to recognize the many services these staff members perform for the benefit of the residents of Ocean Hills Country Club. Contributions by residents are voluntary. From October 25 until December 18, the Collection Box will be on the Clubhouse Front Desk for your checks (please, no cash), made out to “OHHGF.” Please help to brighten the holidays for staff members and show your appreciation for their loyalty and hard work. Should you have questions, please place a note in the Collection Box. You will hear from an OHHGF Committee member. Thank you! ********
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Carl finishing his 1937 Pontiac.
Woodchucks at Work to Compete Toys for Camp Pendleton Families
The task of planning and manufacturing toys began in early summer. Spokesman Bob Mellman estimates that when completed, there will be over 600 wooden toys that will be donat-
Jack Pivo
Woodchucks Bob Haugen, Bob Mellman and Carl Streling showing toys for Camp Pendleton.
ed to the families at Camp Pendleton. These toys, in addition to the bikes, plush animals, games and other toys donated through the generosity of residents in the Village, will make hundreds of children of military families very happy. The craftsmanship of the toys is amazing. Many toys are articulated, others are carefully painted by the ladies who devote many hours to accomplish the task. Many of the woodchucks have been former engineers in the defense industry and have utilized their knowledge and experience to plan and engineer these toys. The assembly of donated toys by residents will be announced shortly. This year, with the increased number of returning Marines, the demand for toys for their families will be greater than ever. ********
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The former gazebo was part of the Ryland Construction model home displays on Malea. When the sales of homes were completed, the structure was scheduled to be removed. But it was the late Dan Merkow, who persuaded the company to relocate the gazebo to its present location, much to the glee of the residents. But after 15 years of usage, it was necessary to replace it. It stands as a tribute to Dan and his insistence on transforming an ordinary corner into a beautiful park. ********
A shiny new gazebo in Portofino.
16-Year-Old Gazebo Replaced
On the corner of Demeter and Thebes way stands a bright new gazebo. While the old model appeared to be satisfactory, closer inspection indicated there was dry rot and infestation of termites. The small park is often the scene of parties and block gatherings and the structure adds to the beauty of the Village.
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features The Crusty Curmudgeon
After listening to all the speeches by the winners and losers, all cheering crowds, the disappointing losers, the minuteby-minute analysis by commentators, I am still sitting by the television, patiently anticipating a long- awaited concession speech from Roseanne. She’s not given up yet; she wants a recount. ********
By Bob Wong
The Underdog
Thank goodness, the election is finally over. It was not an easy task to select one of the candidates for the president of this country. But I always like to pick the underdog, the one person who can upset the entire applecart. The choice was easy. It was the only woman on the ballot: Roseanne Barr. Yes, that Roseanne who received Brooklyn cheers during her performance at a baseball game while singing the national anthem. Her platform was simple, but direct: legalize marijuana, weaken the power of the Federal Reserve and she wants clean water, too. I did offer to man her election headquarters here in San Diego, but alas, the PAC could not afford to rent a suitable storefront location. I was prepared to donate a sizeable amount of money toward her election; say about $3.50, provided there might be a matching fund. There were no takers. I was all set to host a prep rally in front of the Village, but the response was less than enthusiastic: two dogs being walked could hardly contain their excitement, jumped all over me but mistook my legs for fire hydrants. I couldn’t tell what party they belonged to. I waited until the late hours for the final results. By 9 that night, I could see that most counts were in, except for Florida which was about to announce the Bush/Gore results. In the South, they take their time about counting. While the major networks failed to report the popular count for Roseanne, I searched the internet; she didn’t do very well, but actually garnered over 8,000 votes.
Rams engaged in head-on clashes.
Watching Wildlife By Russ Butcher
Head Bangers
Have you ever thought about animals that deliberately and repeatedly bang their heads into things? For example, it’s amazing how woodpeckers persistently use their strong beaks to drill holes into tree trunks. Their industrious hammering has a number of purposes. They forage for food such as ants, beetles, wood borers and insect larvae; gouge out cavities for roosting or nesting sites; and create a granary of holes in which to store acorns. In addition, resonant drumming, as on a hollow tree limb, is an important part of a woodpecker’s way of attracting a mate and declaring its nesting territory. What about bighorn sheep rams that engage in ferocious head-smashing? Such contests involve a pair of dueling rams armed with their massive, curved horns. They suddenly rise nearly upright on stiffened hind legs and dash straight toward each other at speeds of 15 to 20 miles per hour. At the last moment, they drop to all fours and lower their heads for the crash. The horrendous impact often briefly dazes the rams, but they repeat the contest in a battle that may last only a few minutes or may drag on for an hour or more. Why? Researchers tell us that these violent battles are an integral part of courtship and establishing territorial dominance over another male. American bison (buffalo) bulls duel in much the same way. Standing about 20 feet apart, they suddenly lunge toward each other – their combined two tons of weight crashing head-on
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“like a couple of pile-drivers,” as one observer has described it. Elk bulls and deer bucks, armed with their rack of antlers, wage similar head-to-head contests. But how in the world are these animals able to accomplish their relentless head-banging without knocking themselves out or seriously harming their brains? It seems impossible that the brains of these animals can survive unscathed from their powerful wood-pounding and head-on clashes. If we humans experience even a single bang on the head, not to mention repeated bangs, we seriously risk major headaches, skull fractures, or even permanent, long-term brain damage. What’s the difference between the human head and that of such hard-headed critters? Unlike us, these small-brained, head-banging animals have exceptionally dense, strong skulls. The narrow space surrounding their brains, filled with only a relatively small amount of fluid, reduces the amount of jarring movement caused by the forces of sudden acceleration and deceleration. Also, the inner surface of their skulls and the surface of their brains are smoother than ours, apparently helping reduce friction. Woodpeckers, rams, bulls, and bucks all have exceptionally powerful neck muscles. And of major importance, their forward head motion is deliberately and precisely directed toward a specific target, which scientists say tends to minimize side-to-side twisting or wrenching that in humans can cause whiplash and/or serious brain damage. The wonders of nature do indeed never cease to amaze and surprise us. ********
