# 335 - November 28th, 2012

Greetings one and all – if you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin… Hopefully you have recovered from America’s Finest Holiday that took place last Thursday and have by now finally finished off the last turkey sandwich. Next up, in my humble and curmudgeonly opinion, it’s one of the most annoying and crassly commercialized holidays– Christmas, which as I have said many times before, is really only enjoyed by a very small percentage of adults, all children, and most gay men. Trust me on this – I did the research...

       Talking of children, I don’t believe I have done any quotes with them as the subject – time to rectify that right now in your Quotes of the Week… First, let’s have this piece of damning wisdom from Kingsley Amis (1922-1995), the English novelist, poet, and critic, who said, “It was no wonder that people were so horrible when they started life as children”… And on a more positive note we have this from Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. (1841-1935), the American jurist who served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1902 to 1932 – “Pretty much all the honest truth telling there is in the world is done by children”… And here's a more humorous point of view from comedian Rodney Dangerfield who tells us “When I was a kid my parents moved a lot – but I always found them”… And finally, my own personal philosophy, expressed perfectly in a proverb – “Spare the rod and you spoil the child.” Oops, I have probably upset some folks, but they should not worry - I am not on the local school board... yet…

       Public Service Announcements (P.S.A’s)… Calendars and pens at the ready… #342 – It’s one of my favorite events of the year this weekend – the ICW (Independent Career Women) Christmas Party to which dependent male significant others are invited. It takes place on Saturday, Dec 1 at Roederer Winery and it’s invitation only. I’ve got mine!… #343 – The monthly School Board meeting is at 6pm on Monday, Dec 3 at the high school… #344 - ‘Christmas at the Little Red Schoolhouse’ is a special event that is being put on by the A.V. Historical Society on Sunday, Dec 9 from 1-5pm at the     A.V. Museum – which is that very same Little Red Schoolhouse… #345 – The Vets from Mendocino Animal Hospital will return to the Farm Supply in the Valley tomorrow, Thursday, Nov 29 from 2-3:30pm. I am not sure when they will be back in December so if you have some medicinal pet duties to perform get them done now just in case they are not back until the New Year… #346 – It’s time for the 55th Redwood Classic! Yes folks, “The Biggest Little Basketball Tournament in the World” takes place at the high school gym from Wednesday, Nov 28, thru’ Saturday, Dec 1. The tournament’s first game is at 3.30pm on Wednesday followed by games at 5pm and 6.30pm before the hometown heroes from A.V. take to the court to play their first round game at 8pm against Bradshaw Christian School from Sacramento…

       As a bonus P.S.A. here is the menu for the two lunches over the next week at the Senior Center… The Center asks for a $5 donation from Seniors and charges $7 for Non-Seniors. On Thursday, November 29 the lunch, that is always served at 12.15pm, will be Sesame Noodles with Chicken, Asparagus, Asian Slaw, Tubule Salad, Fruit Salad, Green Salad, Wendy’s Oatmeal Bars and then next Tuesday, December 4th Marti Titus and her crew will be serving Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes w/ Gravy, Rolls, Glazed Carrots, Quinoa Salad, Green Salad, Mixed Fruit, Birthday Cup Cakes… Hope to see you there…

       Moving quickly on to a few of the topics and Valley events under discussion this week at The Three-Dot Lounge – yes it’s “Moans, Groans, Good Thoughts, and Rampant Rumors” from my favorite gathering place in the Valley where people gather and share their thoughts about Valley life…

… Last Wednesday evening, a number of 3-Dot regulars were wondering what the criteria is to get on the front page of this newspaper After all, play-off Championships for the local high school boys’ soccer team one week and then one for the Volleyball girls the following week, both failed to make the cut. Team photos did appear inside the newspaper, on the local page each week, as did a report on the soccer game, which is nice of course but not the same as the front page. A number of Valley high school sports fans commented on this also. I do not have an answer, but many folks think we should be told…

… Apart from those opinions, the 3-Dot was closed over the holiday weekend so that’s all I have to report. The usual suspects will be back this week, no doubt, so I’ll be sharing their thoughts with you in next week’s column…

