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A Walk in the Park

2012-01-27T11:53:00.000-08:00

I used to regularly get out to Lincoln Park for a crack-of-dawn back nine two or three times per week.

For my first outing of the year this morning, I remembered why. Perhaps it is time to get back in the habit.

Some vistas as I made my way around the back.

Sent from my Sprint HTC smartphone

Where's Morpheus? British Virgin Islands Edition

2012-01-17T13:01:00.000-08:00

We have not played Where's Morpheus in a while, last time was when she transited the canal. Jim, Deb and Morpheus are currently hanging out in front of a webcam in the British Virgin Isles. The notification from their blog:

Saba Rock Web Cam
http://www.sabarock.com/webcam.php

See if you can find us!

You can control the webcam movement and zoom in if you want to try and catch the captain or crew in some indiscretion on deck, but you must apparently fight everyone else in the world for control of the camera. I had luck finding Morpheus by hitting Preset 5 and panning right.

Caught these screenshots today:

San Francisco Values - County Sheriff Edition

2012-01-13T23:34:00.000-08:00

This is our new Sheriff, Ross Mirkarimi. He was elected Sheriff in our last election in November. He was sworn in on Monday. Today he was arrested for "domestic violence battery, child endangerment and dissuading a witness" in connection with a recent incident involving his wife, the Venezuelan telenovella actress Eliana Lopez:

Where to start? Like Jean Quan in Oakland, Ross Mirkarimi's election was a triumph for Ranked Choice Voting. As I noted last November:

"Mirkarimi could never win a one-on-one runoff between himself and either Miyamoto or Cunnie, the second and third place finishers who are actually qualified to be Sheriff. He is only Sheriff because his opponents split the rational vote and voters either don't understand how ranked voting is gamed or don't care enough to think about the consequences of their second and third place votes or just do not understand Ranked Choice Voting at all. Who knows what damage he'll do to the Sheriff's Department... We probably should start on the recall petitions now. But - there is a silver lining. Mayor Ed Lee will appoint a replacement to fill out his term on the Board of Supervisors. Anyone will be an improvement on the board, and Lee is likely to appoint a moderate. Mirkarimi will do less damage to the city as Sheriff than on the Board of Supervisors for the next year."

Looks like we need not wait for the inevitable recall. According to the SF Chronicle:

"City law gives Mayor Ed Lee the authority to charge Mirkarimi with official misconduct and temporarily suspend him from office - a move that eventually could lead to Mirkarimi's permanent expulsion. During a temporary suspension, the sheriff's department would be run by a caretaker appointed by the mayor...

The sheriff oversees a paramilitary organization of more than 800 sworn officers and a civilian staff of about 100. The department runs San Francisco's jails with an average daily inmate population of 2,200, provides City Hall and courtroom security, carries out court-ordered evictions and warrants, and aids San Francisco police in enforcement actions."

A "paramilitary organization"? The Sheriff's department?? Maybe Mirkarimi should follow in the footsteps of other great leftist leaders - like the President for Life of his allegedly battered wife's native Venezuela - Hugo Chavez. He could lead his paramilitary Sheriff's department up Market Street, storm City Hall, and stage a military coup right here in the People's Republic of San Francisco. No doubt District Attorney George Gascon will be first up against the wall. Your loyal blogger might be next.

Eliana Lopez - Mrs. Ross Mirkarimi

Frankly, I am surprised by this turn of events. When this story hit the wires on Sunday, I figured it would blow over. I thought there was no way they would prosecute unless his wife cooperated and pressed charges. Since she was not and is not cooperating with the police, I assumed there was no case.

Regardless, I could not help feeling some sympathy about the dynamic of Mirkarimi's domestic situation. Even without charges, Ross clearly would have nothing to say about anything that would go on in that household from now until... oh... eternity. Mirkarimi's political career hangs by a thread. One word from his Venezuelan firecracker and it is over. He created his own special ring of hell for himself, right here on this earthly plane. That seemed sufficient punishment to me.

We'll have to see how this soap opera develops. Look, I don't like the guy, and I think his politics are really bad for San Francisco, but District Attorney Gascon better have a lot more than what has been made public so far. Otherwise, without Eliana's cooperation, this case will never hold up to the kind of intense public scrutiny it will receive and could backfire big time. For Gascon's sake, they better have some pretty damning evidence from the neighbor, or something that has not been made public from elsewhere.

In any eventuality, this is going to be as good as any Telenovela. Stay tuned for the next exciting chapter of ...

Don't Cry For Me Venezuela.

Cross-posted from my other blog.

I think they were still using the same bungee cord...

2012-01-09T21:17:00.000-08:00

This video is getting lot of play on the news and tubes. On this last New Year's Eve, the bungee cord snaps as a young Aussie takes the 111 meter drop off the Victoria Falls bridge. The cord is still tied around her ankles as she is swept over the rapids. She has to swim underwater to free the cord so she can get to shore. Did I mention the Zambezi is full of crocodiles? Big ones. She survives with bruises and cuts. Un-friggin-believable.

The jump went better for me when I took the same leap of faith from the same bridge in September 1995:

Looking at this video now, that cord does look a little frayed.