Village Happenings
By Selma Leighton I sat down to write my article for this month and for the life of me, I couldn’t think of anything funny. I know, living in Ocean Hills, that’s hard to believe. So, I decided, well, I’ll get a list of all the clubs in the village and write about them. To my amazement and pleasure, I discovered there are 44 clubs. Well, there went that idea. So, instead, I threw the names of the clubs into a hat (actually it was one of my mixing bowls), yes I cook, and came up with two clubs to write about. So I called each of their presidents, and did a little interview. Firstly, the Sailing Club is celebrating their 25th anniversary. Their leader goes by the title Commodore. The present Commodore is Wayne Strunk, and he has filled that role for fuve years. Although the club owns no boats, they are permitted to charter sail boats from the Harbor Island Yacht Club. I went on one of their sails. Don’t ask, I don’t think I am cut out to be a sailor. But it was fun. The club has nine captains and eleven first mates. They are all highly trained to sail. Being a novice, I didn’t know whom to salute. The club runs several multi boat sails each year, including a Regatta. Commodore Strunk has participated in 10 of 11 Regattas, and has won 6 times. No wonder he’s a Commodore. Congratulations to all 163 members celebrating your 25th anniversary, and good luck to Bob Kopolow, next
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year’s incoming Commodore. Now on a more sedentary note, but no less entertaining, I spoke to the president of the Library Club, Alice Robeson. She has 26 volunteers, who work two days per month. Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday 2 to 4 p.m. I asked Alice if she could share with me some funny anecdotes. With a chuckle in her voice, she related the story of the lady who took her shoes off, and went to sleep on the library couch. When awakened, she said, “Why did you wake me, it’s my birthday.” True story. Who could argue with that logic. She also told me there is a major renovation going on, and they have a huge dilemma. There is a horse lamp, to the left of the door. Yes, a horse lamp. No one knows where it came from or why it is there. But it has to be moved, and between the president, 26 volunteers and the art committee, there are 50 opinions where to move it. I think I will take a look tonight and add my two cents. I wish I had room to write about all the clubs and their presidents. They are all such hard workers. But one thing I can tell you, they are all having fun, and events keep happening that are funny, and you know I like funny.
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Computer Tips
(From the Club Connection, the publication of the Computer Club, with permission from Jim Kaminsky, President.)
I’ve Got an App for That!
Sometimes the apps I write about are terrific and sometimes they’re not. But this month’s is: a real money saver and it’s free. Interested? Then go to the app store and download GasBuddy. GasBuddy gives you near-real time prices of gasoline in your area. Open it up, select “Find Gas Near Me.” and you will get a listing of gasoline stations and their current gas prices in the local vicinity. That’s what I just did and I’m looking at a screen that shows Costco the lowest price for regular., but there is a 76 station on College Blvd. with almost equally low prices. The station I use the most is the Circle K on Shadowridge with low prices (comparable to Costco). Besides a listing you can also get a map of the stations and their prices. Select a station and you’ll get its address and directions to get there. You can see how useful this is when travelling in an unfamiliar area and are looking for low-price gasoline stations. How does GasBuddy keep up with prices that change so frequently? It relies on its users. People submit price updates themselves when they see something different than is current-
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ly posted on GasBuddy. Here is a great example of what makes the internet so useful, so democratic. People informing the world of what’s going on around them. Well, maybe just geeks letting us know gasoline prices. But you get the idea. ********
Outside Our Gates By Marileen Johnson Community Reporter
The Business of Kids, Community Partners
Ocean Hills Country Club has been honored and celebrated for our commitment to and our support of public education. As a community of active seniors, we focus on the future of children and youth. Some call this “The Business of Kids.” With that thought in mind, let’s explore a new venture of Oceanside Unified School District, called Kids First, a uniquely character-building initiative. Tim Ware, OUSD School Intervention Manager, enthusiastically intrudes the program saying, “Focusing directly on character education, Kids First is a potentially life changing OUSD program designed to enhance our district’s quest to educate the whole child. “It aims to bring about positive changes on our 23 campuses and in our community of Oceanside.” The goal of this program is to enable students to pursue excellence in every aspect of their lives 365 days a year. It is a comprehensive character-building system that is fully incorporated into the daily schedules of students, teachers and staff. School districts and strong community ties go hand-inhand. Each elementary, middle and high school is aligned in a partnership with a community business in a monthly plan from Sept. 2012 through April 2013 called “Eight Keys to Excellence” Through constant use, students develop strong character traits and begin to take responsibility for their own learning. The keys include: • Integrity • Commitment • Ownership
Montjoy
• Failure leads to success • Flexibility • Balance • Speak with good purpose • This is it!
The teachers have developed plans to incorporate the system in a way that easily coincides with daily academic lessons the students receive. The Community Partners involved are, Wells Fargo, UPS, Marriott, Legoland, SDG&E, Titleist, California Bank and Trust, Walmart, QLN, One Source, Gilead and others. Steve Lombard, Director of Communications for OUSD, says, “This is a life-changing endeavor that is already making a difference in our Oceanside students, inside and outside the classrooms and Outside Our Gates. ********
Krys Spa
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Golf, after almost 150 years, tempers still flair.