… From our 3-Dot regular, The Old Buzzard, comes another in his insightful series – ‘The Approach of the Apocalypse’… Buzzard reports, “When the Apocalypse does happen it will mean no more Thanksgivings and that is perhaps the greatest loss to civilization of all. One particularly civilized thing that occurs every Turkey Day is the Presidential pardon given to a Turkey every year by the chief Executive. Some of you may be unaware of the other pardon given out on this special day. In keeping with a longstanding Thanksgiving tradition, Vice President Joe Biden ceremonially pardoned a 4-pound yam today at a ceremony in the White House Rose Garden. "Under my authority as vice president of the United States of America, I hereby grant this yam full and unconditional clemency," a smiling Biden declared as he gently patted "Spud," a Beauregard sweet potato grown in Louisiana and selected from millions of candidates yielded by this year’s harvest. "May he never find himself in a casserole. Right, little guy?" Like yams reprieved before him, Spud will ride as an honored guest aboard the second float of the Disneyland Thanksgiving Day Parade before spending the rest of his life in the comfort and safety of a tuber petting zoo.

       I’m outta here… So, until we talk again – ‘Keep the Faith’; be careful out there; stay out of the ditches; think good thoughts; please remember to keep your windows cracked if you have pets in your vehicle; and may your god go with you… Oh, and of course, one final request, “Let us prey”… Humbly yours, Turkey Vulture…

p.s. You can contact me with words of support/abuse either through the Letters Page or by e-mail at <turkeyvulture1@earthlink.net>

p.p.s. Hi, Silver Swan – behaving yourself? Hopefully not!

# 334 - November 21st, 2012

Greetings one and all – if you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin… Thanksgiving is upon us! My favorite holiday of the year when all you have to do is eat, drink, and be merry, and in some case make sure Uncle Fred is just napping and hasn’t left this mortal coil. It’s a great all-dayer - from the depressing inevitably of Hummingbird’s Detroit Lions losing in the morning as you enjoy some medicinal Bloody Mary’s, through the scramble for the turkey leg in the early-afternoon (a scramble I rarely come up short on obviously), on through the hot turkey sandwich and pinot noir binge around 8pm, to the concluding chocolate chip ice cream and cookies blow-out with a little brandy for more medicinal purposes late at night. This is, in my humble opinion, quite possibly the most civilized day of activities that this country has yet come up with…  

         I know many Valley folks proudly announce, at every opportunity they get, that they do not watch television, failing to realize that with selective viewing a lot can be learned and much mental stimulation experienced. Last week I came across a program that was about the Irish dance phenomenon, Riverdance, starring the light-on-his-feet Michael Flattley and tens of red-faced, often freckled, young Irish women. Riverdance, for those unaware, is a style of dancing that involves much movement of the lower extremities and very little of the upper – sort of tap-dancing for the armless. It is no doubt very skilful, but most odd, and after a few minutes I thought, “this is what happens when you isolate white people on an island for a thousand years!”… I switched channels and landed on ‘Real Time with Bill Meyer’ – a very stimulating post-election discussion featuring James Carviile (former campaign manager for Bill Clinton); Andrew Sullivan, political commentator and blogger (The Dish); the annoying conservative political commentator but very bright young woman, S.E. Cupp; and actor/activist Samuel L. Jackson. Watching and listening to their debate, I could not help but think that those who decry television as a waste of time and a source of little educational value could not be more wrong. If you are of average intelligence in the first place and know where to look beyond the utter rubbish - get a television! 

       Public Service Announcements… Calendars and pens at the ready… #488 – The Vets from Mendocino Animal Hospital will return to the Farm Supply in the Valley next week for their third visit of the month. This will be Thursday, Nov 29 from 2-3:30pm… #489 – Heads-up on the special Christmas event at the Little Red School House on Sunday, December 9 from 1pm to 5pm. It’s being presented by the A.V. Historical Society and will feature carol singing, an Xmas tree and gift basket raffle, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, local wines, Christmas memories, and the Little Red Schoolhouse will be dressed in Christmas Cheer”!... #490 – there is no #490… 

       Moving quickly on to a few of the topics and Valley events under discussion this week at The Three-Dot Lounge – yes it’s “Moans, Groans, Good Thoughts, and Rampant Rumors” from my favorite gathering place in the Valley where people gather and share their thoughts about Valley life…

… The Aquarelle Café & Wine Bar has already made some waves in the Valley and they only officially opened last Saturday, November 17. Located in the spot that was once the home of The Horn of Zeese, and with opening hours of 11-9 Friday thru’ Monday, they are serving a ‘fusion’ menu – basically, all sorts of things. I was invited to a V.I.P. event there on the Friday evening and thoroughly enjoyed the friendly and attentive service, the different but very good Caesar’s salad, a savory chicken curry, and some unusual and also very tasty ‘truffle fries’… Before I say more, perhaps you should check out this new dining venue for yourself…

