# 101 - March 12th, 2008

Greetings one and all – did you remember to put your clocks forward on Sunday morning? It’s now Wednesday so those of you who still haven’t got round to it are living proof that there is such a thing as “Boonville-time”!...Meanwhile, in the real world, I am a little under the weather so I may be a tad miserable in my comments this week and not the usual Vulture – i.e. full of sunshine and light, bringing the joys of Spring into your lives…We’ll see…
Anyway, how was your Variety Show experience? Most people I spoke to felt that the audience was really “into it” this year, particularly on the Friday night when Master of Ceremonies, Captain Rainbow, was not hung-over – no, no…I kid the Captain!...I had a good time on both evenings, both at the show and in Curmudgeon’s Corner on the parking lot during my unofficial intermissions. Numerous people joined me there for in-depth discussion, analysis of the acts, and naturally a beer or two, perhaps a glass of wine – even as the wine industry was being lambasted from the stage by some of those who rarely say no to a glass of the ‘evil-nectar’ if offered one – strange, isn’t it?…
My favorite moments were provided on Friday by a ‘family-values politician’, played by W. Dan Houck, who was “exposed” as a women’s lingerie-wearing pervert in the opening skit, and then on Saturday, by the refreshingly dark-ish humor featured in the skit by Monica and Marie Schulte-Bisping, and finally by punk band, “30-06”, who closed the show with their superb anthem, “Nine miles to Boonville”…I thought that some of the dancing and singing was excellent – particularly the Egyptian belly dancing act and a trio of rappers from Ukiah; and some was not so good. Some of the comedy was funny, some wasn’t. No, it wasn't...But that doesn’t really matter, does it? It’s the taking part that counts and everyone up on the stage should be applauded for giving his or her best…
The usual politically correct comments were sprinkled around as always, encouraging those in the audience who lap this predictable stuff up to show their unquestioning approval of such comments - yawn!...All-in-all, it was a ‘variety” show in every sense of the word, a little something for everyone, and that’s what it’s all about…So, on behalf of many, many Valley-dwellers, I offer a sincere “Well done!” to Captain Rainbow, Bill Moyer, and their assistants who have all worked very hard over the past few months to put the Show together. Based on attendance numbers, The Variety Show is the “Best Anderson Valley Event” and long may it continue…
There has been lots of talk around The Valley this week with regards to the closing of The Ox pub in downtown Boonville and the ensuing article written in these pages last week by A.V.A. Supremo, Bruce Anderson, that discussed this topic and pub landlord (and A.V. Brewery Owner), Ken Allen’s, level of involvement in it. Based on my somewhat informed knowledge of events, I thought the column summed up the situation very accurately with blame attributed to several factors, not the least of which was “King” Ken’s exorbitant rent requirements – obviously a key factor in the decision to close. Ken Allen is a businessman; a ruthless one perhaps, but as a result he is a successful one - if success is judged solely on the making of money. Some businessmen aim to combine a profitable enterprise with “service to, and goodwill amongst, their community”. As mentioned in this column in the past, Ken does give something back to the community from profits garnered during the annual Beer Festival, but overall his ‘modus operandi’ and social interactions within the community mean that he is not popular in The Valley and surely he knows this…If he cares, does anyone think that this is somewhat sad?…
Finally moving on…In the past I have expressed curmudgeonly opinions about the actions of some people on New Year’s Eve but I have to say it is not the worst night for such behavior…It’s only my opinion of course but, in all my years of bar/restaurant experience and patronization, this ‘award’ clearly goes to St. Patrick’s Day. This is not only an occasion for the poorest “amateur” drinkers to show their true colors but, unlike New Year’s Eve which is primarily an evening affair, for many on St. Pat’s there is a long day of heavy drinking well before the nighttime drinking and inevitable sloppy behavior gets underway.
Of course we here in The Valley do not behave in this way – well may be some of us do - but in the meantime you should be aware that this year’s St. Patrick’s Celebration for the A.V. Senior Center is not this weekend. This civilized and wonderful local event will be held the following week, on Saturday, March 22nd, at The Apple Hall - more details in next week’s column…
As predicted at the beginning, on re-reading the column, it would appear that I’ve been in a slightly miserable mood this week. I’m sure you don’t need this kind of negativity for the approximate two cents this column has cost you! My apologies…Aagghh!...Where’s my meds??...Time for me to go…Be careful out there, stay out of the ditches, think good thoughts, and may your god go with you…But first, “Let us prey”…Humbly yours, Turkey Vulture…
You can contact me with words of support/abuse by e-mail at