The Golf Column
By Pete Russell The rules of golf have changed a lot over the last 150 years. That includes the way our “old” handicap system used to work. Now we have an “index” that provides the higher handicappers with some equality on the various courses throughout the country. This topic is extracted from the July/August 2012 FORE magazine, highlighting Dean Knuth, President of the San Diego Country Club, (the Pope of Slope) and is shared with our golf audience. Another change which will be presented in a future golf column, although discussed for over 70 years, is the most likely banning of the longer putters, often called the “belly putter” or the “broomstick putter.” I’d like to concentrate on these nostalgic issues in my ruminations one at a time in this and future columns, primarily due to size constraints of the magazine. This topic is about using the phrasing of the now common “index” system, or the “slope” system. I still find it common among the golfers I talk to who continue using the word “handicap.” I suppose it may be grammatically correct to continue the use of the old system word even though in actuality it has been surpassed with advances with the index. This takes
into consideration a much more complex computation to ensure that all golfers are on an equal footing when playing a variety of courses. This new system is now used in all of the 50 states, and 59 countries worldwide. For example, I can go the Oceanside Muni course, find my SCGA index on the sheet in the office, and convert my index to the course equivalent which I can use for playing in tournaments at that course. Believe me, when you are talking about money with a golfer, it is a very serious conversation. Am I right? To put it into a historical context, consideration was given to assigning a “balanced” scoring system as early as the 1870s in the British Isles. They referred to this new idea as the “Colonel Bogey” method. Then in 1971, the SCGA developed the “first obstacle rating” system. The system evolved over the years by key SCGA members who helped alter the way the SCGA rated its courses. But Knuth’s system, which the USGA came to adopt, forced further change. One key difference between the system the SCGA was using and the USGA system that Knuth developed was that the USGA did it hole-byhole, whereas the SCGA rated courses as a whole. The Slope System reflects course difficulty from each set of tees. The Slope system started out as an option for golf associations in 1987, and here we are 25 years later and it’s being used in every state and 59 countries. The SCGA is one of the largest golf associations in the country and was the last to convert to the new Slope System. My hat is off to you, Dean Knuth, for your career efforts to continued improvement to the game. ********
Health, Exercise and You By Andy Truban
Magnesium Plays an Essential Role in the Body
The mineral magnesium is essential to all living cells, and a vital component for the body’s activities such as: maintaining a healthy heart rhythm, regulating blood sugar, promoting normal blood pressure, bone maintenance, proper nerve and
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muscle functioning, and for maintaining a healthy immune system. Magnesium is involved in energy metabolism and protein synthesis, and is important in more than 300 chemical reactions that help the body to work properly. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency can include muscle cramps, muscle weakness, fatigue and can cause an irregular heartbeat. Worried you are not getting sufficient Magnesium? This is easily remedied. Magnesium is an element found in whole grains, nuts, beans, and dark vegetables. Foods that are high in fiber are generally high in magnesium. Fiber is the indi-
gestible part of plant foods that pushes through our digestive system absorbing water and easing bowel movements. Fibers are either soluble or insoluble. Foods rich in soluble fiber include oat bran, fruits, vegetables, brown rice, barley and nuts. Foods rich in insoluble fiber include wheat bran, and whole-grain breads and cereals. The daily recommended magnesium dietary allowance is 320 milligrams for women and 420 milligrams for men. Dietary sources of magnesium include: Bran (rice, wheat and oat) Start your day with a healthy bran cereal for breakfast. One
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cup of crude rice bran contains 922 milligrams of magnesium, wheat bran 354 and oat bran 220. Squash and pumpkin seeds Great as a snack or in salads, and provide 738 milligrams per cup. Flax, sesame seeds and sesame butter (Tahini) They are great sources of magnesium and heart-healthy unsaturated oils. Per tablespoon flax seed contains 39 milligrams of magnesium, sesame seeds 32 milligrams and Tahini 58 milligrams. Portion control needed since these seeds are high in calories. Brazil nuts This large high-caloric nut provides 500 milligrams of magnesium per cup. Portion control needed. Almonds, cashews, mixed nuts and pine nuts Nuts are great as a snack or in salads, yogurt or pasta dishes. Per cup, almonds provide 395 milligrams of magnesium, cashews 352, and pine nuts 339. Mixed nuts in general provide 361 per cup. Sunflower seeds Good source of vitamin E and thiamine that also provide 455 magnesium milligrams per cup. Place them in a cabbage salad, trail mix or homemade healthy muffins. Molasses A good substitute for refined sugar in cakes and breads,
molasses provides 816 milligrams per cup, 48 milligrams per tablespoon. Cocoa powder It has no added sugar, so it can be used to give a chocolate flavor in recipes without all the calories and fat found in other forms of chocolate. Cocoa powder contains 429 milligrams per cup.
Soybeans: Dry roasted and shelled soy-protein Edamame Dry roasted soybeans are great snacks or in salads and provide a great source of magnesium, and 392 milligrams per cup. When boiled, edamame provides 99 milligrams per cup. References: • Halle Elbling, Registered dietitian and educator at Palomar Health • From San Diego UT May 8, 2112 • Encyclopedia Wikipedia
Out & About in San Diego County
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Need the original photos for these or they will be less than an inch wide.
By Jack Shabel Most people know that when you visit Julian up in the mountains, it’s all about wonderful gift shops and apple pie. The Hikers Walkers Club just completed a very nice trip to Julian and we pretty much all did a lot of hiking and a little bit of shopping. I don’t know about the others, but, I also had a Ore cars used to remove rocks. few slices of apple pie. But, we also had a wonderful guided tour of the Eagle and High Peak Mines. Our guide was one of the owners of the property and was very knowledgeable about gold mining in
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the area as well as mining technology. The tour takes you into the Eagle Mine shaft where the guide stops at about five or six different locations to explain the workings of the mine. Then the tour continues into the High Peak Mine. The two A collection of old machinery mines were connected after and cars. World War II so that they could share the same stamp mill. Once in the High Peak Mine there is a ladder up one level to the supervisor’s office right in the mine. It seems to be standard procedure in mine tours to turn the light out to demonstrate what total darkness is like, but, this only lasts for about five seconds until the guide lights a candle. After the lights go back on, the tour continues until you exit, up one level from where you entered the Eagle Mine, at the entrance to the High Peak Mine. A walk down to the hill brings you back to a wonderful collection of old machinery and the stamp mill where the rock was crushed and the gold extracted. If one ounce of gold could be extracted from one ton of rock, the mine could make money. The guide gives a nice explanation of the operation of the mill as well as the mine. I definitely would not recommend this tour to anyone
who is claustrophobic as the shafts are tight and dark. There is a steep ladder to climb, and the walking is uneven in spots with the rails from the ore cars along the outside edge of the mine floor. There are a few spots where anyone over 5 foot 6 inches tall will have to duck their heads. Obviously, this tour is not handicap accessible. I think that this tour would be excellent for kids as it teaches a bygone era in an exciting manner. So check this one out on your next trip to Julian, and by the way, don’t forget to get a slice of apple pie. The cost of the tour was $10. Operating hours of the
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Museum are 9:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. From Main Street in Julian, head up the hill on C Street and follow the signs up to Old Miners Trail. Their phone number is (760) 765-0036. I wasn’t able to find a website, but there is various information regarding the mine on the web.