… Following last week’s successful Championship Game victory for the high school boys’ soccer team it was the girls turn, and they did not disappoint. After a relatively easy semi-final win against South Fork, on Saturday evening they triumphed in the final over Rincon Valley Christian in a very exciting and hard-fought five-set match. All this and a dinner of 2 hot dogs with a packet of M & M’s for dessert from Renée Lee’s concession stand is hard to beat for a night out in Boonville, I can tell you…

… Up next for high school sports enthusiasts – the Redwood Classic. “The Biggest Little Basketball Tournament in the World” goes from Wednesday, Nov 28, thru’ Saturday, Dec 1…

… The County Fair is experiencing a severe financial crisis. Surely something can be done to save it???...

… From our 3-Dot regular, The Old Buzzard, comes another in his insightful series – ‘The Approach of the Apocalypse’… Buzzard reports “I imagine many of you received a notice from the State Board of Equalization’s Property and Special Taxes Department apologizing for their error in not giving the correct phone number to call for their Fire Prevention Fee Service Center. How kind of them to remind us to use a ‘1’ at the start of the toll free number!?? How ridiculous of them to get it wrong in the first place and now to add to their (our) costs by having to send out this letter of apology. The Approach of the Apocalypse is just a little more inevitable as a result of nonsense such as this. Wankers! 

       I’m outta here… So until we talk again – ‘Keep the Faith’; be careful out there; stay out of the ditches; think good thoughts; please remember to keep your windows cracked if you have pets in your vehicle; and may your god go with you… Oh, and of course, one final request, “Let us prey”… Humbly yours, Turkey Vulture…

p.s. You can contact me with words of support/abuse either through the Letters Page or by e-mail at <turkeyvulture1@earthlink.net>

p.p.s. Keep on wagging that tail, Fred…

# 333 - November 14th, 2012

Greetings one and all – if you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin… This month’s Birthday Greetings go out to Jeanne Nickless, Shirley Harris, Judy Long, David Kooyers, Cheryl Rajeski, Gerald Bowers, Peter Kayd, John Slott, Pat Hulbert, and Ginny Camping – ‘Many Happy Returns’ to each and every one of you……                      

Public Service Announcements… Calendars and pens at the ready… #318 – The Vets from Mendocino Animal Hospital will return to the Farm Supply in the Valley tomorrow, Thursday, Nov 15 from 2-3:30pm. If you are a previous client you can call them 48 hours in advance (462-8833) to ensure that your pet’s charts are brought ‘over the hill’ and also order any medications your pet might need. New customers and their pets are always welcome. They will be back in the Valley on Thursday, Nov 29… #319 – It’s that time of year and people are already suffering from the ‘flu. This can be prevented by a shot and these are being given at the Senior Center / Veterans’ Hall tomorrow Thursday, Nov 15 from 10.30am to 12.30pm. No charge for patients with Medicare and it is a very well-spent $29.99 for others, with refunds available for those covered by their insurance. Any questions? Call 964-1848 and press 3… #320 – And stay at the Center and enjoy the lunch at the same time! On the 15th the menu features Oven Fried Fish, Oven Potatoes, Cabbage – Apple Slaw, Spinach Salad, Green Salad, Fruit Salad, and Brownies w/Ice Cream for dessert. Wow! All that for just $7 ($5 donation for Seniors)… #321 – The A.V. Grange has its monthly meeting on Tuesday, November 20 at 7pm…                                                               

 Moving quickly on to a few of the topics and Valley events under discussion this week at The Three-Dot Lounge – yes it’s “Moans, Groans, Good Thoughts, and Rampant Rumors” from my favorite gathering place in the Valley where people gather and share their thoughts about Valley life…

… A number of regulars attended the Veterans Day of Remembrance at the Evergreen Cemetery in Boonville on Sunday morning and report that it was a wonderful ceremony with a well-balanced mix of all things that are important on such an occasion. I am told 76 people attended and while that is a good showing surely it should be more like 276 or more for such an important and meaningful event. Significantly, very few people under the age of forty were there. That’s too bad… Hopefully next year…

… Talking of which, I noticed that the sign outside the Elementary School informs us all that on Monday, Nov 12th, there would be ‘No School.’ The reason for this is the observance of Veterans Day but no mention of this is made on the sign. Why not? Surely a simple ‘Veterans Day Observance – no school’ would have been appropriate. In my humble opinion the younger generations need to be aware of what has gone on before and start to appreciate what they have and how and why. It’s part of a full education I would suggest…

