# 105 - April 9th, 2008

Greetings one and all…Following last week’s column, and its over-the-top emphasis on food and drink, perhaps I should avoid that topic somewhat and concentrate on my report on what is being discussed at The Valley’s most popular local gathering spot. Yes, good readers, it’s “Good thoughts, rampant rumors, and a few moans and groans from The 3-Dot Diner”…Here we go…
…The passing of Charlton “Ben Hur” Heston on Sunday was certainly an event that led to a lively debate in the Diner about gun control and the 2nd Amendment. He was quite a force in the political arena for many years and at one point he changed his allegiance from Democrat to Republican, actively campaigning for the latter since the Reagan era. His battle cry against gun control was perhaps his last stand and at the 2000 N.R.A. Convention, he famously challenged those who would oppose his views on this topic to try and take his rifle “from my cold dead hands”…Now is their chance, I suppose, but it’s not going to be easy, he was a tough old bastard…
…It’s that time again – the pledge drive for our local public radio station, KZYX & Z…I know it’s not for everyone, and the station’s overt and unyielding politically correct stance grates on many people’s nerves, but they do a fine job overall and certainly provide the community with many hours of entertainment and information so please give generously…
…”The Tequila Scandal” continues to cause waves around these parts and I cannot understand why. ‘Teenagers experimenting with alcohol on a school trip’ is surely not the terrible crime is has been depicted as. It’s part of the Mexican experience wouldn’t you say? The nature of the boarding arrangements in Mexico meant that the chaperones/teachers on the trip could not be expected to watch the kids around the clock and besides, what is the big deal anyway?...In any other developed country, a legal drinking age of 21 would be scoffed at, but with yet another poll (at the very credible Economist.com) just published showing that Americans are far more conservative in their views towards drinking (and sex) than the citizens of other advanced countries, perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised at the “storm in a tequila glass” that has arisen…
…Meanwhile, I’m sure there are other more serious indiscretions at the School that could be addressed. In fact I just heard that… (continued on Page 74)…
…The Economist poll also pointed out that Americans are more religious, more patriotic, and more willing to use force in global affairs than other advanced countries. In fact they are actually more like the inhabitants of developing, third world countries when it comes to religion, and when it comes to the use of force, they continue to inhabit the 19th century world of great-power politics whereas Europeans and the other developed nations believe in diplomacy and treaties…What has happened?
…Equally as mystifying is what is happening at The Bar formerly known as The Highpockety Ox? Rumors abound, but the most convincing one is that the two curmudgeonly fellows who, when they actually decided to open, did a decent job at The Lumberjack Pizza, will run a pizza restaurant out of the kitchen and one of “King” Ken Allen’s minions will take charge of the bar operation. Sounds like a plan I suppose, and anything would be better than the unsubstantiated rumor that there is to be an installation in the main bar and restaurant area of the “Ken Allen Library”...
That’s all I have for you from The 3-Dot Diner this week so it’s on to The Wine of the Week…As I rapidly devoured the delicious Szechuan chicken and curried vegetables, I could not wait to see how the combination of these Asian delights with the superb Gewürztraminer from Lazy Creek Vineyards (on Hwy 128 at approximately the 18.5 mile marker) would work. I was not disappointed. It was a superb pairing and I would strongly recommend this zesty wine with anything that is spicy. Along those lines, you could substitute this wine for a Thai or Mexican beer with whatever you may be eating with those kinds of beers. Yes, you guessed it, and I like the way you’re thinking, - a super chicken burrito and Lazy Creek’s Gewurzt! Now there’s something very different but undoubtedly very appropriate together - enjoy…
Now, as it so often does, that brings me very nicely to The Whine of the Week…As we move towards the summer Pot Luck season I must just have a pre-whine about this strangely performed Anderson Valley ritual/phenomenon. I say “strange” not because the concept is unusual or weird but because in practice, when attending such events, I have invariably witnessed numerous guests arriving with delicious goodies to eat and/or drink whilst other attendees arrive with nothing, or something very odd – old bread/two oranges etc? These are very often the very people who then proceed to eat and drink as if there is no tomorrow. Perhaps it’s the company I keep but I can assure you I am far from being alone in observing this. When I personally host an event up here at The Nest, the vast majority of the food and drink is provided, but that’s nothing more that just the way I prefer to host, coupled with a desire to avoid a repeat of the potluck experiences as described above. A potluck can be a wonderful thing if basic guidelines are followed, or very disappointing and a lame affair if they are not… So, you “Pot Luckers”, here’s looking forward to an enjoyable season ahead and, if everyone contributes, then I see no reason why it wouldn’t be…
Must go and get my mail – perhaps there is a Pot Luck invite in there?...Be careful out there, stay out of the ditches, think good thoughts, and may your god go with you…Oh, and of course, one last very important thing, “Let us prey”…Humbly yours, Turkey Vulture…
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