Bridge
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By Dan Neilson
Removing Takeout Doubles
How many times have you heard the saying, “I have to trust my partner” after opponents made a doubled contract. Bridge is a partnership game and most of the time partner is relying on you to provide some of the setting tricks. There are too many different hand types to cover in one article but some generalizations apply. If you bid, unsupported, you need tricks in your suit, otherwise two or three side suit tricks are needed. If your partner supports you, discount winners in that suit. If you have a misfit with partner it probably is a good double. Here are hands to .consider when you open one Spade and it is followed by a 3 Club overcall. 1S 3C D P ?
1. KJxxx Axx AJxx x 2. KQJxxx KQx Qx xx 3. AJxxx KQJxx xx x 4. Qxxxxx AKx Ax xx 5. AKQJxx xx Kxxx x
1. Leave the double in. You are a little short of the three winners partner expects, but it is close. 2. Bid 3 Spades. You do not have enough defensive tricks. 3. Bid 3 Hearts. You could have a Heart fit and an easy game. Again, you are short on defensive strength. 4. Pass. Though Spades are weak you have the expected three outside winners. 5. Bid 3 Spades. On defense you may take only one trick with this hand. All penalty doubles are optional. With six card suits, consider removing the double unless you have outside winners. ********
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Travels With Joe By Joe Ashby
Helsinki
Judy and I both awoke prior to our 6 a.m. alarm. I wanted to return our rental car before we headed off to Helsinki, but was delayed when the people at the car agency couldn’t discover how to reverse my 4,000 kroner deposit with my Visa card. I wished I had brought my other charge cards, but they were finally able to A Russian orthodox church dominates the city profile. complete the transaction. We had to board a ferry at the terminal, but were angry at the lack of accommodations for people with disabilities. We had to lug our luggage a long distance for there were no porters or trolleys. Our arrival at Helsinki was met with the same disappointing accommodations: the long line of luggage trolleys was locked together outside the terminal. An awaiting bus took us
Crowded interior of the train station.
to our hotel, passing the Esplanade where an open market was busy. After checking in, we searched for a restaurant for lunch and found the Iguana Restaurant where they served a good broiled chicken salad. Afterwards, we strolled outside and milled around the many stalls looking for a few souvenirs. Most items were very expensive. A Chinese juggler drew our attention and I contributed a few euros for his performance. The day ended when we met a number of tourists who joined our group for the remainder of the tour. We enjoyed a tasty salmon dinner, then proceeded to our rooms for a good night’s sleep.
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The bus tour was conducted by a local tour guide, Marietta. We found out that five million Finns live in Helsinki. Finns speak both Finnish and Swedish as they were a part of Sweden until 1809. Traveling down Mannerheim, we saw pedestrians already using the walkways. The open market was bustling and some vendors were already selling strawberries and cherries while other were selling everything from furs to Steel pipes, a monut-shirts. The bus made a stop at the ment to composer Bank of Finland where we could see Sibelius. signs of chipped marble from the heavy bombing by the Russians in WWII. We visited the university that boasts some 37,000 students, 65% of whom are women. The tuition is free. Finland depends on its forest for paper and wood exports, along with the oil in the North Sea. The prevailing religion is Lutheran (85%), but most Finns are not particularly active with the church. Judy and I were to take a harbor cruise, but we opted to visit a gorgeous Russian Orthodox Church instead. An hourlong trolley trip around the city ended our day as we headed back to our hotel. Our evening’s entertainment was the last half of the movie, “Patton.”
Need the larger size image or this will be one inch wide.
Trader Joe’s, a great place for unusual food at unusually good prices.
Shopping Around By the Phantom Shopper
Trader Joe’s
While most of us in the Village make our weekly grocery shopping at the local markets, a special effort is occasionally made to Trader Joe’s. And what is the allure that makes us travel across town to this rather small market with limited
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selections? Visiting Trader Joe’s is an experience in a new life style. The aisles are filled with exciting items: French wines, Chinese dim sum, unusual foreign cheeses, organic fruit and veggies, and a huge range of hors d’oeuvres. The selection changes our eating habits and especially at our cocktail parties where the new and unusual are always in demand. They are noted for their famous, “Two-buck Chuck” wines. It was Joe Coulombe who, in 1962 founded the company and sold it a few years ago to a German businessman named Theo Albrecht who assembled the company into the brand as we know it today. There are about 362 stores nationwide with a gross income of $8 billion a year. While the average market brings in around $30 million a year, a Trader Joe’s one-fifth the size of a supermarket can make $1 million in a week. Square foot for square foot, Trader Joe’s outperforms the average Walmart. There are two Trader Joe’s in this area: • 2570 Vista Way, Oceanside. • 2629 Gateway Rd, Carlsbad, in Bressi Ranch. ********
The Season of Fall By Tom Fuller Leaves changing colors Are a sight to behold; Livestock of all kinds Are safe in the fold.
Schools are in session, Students learning fine; Preparation for the future Is on everyone’s mind.
Days grow still shorter, Thanksgiving draws near; It’s beginning to get colder, Soon Christmas will be here.