… “Campeones!” Yes, the A.V.H.S. Boys’ soccer team won their post season Championship on Saturday afternoon and as I flew over the field in Boonville I could hear both the roars of approval following the team’s 3-0 victory over Leadership H.S. from S.F., and also just a few bottles of celebratory tequila being opened and sipped. Leave the champagne to the S.F. Giants to spray around instead of drinking – this crowd does it in style… Coming up this weekend, hopefully a girls’ volleyball title too…

… Geoff Thomas has left the Valley. This fine member of the community for six months every year, in his role as bartender/host at the Boonville Hotel and star player at the weekly General Knowledge and Trivia Quiz at Lauren’s Restaurant, has once again returned to Bangkok, Thailand for the winter and spring… I spent a few hours with this gentleman on Sunday and our farewell drink turned into a farewell booze-up that, as I write, he is no doubt ‘paying for’ on his long flight to Southeast Asia…

… The Aquarelle Café & Wine Bar has already made some waves in the Valley and they are not even officially open yet – that will be this coming Saturday, November 17. Located in the spot that was once the home of The Horn of Zeese, a number of ‘selected’ Valley folks (not me as yet – unbelievable!) have already eaten and enjoyed the cuisine that chef Christina Jones is planning to feature. Meanwhile the buzz is that it is “so Un-Boonville” – not that there is anything wrong with that!...

… And in the heart of Downtown Boonville, next to the Saloon, another new eatery has opened its doors – Anel’s Restaurant is serving Mexican food with the added temptation of breakfasts, burgers and, in the near future, pizza… While just a few yards away in SoBo (South Boonville) Lauren’s Restaurant has just announced the fall return of the hot turkey and mashed potato dish, along with many other items of course, and it doesn’t get much better than that - as many regulars were able to attest to on Friday night when I only had one serving for myself…

… And not wishing to leave any of the Boonville restaurants out, I know the hot wings and a pint of Guinness at The Buckhorn is the best ‘one-two punch’ in town, not to mention the special Bouillabaisse (fish stew, French-style) last Friday at The Hotel, which is a not-to-be-missed regular event according to some of our gastronomic experts here at The 3-Dot…

… Following the election, our 3-Dot regular, The Old Buzzard, decided that with the Apocalypse put on hold, he feels he does not have to head for the hills just yet… Here is his final comment on the issue – “The ‘good guy’ won; those with enlightened views on women’s rights, minorities, the environment, health care reform, etc, and those who think that there was an Earth before 4000 B.C. and that is wasn’t created in a week, can all relax, for now”….

       Oh, dear, have I upset somebody? – I’ll get my coat and leave… Until we talk again – ‘Keep the Faith’; be careful out there; stay out of the ditches; think good thoughts; please remember to keep your windows cracked if you have pets in your vehicle; and may your god go with you… Oh, and of course, one final request, “Let us prey”… Humbly yours, Turkey Vulture…

p.s. You can contact me with words of support/abuse either through the Letters Page or by e-mail at <turkeyvulture1@earthlink.net>

p.p.s. Hi, Silver Swan – behaving yourself? Hopefully not!

p.p.p.s. On the sheep, Grace…

# 332 - November 7th, 2012

Greetings one and all – if you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin… As regular readers will know, every month I try to include those senior Valley folks with birthdays and on this occasion we have a very special such celebration. Harold Perry, the Valley’s oldest citizen, will turn 96 tomorrow, Thursday, November 8. Quite an achievement and on behalf of all Valley folks I’ll pass on a ‘Many Happy Returns to Harold when I see him… 

       And with Harold in mind, here’s some classic words of wisdom on the subject of old age for your Quotes of the Week. First up it’s this from Rose Kennedy, who lived to be 104 and was a great philanthropist and wife of Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr., and the mother of nine children, among them United States President John F. Kennedy, United States Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and United States Senator Edward Moore "Ted" Kennedy - “I’m like old wine. They don’t bring me out very often, but I’m well preserved”… Then there is from Golda Meir, the former Prime Minister of Israel, who commented, “Old age is like a plane flying through a storm. Once you’re aboard there’s nothing you can do”… And it was Lord Byron who observed “ ‘Tis very certain the desire of life, prolongs it”… And finally, let’s hear from 50’s presidential hopeful Adlai Stevenson who said “It is not the years in your life but the life in your years that counts” – Hope see you at Bingo over the holidays, Harold!