Whether winter or springtime Summer or fall — All follow in sequence And obey nature’s call. ********
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Treats For The Troops
By Phyllis Ward It was so gratifying when I received an e-mail from Sgt. Chris “Cheese” Limberg:
“Greetings from Sunny Afghanistan! I would like to thank each one of you and the rest of your supporters on behalf of my team. We took over a small firm base that is in the process of being turned over to the Afghanistan National Army, so the U.S. presence and support was starting to dwindle and become less frequent. With all the care packages you have sent we are able to get away from the MREs and enjoy a little taste of home. Every time we get a mail drop, its like Christmas, morale skyrockets every time. It is almost guaranteed there is a package from one of the many supporters. The words “Thank You” cannot express how grateful we are for all of you. The operation tempo is starting to slow down a bit, we are focusing a lot more on the training of the Afghan National Army. They are in the driver’s seat, and we are just giving them directions. It is a lot different than the other deployments I have been on. A lot safer, and more comforts of home, no complaints there! Most of our days we spend with them working on anything from basic infantry tactics to medical training and other various skills we have. They take to everything fairly well and are a lot smarter than they are perceived to be. A
little about myself: I am in my 7th year in the Marine Corps, currently on my 5th deployment. I was selected for Staff Sergeant back in Sept. I married the love of my life back in 2006. We have two boys, Connor (5) and Camden (1) and two dogs, My wife gets the luxury of having a house full of chaos every time I leave, I don’t know how she does it, but she does. She’s the strongest woman I know! We are from a suburb of Chicago and plan on moving back late next year. The plans for re-enlisting are still up in the air and most would say I was insane for getting out after getting promoted to SSGT. But after being away from your family for so long, it doesn’t seem like it’s too insane. I try my best to keep in touch with everyone as much as possible. Thanks again for all your support! We love you all! Semper Fidelis, Sgt. Chris “Cheese” Limberg” Once again our wholehearted thanks to so many kind and generous people — Ken H, Jeanette Y, Barbara S, Jeanne G, Felice B, Kat & Don, Bernie V, Connie S, Fred Z, Lillian A, Fred & Ginnie, June B, Ruth & Seymour. Our last order for those green Anti-Microbial boot socks have been sent to Sgt. Limberg and his group. Due to Thanksgiving, our next packing date will be the Friday, November 30, 2012 at 9:30 a.m., still earlier enough for packages to arrive before Christmas. God bless our troops. ********
Veterans Profile
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Lyle Bergeson
Although Lyle was born in Lisbon, North Dakota, he and his family moved to Wisconsin, then to Estherville, Iowa. He attended high school during the Depression years with the worst drought and dust storms of the century. He had two more years to go before graduating when he decided to join the artillery unit of the National Guard. Lyle was only 15 years old but lied to the recruiting officer in order to join. During his training, he was sent to Fort Riley, Kansas, where he underwent a leadership course that could lead to Officers Candidate School. Although graduating as the second highest in his class, prospects of becoming an officer dimmed when his unit was ordered into active duty in Korea. This was 1951 when the U.S. was fully engaged in the war. Upon arriving in Korea, his group was given three day’s training before being sent to the front lines. The trucks were able to transport them only part of the way to the combat zone compelling them to walk the remaining distance under the bad conditions of cold, rain and wind over treacherous hills and mountains. Arriving at the front lines, they dug foxholes where they could survive. They ate C rations and slept with little protection from the elements. It was the day before Christmas when the North Koreans lobbed the first mortar at them as a signal
Lyle recalls his time in Lyle Bergeson joined the Korea. Army at 15 years old. for the foot soldiers to advance. The mortar struck nearby Lyle and shredded his outer clothing and shrapnel fragments tore into his left shoulder. He didn’t realize he was hit, but had turned his attention to the approaching enemy. Armed with an M1 rifle and with others of his unit he fought off the North Koreans causing about 45 enemy casualties. Lyle escaped death when an enemy charged at him with a rifle aimed direct-
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The Movie Scene By Joan Buchholz
Argo
A group of frozen soldiers in Chosin, Korea.
ly him and his weapon jammed. At the end of the engagement, his face and body were completely covered with blood caused by the fragments of ice and sand that flew into him from enemy bullets striking the protective sandbags. They rushed him to a Marine MASH unit where they patched him together before sending him out into the field again. Lyle’s second term in Korea was not as vicious as the first, merely patrol work. But he was glad when he was discharged late in 1952 and returned to Estherville. He worked in construction, then became an electrician’s apprentice and went into the electronic field. Eventually, he moved to Southern California and soon became a fireman for the City of Pasadena where he rose through the ranks and became a captain. Lyle married, had two sons and in 1986, he and Jane moved to OHCC where he spends his time in real estate, insurance and finances. Lyle recognizes his life started out living in a log cabin without electricity or water and now, well, now he lives comfortably in OHCC where there is running water right into his house. He’s come a long way. ********
In 1979, the Iranians stormed the American embassy in Tehran and held 52 American hostages for 444 days. But there were six members who were able to hide themselves secretly in the Canadian embassy. How they were able to escape from Iran is the basis for this very suspenseful movie. A CIA operative Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck) has a plan to rescue these six people using a scam. He persuades his superior that by passing off the hostages as Canadian filmmakers working on a new science fiction flick using Iran as the background, this bad plan is the best of bad plans. He gets the support of a Hollywood make-up artist ,John Chambers, played perfectly by John Goodman who in turn gets the backing of a producer. Together, they hatch the plan carefully, even placing ads for the “forthcoming” movie in Variety. Mendez coaches each person carefully in order to deceive the guards and security at the airport. The suspense is terrifying even if Affleck doesn’t resemble an Hispanic, his unsmiling demeanor provides the seriousness of his job. While Hollywood takes dramatic liberties, the story takes on a documentary aura, especially when former President Jimmy Carter’s voice-over at the credits explains the mission was a top secret until it was declassified by President Bill Clinton some 16 years later, Argo (Short for Argonauts) is a nail-biter. The scenes of rioting Iranians (played by Turks) appear to be all-too-authentic. I give it four smiles out of four. It undoubtedly will be a chief contender for the Oscars. ********
The Financial Page By Bob Barnes
The Adaptive Lazy Man Portfolio
Last month we introduced the “Lazy Man” portfolio... a simple six ETF (Exchange Traded Funds) model that allocates capital in equal dollar amounts and simply holds those positions indefinitely. This month we integrate some of the concepts introduced over the past few months, including relative strength, momentum and tactical asset allocation in order to improve the performance of our model portfolio and substantially reduce risk exposure at the same time. Why do we call the portfolio “adaptive?” Because it adapts to strengths and weakness in the markets, focusing capital on those sectors that are performing well and shunning those that are weak or in a downtrend. Hold your winners, sell your los-
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ers is a basic axiom of successful investing and the adaptive tactic puts that plan into action in a simple and easy to manage way. The original Lazy Man portfolio results looked like this and our strategy was very simple… deploy our capital in 6 equal amounts to each of the six ETFs. This month’s version demonstrates a better control of drawdown and also manages to eke out another 6% total return.