       The special Veterans Day event held annually at Evergreen Cemetery on A.V. Way will take place this coming Sunday, November 11 at 10.30am. In terms of taking a deep breath and thinking about what really matters, in my humble opinion, this is one of the more important community gatherings of the year so please think seriously about attending. The organizers inform me that inclement weather will not postpone this ceremony; after all, those who are being remembered went through far worse I’m sure. However, in the event of significant rain, signs will be posted at the cemetery informing you that the event has been moved to the Veterans Hall / Senior Center in Boonville. Different place, same time – 10.30am, Sunday, November 11th...

       More Public Service Announcements… Calendars and pens at the ready… #318 – The Vets from Mendocino Animal Hospital will return to the Farm Supply in the Valley tomorrow, Thursday, Nov 8 from 2-3:30pm. If you are a previous client you can call them 48 hours in advance (462-8833) to ensure that your pet’s charts are brought ‘over the hill’ and also order any medications your pet might need. New customers and their pets are always welcome and they will be back in the Valley next week (Nov 15) and again on Thursday, Nov 29… #319 – It’s that time of year and people are already suffering from the ‘flu. This can be prevented by a shot and these are being given at the Senior Center / Veterans’ Hall on Thursday, Nov 15 from 10.30am to 12.30pm. No charge for patients with Medicare and it is a very well-spent $29.99 for others, with refunds available for those covered by their insurance. Any questions? Call 964-1848 and press 3… #320 – Time for a quick recap of a number of regular monthly gatherings in the Valley: Every Tuesday and Saturday, the A.V. Lending Library, run by The Unity Club, is open at The Fairgrounds. Tues 1.30pm to 4.30pm and Saturday 2pm – 4pm… Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, The A.V Museum at The Little Red Schoolhouse – ‘The Best Little Museum in the West’, is open from 1pm to 4pm… The County Dump is open from 9am – 4pm every Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday.... On two Tuesdays and every Thursday at the Senior Center, lunch is served at 12.15pm; on the 2nd Tuesday it’s dinner and Bingo night beginning at 6pm and on the final Tuesday it’s dinner at 6pm... The A.V. Lions meet every third Monday and the A.V. Grange does so every third Tuesday… Now you know!!!...

       Moving quickly on to a few of the topics and Valley events under discussion this week at The Three-Dot Lounge – yes it’s “Moans, Groans, Good Thoughts, and Rampant Rumors” from my favorite gathering place in the Valley where people gather and share their thoughts about Valley life…

… Many regulars plan to attend today’s high school boys’ soccer semi-final at Tom Smith Field alongside the school in Boonville at 2.30pm, Wednesday, Nov 7… If the team wins, the Championship Game will be at the same venue and time on Saturday, Nov 10…

… And quite a few will also attend the same Saturday evening’s 7pm girls’ volleyball quarterfinal at the high school gym… It could be quite a week or so for high school sports – claws and beaks crossed…

… Are there any better ‘store dogs’ than Scooter at Laughing Dog Books and Gracie at All that Good Stuff? I must say that they certainly add to the experience of buying a book or picking up a gift or trinket…

… From our 3-Dot regular, The Old Buzzard, comes another in his insightful series – ‘The Approach of the Apocalypse’… Buzzard was in a pensive mood when I saw him this week and had little to say other than, “If the wrong guy wins this election, I’m outta here because the Apocalypse will have arrived!”

       Well, we’ll know soon enough… In the meantime, I’m certainly outta here – but I will return… So, until we talk again – ‘Keep the Faith’; be careful out there; stay out of the ditches; think good thoughts; please remember to keep your windows cracked if you have pets in your vehicle; and may your god go with you… Oh, and of course, one final request, “Let us prey”… Humbly yours, Turkey Vulture…

p.s. You can contact me with words of support/abuse either through the Letters Page or by e-mail at <turkeyvulture1@earthlink.net>

p.p.s. Skylark – Happy Birthday!

# 331 - October 31st, 2012

Greetings one and all - if you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin... Well, hopefully you are aware that next Tuesday, November 6th is Election Day and are intending to exercise your rights regarding the many issues that will be voted on that day, including the person to lead the country into the future as President…

      With that in mind, there have been some excellent comments made on this topic over the years so here we go with my three favorites for your Quotes of the Week... Let’s start with the classic by Abraham Lincoln who unforgettably said, “The ballot is stronger than the bullet” (although we all know that in some cases the latter may be the better way to go). Up next is drama critic George Jean Nathan’s comment, “Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote” – so get off the coach and do it! And finally, one which I think should be followed to the letter here in the Valley, Madonna’s saucy remark, “If you don’t vote, you’re going to get a spankie!” It’s almost worth not voting, eh? I’m (half) kidding...