How do we accomplish that improvement? It’s really quite easy. We simply examine the relative strength of each component of the portfolio every Friday afternoon and then rotate our capital for the next week in four equal portions into the four ETFs with the highest relative strength. So, while we have six ETF candidates in the portfolio we are only invested in the top 4 at any given time.
How do we measure the relative strength for each of our ETFs and how do we determine what constitutes the top 4 ETFs on a weekly basis? In fact, this is less trouble than it might first appear and numerous technical analysis packages can deliver relative strength rankings in a few seconds. Several free finance programs also enable you to accomplish this ranking task or you can purchase canned software for about $100 that will do all the work for you and track your incremental gains, draw downs and momentum rankings. Of course the Lazy Man is just one sample portfolio. We could diversify risk even further by deploying our capital into several different top three or top four portfolios, for example… one composed of world currencies such as the U.S. dollar, the yen, the British pound, the Swiss franc, the Euro and the Mexican peso or one composed of countries such as
Canada, Russia, Brazil, China, Germany and Austria. There are now robust ETFs representing all the major currencies and countries to help construct such model portfolios. The ETFs all behave somewhat differently but a rotational model based on the strategy of the Adaptive Lazy Man can help to skim the cream of the crop, avoid losing trends and improve on what would otherwise be mediocre portfolio returns. In periods of volatile market conditions like we are currently witnessing, it’s important to be aware of potential risks to your net worth, especially if your money is held in managed accounts about which you have little knowledge or transparency. For those with the inclination and ability to participate in managing their assets a simple investment strategy like the Lazy Man can produce returns equal to or better than most professional money managers. ********
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Phó-ever
485 S. Melrose Drive, Vista, CA 92081 760-630-3837
Phó-ever occupies a corner of a building behind El Pollo Loco restaurant on Melrose. While the store front faces Melrose, it is a bit awkward to get into their parking lot. But the reward can be worth the effort. The interior is as austere as any restaurant can be and the door dividers topped with artificial greenery, does little to embellish the establishment. A large flat-screen TV at the back appears to be perfunctory in most Asian restaurants and Phóever is no exception. It’s annoying, to say the least. The restaurant is small with about a dozen and a half tables and ceiling fans in full operation. My partner and I were seated by a young Asian waiter who provided us with small menus. Like most inexperienced help, his silence was deafening
As in all phó restaurants, the primary dish is the basic beef noodle soup to which sliced beef, beef tendon, meatballs or even tripe is added. My partner chose egg rolls accompanied by lettuce as a starter. We wrapped the Phô-ever, a clever play on names. egg roll with lettuce and dipped it into a bowl of sweet sauce. Delicious! I chose the flank steak with brisket, the small portion, please. I seriously doubt if I could master the large bowl in one sitting. The steaming bowl of soup came Won-ton soup with shrimp. out with slices of beef and brisket on top of noodles, garnished with cilantro. The combination was perfect and I was able to consume most of it. The beefbased stock required hours of simmering to acquire the deep taste needed for the broth. Hot egg rolls to be wrapped with My partner asked for lettuce leaves. won-ton soup and it arrived shortly with noodles and a half-dozen won-tons floating on top. The won-tons were made of won-ton wrappers filled with ground pork and other ingredients that enhanced the flavors. Their soups were priced from about $6 to about $7. The menu lists choices other than soups: rice plates with a variety of toppings, chow mein and my favorite: the Vietnamese sandwich that consists of a French bread bun filled with barbecued pork, cilantro, shredded carrots and jicama and slices of jalapeno peppers. (Omit the peppers; it will numb your mouth for the next six hours.) But at $3.99, the sandwich is the best deal in town. For a small neighborhood restaurant, business was humming. Parking could be a problem during the weekends, but we attended mid-week and had no problem. Phó-ever is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. (Gilda Spiegl is a member of the Southern California Writers.) ********
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Cooking With Beverly
By Beverly Nickerson The Wampanoag Indians made the tradition M’sickquatash in the winter, but prepared a simpler version for the summer. Ann Brewster gave me a copy of the “Plimouth Colony Cook Book” that contained the following recipe which was handed down in her husband Ben’s family. Ben is a direct descendant of William Brewster who sailed on the Mayflower
Plymouth Summer Succotash 1 (12 oz) frozen baby lima beans 2 cups fresh corn kernels, cut off the cob. 1/2 stick (4 tbs) butter 1/3 to 1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 tsp sugar Salt and pepper to taste Servings: Eight
Cook lima beans in simmering salted water covered in a deep sauce pan for 15- 20 minutes until not quite tender, drain. Set corn cob vertically and cut down the sides with a chef’s knife. Add corn, butter and cream, bring to a simmer and cook covered about 7 minutes until corn is tender. Add salt and pepper to taste. (This dish can be held several hours at room temperature and re-heated.) ****
Grandma Small’s New England Summer Squash
1-1/2 cup Green, Patty-pan squash (6-8), also known as summer squash 3 tbs butter 1/3 cup whole milk or cream Salt and pepper to taste Scrub squash, cut each into 4-6 pieces, place in simmering salted water and cook covered about 15 minutes, until fairly tender. Drain, add butter and milk and slightly mash with a
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By Charlotte Pichney
Legends Bistro
Great side dishes for Thanksgiving — summer squash (left) and Plymouth succotash. potato masher until it is chunky, not a fine puree. Add salt and pepper to taste. This dish can be held several hours at room temperature and re-heated. (Many New England vegetable recipes like English versions, call for a bit of cream. They served vegetables in “Sauce” dishes because of this liquid.)
La Costa Resort & Spa 2100 Costa Del Mar Road Carlsbad • 760-438-9111 It was one of those perfect days for al fresco dining at La Costa Resort & Spa’s Legends Bistro. Here choices range from gourmet comfort foods with international flavors, Ayurvedic-style and gluten free dishes, plus a separate Healthy Kids menu. Seating is either inside in the comfortable pub-like dining room with its large picture windows or outside on the terrace. Indoors or out you have views of the lush championship golf course and rolling foothills beyond. On beautiful days, I recommend outdoor terrace seating. Legends is located downstairs from the main lobby where you can take the staircase down or an elevator to the terrace level. La Costa’s restaurants are open to the public.