      However, before all the voting can take place we have to get through another evening of ‘bad ass craziness’ here in the Valley – tonight it’s Halloween! Hopefully, unless you are one of them, you will not get caught up in the annual ‘Battle on the Streets of Boonville’ between The Zombies and The Angry Villagers that will take place after dark tonight. The Villagers, with their burning torches and sharpened pitchforks, will strive to once more save the town from those walking corpses who will no doubt make things very difficult around here if they are victorious – certainly with their plans to ban all speed limits, bring in a Starbucks and a Taco Bell, invite outsiders to plant even more vines, open a medical marijuana dispensary in the school cafeteria, and shockingly install former Brewery Supremo ‘King’ Ken Allen as Mayor of Anderson Valley. It is going to be a worrying evening for us all but I have every confidence in the Villagers coming out on top. If not, order me a Pumpkin Spice Latte – espresso, pumpkin-flavored syrup and steamed milk, topped with sweetened whipped cream and pumpkin pie spices. Ridiculous, eh!? – All I want is a hot cup of Joe…

       Moving swiftly on… Public Service Announcements… Calendars and pens at the ready... #100 – The Annual Veterans Day event will be held at Evergreen Cemetery on A.V. Way on Sunday, November 11 at 10.30am. It should be stressed that this special occasion is not a political or religious event. It does, however, offer a chance for us to show support and gratitude for both those who gave their lives or were wounded in wars of the past, and for those who have served or continue to serve so that we may have the freedoms and liberties that we continue to enjoy today... #101 - The Vets from Mendocino Animal Hospital will return to the Farm Supply in the Valley on three Thursdays next month – Nov 8, 15, 29… #102 - the 31st annual Chestnut Gathering is on Saturday Nov 3 at the Zeni Ranch from 10am-3:30pm, rain or shine. These 100 year-old dry-farmed European seedling chestnut trees are a testament to the sustainability of tree crops. Pick your own fresh chestnuts off the ground for $3.00/lb. Please bring: Potluck dish (re-heating oven available) and your own cup, plate, napkins and utensils. Bring your wine, fruit, nut, or vegetable harvests to show us what works for you. Call Barbara/Rob Goodell 895-3897 for further details…

       Moving quickly on to a few of the topics and Valley events under discussion this week at The Three-Dot Lounge - yes it’s “Moans, Groans, Good Thoughts, and Rampant Rumors” from my favorite gathering place in the Valley where people gather and share their thoughts about Valley life...

... I hear from Hummingbird and various 3-Dot regulars that there was a big crowd and good times to be had at Lauren’s Restaurant in Boonville last Friday night for the appearance of Celtica, a bagpipe rock band from Europe. The numbers in attendance was very encouraging for the faded live music scene in the Valley and the Austro-Scottish ensemble produced what was by all accounts a really, really good show, particularly as they did not wear lederhosen under their kilts…

… Many happy Giants were spotted around the Valley on Monday morning following the team’s sweep of the Detroit Tigers in the World Series that ended on Sunday evening. Around here we do have a number of ‘proper’ fans who have followed the team through thick and thin and it is those folks for whom I am happy - the ones who remember the team arriving in 1958, the very lean years of the 60’s and 70’s (the losing World Series appearance in 1962 excepted), the 100-loss season of 1985 (my first year as a season ticket holder), the up-and-down but ultimately frustrating 90’s, and the heartbreak of the 2002 Series defeat by the Angels in seven games. Having said that, they did win just two years ago and living in Nor Cal provides these folks with a pretty good lifestyle as it is, so perhaps a thought might be given to the Tigers fans (Hummingbird’s clan) whose lives and times in Detroit are not quite the same, and whose team’s victory, relatively speaking, may have provided even more happiness… Naah - too bad – Go Giants!

… High school boys’ soccer play-offs start this week, with girls’ volleyball coming the following week – I humbly suggest that you get down to the school and show the student athletes your support as a couple of successful but long and hard-fought seasons for each program enter their final stages with great promise… 

      Well now I think it’s time to take my leave. Until we talk again - ‘Keep the Faith’; be careful out there; stay out of the ditches; think good thoughts; and may your god go with you… Oh, and of course, one final request, “Let us prey”… Humbly yours, Turkey Vulture...

p.s. You can contact me with words of support/abuse either through the Letters Page or by e-mail at <turkeyvulture1@earthlink.net>

p.p.s. Keep on wagging that tail, Fred