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Need the original photos or these will be only one inch wide and not usable.
The view from the restaurant is spectacular.
Crispy calamari rings.
Deciding on what to order from so many tempting dishes was our next chore. We went for the Starter Crispy Calamari, served with marinara sauce and chipotle aioli. They were lightly battered, moist and tender. The portion was large enough for two ($15). My guest ordered the Classic Chopped Caesar – romaine, aged Parmesan cheese, and creamy Caesar dressing with grilled shrimp ($21). The extra large shrimp were nestled atop a bed of crunchy greens accompanied by 2 slices of French garlic bread. This delectable salad filled the bowl and was a meal that you had to eat slowly to savor the blending of ingredients. I had a classic Cobb Salad, diced chicken, tomatoes, egg,
Caesar salad with large grilled shrimp.
cucumber, blue cheese, bacon, avocado and mixed field greens. The assorted toppings covered the base of greens and filled the bowl so high that blending them together without spilling took a steady hand. Salads were priced from $10 and up. Lunch time, two soups are offered — classic French Onion soup and their Chef’s Creation Soup of the Day. The lunch menu selections are changed from time to time. Starters can include Carpaccio Bruschetta, Flatbread, Crispy Korean style BBQ Beef Tacos, and Short Rib sliders. The six “Lighter Side” sandwiches are offered with a choice of French Fries, coleslaw or fresh fruit, and the soup of the day was accompanied with either turkey or tuna sandwich.
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Listed on the menu is a variety of panini, grilled or club sandwiches. Try their hand-cut potato chips special side; they’re especially good. For your sweet tooth finish your meal with one of their Sweet Endings homemade desserts such as Banana Rum Cake, or Valrhona Chocolate Layer Cake ($10).. Legends also features an extensive beer and wine list. For restaurant patrons valet parking is free. I recommend Legends Bistro at La Costa when you want to enjoy an extra special lunch in beautiful surroundings, colorful gardens and lovely views.
Book Review
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By Tom Lynch The Richer Sex: how the new majority of female breadwinners is transforming sex, love and family, 2012, by Liza Mundy, formally a long time award-winning reporter for The Washington Post and currently a fellow for the New American Foundation. The focus of the book: “We are entering an era where women, not men, will become the top earners in households.” (p. 6). In the U.S., 40% of women now out earn their husbands, and soon the majority of women will do so. The book covers Mundy’s view of how men/women relationships are changing and reports interviews she had with hundreds of women and men about the coming change, which she calls the
big flip, not only in the U.S.. but abroad. She also reports on her review of the literature, scientific and reputed experts, about the rise of women in economic power and the emotional consequence of this. She makes many predictions about who will marry, who will remain single, how sex will change, how children will respond, and how evolutionary psychologists will reframe their concerns in light of the big flip. Will men react constructively, defensively, or aggressively? All these possibilities can already be discerned. About 20 people have reviewed the book on Amazon.com, awarding in every category, 5 ,4, 3, 2, and 1 star. Amazingly, three reviewers who gave few stars to the book because, they said openly, they didn’t like it because it disagreed with their conclusions. One reviewer, who uses a female pen name, took care to reveal he was a male. However, I did not find anyone who disputed the facts that Mundy reported. Mundy was not writing as a scientific sociologist. She is a journalist and undoubtedly wanted people to wake up to what is coming, and perhaps did go overboard with some predictions. Most of the book reports on the finding of her interviews. Even if one doesn’t agree with her predictions, her reporting of what real people are doing and saying is very worthwhile reading. Her reputation as an award winning reporter will not suffer as a result of this book. Read it.
Evergreen
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Journalism Club Contribution Ad
I Love a Mystery
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The Village Voice — November 2012
By Ira M. Landis The author of “Mystic River,” Dennis Lehane’s latest novel “Live By Night,” is about a Prohibition-era gangster. It is filled with dynamic action scenes that probe the Jazz Age decadence through the actions of a protagonist who rose from a bad-boy punk in South Boston to become a Florida crime boss. Joe Coughlin, the youngest son of a highly placed commanding officer in the Boston police department, makes an enemy for life when he and two other hoodlums rob a speakeasy owned by a local mobster, Albert White. To compound the ill-will, Joe steals White’s girlfriend. It’s no wonder that White arranges for Joe to participate in a botched bank robbery that causes Joe to be sent to the worst prison in the Northeast. In prison an untouchable mafia don becomes his mentor and grooms him to take over his bootlegging operations in western Florida. His mentor arranges for Joe’s early release and makes him his main man in Tampa. Having survived prison by forging strong political alliances, Joe ignores local rivalries and teams up with Cuban rum suppliers and in only a few years establishes an empire that covers much of the entire Gulf coast. However, with the end of Prohibition and the love of a good woman, Joe sees the light and walks away from his life of crime. This may be too sentimental and tidy for some readers.
By now regular readers will know that Jo Nesbo’s Norwegian detective Harry Hole is one of my favorite sleuths despite his drinking and constant bouts with depression. In “Phantom,” Harry again is trying to solve a series of gruesome killings. Returning from three years in Hong Kong to his native Oslo, Harry is shocked by the deterioration of old neighborhoods, the aggressiveness of street prostitutes and the growing numbers of foreign drug pushers. Gang wars lead to the death of a 19-year old pusher and the arrest of a teenager Hole is quite close to- the son of a woman he loves and has had an off and on relationship with. Although barred from rejoining the police force, Harry sets out on a solitary investigation that takes him deeply into the world of the most notorious drug ever to hit the streets of Oslo.
Walgreens
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Scams and Spams
By Ira Landis By now, I suspect everyone is familiar with Snopes.com and/or truthorfiction.com for determining whether information received via e-mail is true/false or fact/fiction. Both are excellent sites. 1. Any time you see an e-mail that says “forward this on to ‘10’ (or however many) of your friends,” “sign this petition,” or “you’ll get bad luck” or “you’ll get good luck” or “you’ll see something funny on your screen after you send it” or whatever — it almost always has an e-mail tracker program attached that tracks the cookies and emails of those folks you forward to. The host sender is getting a copy each time it gets forwarded and then is able to get lists of ‘active’ email addresses to use in SPAM e-mails or sell to other Spammers. Even when you get e-mails that demand you send the e-mail on if you’re not ashamed of God/Jesus — that is e-mail tracking, and they are playing on our conscience. These people don’t care how they get your e-mail addresses — just as long as they get them. Also, e-mails that talk about a missing child or a child with an incurable disease “how would you feel if that was your child” — email tracking. Ignore them and don’t participate! 2. Almost all e-mails that ask you to add your name and forward on to others are similar to that mass letter years ago
that asked people to send business cards to the little kid in Florida who wanted to break the Guinness Book of Records for the most cards. All it was, and all any of this type of email is, is a way to get names and “cookie” tracking information for telemarketers and Spammers — to validate active email accounts for their own profitable purposes. You can do your Friends and Family members a GREAT favor by sending this information to them. You will be providing a service to your friends. And you will be rewarded by not getting thousands of spam e-mails in the future! Do yourself a favor and STOP adding your name(s) to these types of listings regardless of how inviting they might sound! Or make you feel guilty if you don’t! It’s all about getting e-mail addresses and nothing more. You may think you are supporting a GREAT cause, but you are NOT! Instead, you will be getting tons of junk mail later and very possibly a virus attached! Plus, we are helping the Spammers get rich! Let’s not make it easy for them! ALSO: E-mail petitions are NOT acceptable to Congress or any other organization — i.e. Social Security, etc. To be acceptable, petitions must have a “signed signature” and full address of the person signing the petition, so this is a waste of time and you are just helping the e-mail trackers. ********
Tom Lynch Poem
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commentary Golf Cart on Green Areas
By Daryll Brose I am in the habit of playing a round of golf nearly every day as part of my exercise regimen. I have always been delighted by the care taken with our course. Of course there are those few who forget to fix ball marks on the greens, but that is minor and easily repaired. I was playing the afternoon of Wednesday, Oct. 10, and found tire tracks on every green. My immediate reaction was disappointment that the course maintenance crew were not taking more care. My next reaction was frustration since the tire tracks just added to my normal putting challenge. Imagine my surprise when I saw several holes ahead a fellow in a large green golf cart driving on the tee and green areas. Then I recalled that I had seen a message in a recent monthly newsletter that the HOA had approved an individual to drive a specialized cart anywhere he desires on the course. I can appreciate that our community, similar to the USGA, have made accommodations for disabled persons, and this individ-
ual in particular. However, I must admit that I was aggravated to find the tire tracks on every green. I was disappointed that the individual did not appear to be taking his responsibilities to the care of our course and his fellow golfers seriously. Common courtesy and golfing etiquette dictate that every player has responsibility in care of our course. It is easy to become aggravated when we encounter situations where a small minority of citizens impose dictates that appear contrary to the will of the majority. Those intentions do sometimes lead to outstanding results such as the Special Olympics, Paralympics, and expanding many sporting events to include disabled races. However, I would argue that wheelchairs on a basketball or tennis court do not have the same impact as a large specialized golf cart on a putting green. The putting greens of golf courses, and ours in particular, are difficult and expensive to maintain under normal circumstances. The added pressure of a large specialized golf cart on the surface of our putting greens will either add significantly to the maintenance of the greens, or if not cared for, result in less enjoyment (and increased putting challenge) for golfers. I would request that our HOA that approved this individual’s atypical cart use will remind him of his responsibilities to respect the care of the course and to also respect the enjoyment of the game by his fellow golfers.
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Our Corner Signs on Leisure Village Way to be Removed?
Submitted by Mike & Joyce Malloy At the last Master Board Meeting, it was mentioned that the new Landscape Architect Company, Van Dyke, has stated that ALL of our charming 50 stucco and tile corner signs with the street names should be replaced! Van Dyke stated that these were old fashioned and suggested something more modern! What is next? Our quaint lamp posts? We urge homeowners to write to our Master Board of Directors and tell them how you feel about changing our existing street signs to something “more modern.” This proposal will not only change the appearance of OHCC, but will also end up costing quite a bit of money should these unique signs be torn out and replaced! Little by little, our beautiful and appealing Mediterranean Village look that we all admire is disappearing and will eventually affect our property values, if this has not happened already. ********
ANNOUNCEMENTS Toiletries Needed
Once more, I remind you people that there are families who have very little with which to celebrate the holidays. If you would like to leave comfort items and any toiletries on my patio table at your earliest opportunity, baskets will be filled with needed items and some surprises, too. No matter how insignificant you donations can be, all will be useful. Thank you for sharing your gifts with those in need. My patio table is still in place and awaits your contributions. Many thanks, Jeanne Bartman, 4706 Adra.
Thank You
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To my friends and neighbors; I wish to thank you for your expressions of condolences upon the passing of my husband, Allan Schummer. He was the loving husband and devoted father to his six children and ten grandchildren. He was an avid UCLA fan and supporter and enjoyed many activities offered at OHCC. Throughout his life, he extolled the virtues of hard work and honesty. He is loved and will be greatly missed. — Nancy Schummer
if you have something short that will fill this space here and on on the next page, that would be great. A short brief or more announcements. If you don’t have anything, I’ll duplicate ads from our regular good paying customers. There’s also the full page Journalism Club ad space I made used page 24 that is available if you need it for something.
Remembrances
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The Village Voice — November 2012
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Our deepest condolences are extended to the families of the following: Laverne Duker • Rich Buehler Donald Fox • Patricia Moore
SOURCE: Ocean Hills Community Patrol (To acknowledge the passing of the deceased, a family member or close neighbor is requested to report the name of the deceased to the Community Patrol.) CAREGIVER... References Available...CNA/CHHA Certifications...Can work All Shifts...20 years experience... Call Marsha @ 760-519-3183 HAPPY TO HELP: HERE TO PLEASE Caregiver since 1996, Excellent References 760-594-1130
Tell our advertiser you saw their ad in the Voice!
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