They probably should have changed it in the last 17 years.

Rob Moore

2012-01-08T23:59:00.000-08:00

Reader, Writer, Sailor, Friend

I lost a friend last week. It was not a surprise. Rob and his wife Leslie have been fighting a battle against lung cancer with courage and grace since he was diagnosed at stage 4 two years ago. I knew Rob as a sailor, as a writer, and although I've only knew him for a few years, as a friend.

I've generally reserved this blog for lighter fare. Rob was a big part of our many adventures aboard Morpheus that have oft been chronicled in this blog, so it feels right to leave some comments about Rob here.

As they fought this battle, Leslie and Rob kept a private blog for their friends and family. Leslie has now made the blog public. From the blog I learned something new about Rob. I learned that many of us connected to Rob through books we shared or an author we enjoyed in common.

In a recent post, Leslie shared a story and a quote from Rob's favorite book. The author is Edward Abbey, the book is Desert Solitaire and this is the quote Rob wanted to share:

“May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. May your rivers flow without end, meandering through pastoral valleys tinkling with bells, past temples and castles and poets’ towers into a dark primeval forest where tigers belch and monkeys howl, through miasmal and mysterious swamps and down into a desert of red rock, blue mesas, domes and pinnacles and grottos of endless stone, and down again into a deep vast ancient unknown chasm where bars of sunlight blaze on profiled cliffs, where deer walk across the white sand beaches, where storms come and go as lightning clangs upon the high crags, where something strange and more beautiful and more full of wonder than your deepest dreams waits for you — beyond that next turning of the canyon walls.”

I met Rob through Jim Gregory, who was a friend of Rob's long before I met him. The author that Jim shares with Rob is Joseph Conrad, the story is Youth and this is the quote:

"By all that's wonderful, it is the sea, I believe, the sea itself--or is it youth alone? Who can tell? But you here--you all had something out of life: money, love-- whatever one gets on shore--and, tell me, wasn't that the best time, that time when we were young at sea; young and had nothing, on the sea that gives nothing, except hard knocks--and sometimes a chance to feel your strength--that only--what you all regret?"

And we all nodded at him: the man of finance, the man of accounts, the man of law, we all nodded at him over the polished table that like a still sheet of brown water reflected our faces, lined, wrinkled; our faces marked by toil, by deceptions, by success, by love; our weary eyes looking still, looking always, looking anxiously for something out of life, that while it is expected is already gone--has passed unseen, in a sigh, in a flash--together with the youth, with the strength, with the romance of illusions."

The author that Rob and I admired in common was Jim Harrison. I was surprised and delighted when he immediately noticed my Harrison collection on a cluttered bookshelf. During a Morpheus delivery from Mexico we talked about Harrison's focus on Michigan's Upper Peninsula and we discussed our mutual appreciation and occasional frustration with his writing.

Since the diagnosis, while reading his blog, my mind would often turn to the topic of miracles, specifically the big miracle I hoped was in the offing for Rob. I recalled a quote on the topic of miracles from Jim Harrison. The quote is from "Returning to Earth":

"... there are no miracles except that we exist... we ride a big horse to the east and then it`s over."

I guess I share that view. If existence and life are the only miracle, then it is certain all of us will come up short on that score, with less "miracle" than we would like. It also follows that how you use your miracle is more important than how much miracle you get. Rob had less miracle than he deserved. But from my perspective, Rob lived life as well or better than anyone I know.

He approached life openly and honestly, with kindness, without guile, writing about what he knew, sailing through oceans and life with enthusiasm and competence, with a heart open to nature and embracing new experience. Along the way he found friends, love, adventure, beauty and he found his soul mate. One cannot do better with this miracle called life.

I'll wrap with another Harrison quote:

“I like grit, I like love and death, I'm tired of irony... Irony is always scratching your tired ass, whichever way you look at it. I would rather give full vent to all human loves and disappointments, and take a chance on being corny, than die a smartass.”

I'll probably still die a smartass, but perhaps less of one because I met Rob.

Happy New Year 2012 and Old Long Since

2012-01-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

We rang out the old and rang in the new with a few friends...

What could be be better?

Well, champagne and caviar and cheese help maintain that festive spirit...

... an opportunity to eat and drink to excess...

... or what I like to call "happiness".

Alfred's Steakhouse for Dinner

An old school San Francisco tradition

And a great way to kick off the new year.

Alfred's New Year Menu prompted a Droid vs. iPod vs. Waiter competition to determine the meaning of "Auld Lang Syne."
The waiter won.

Oysters Rockefeller

Alfred's Steak

My New Year's Resolution: Stop eating and drinking like I am still 25.

No. Really. I mean it this time.

Blizzard at Shag Lake

2011-12-27T14:21:00.000-08:00

I've restored Shag Cam to it's place of honor in the sidebar, just in time for the near simultaneous arrival of my sister's family and a Yooper blizzard. While we're calling this a blizzard, in the U.P I think they refer to this as a "lake effect snow flurry".

Jeff's walkabout recording of the blizzard is destined to become a family classic. Fun part starts around the five minute mark.

19th Hole

2011-12-26T14:40:00.000-08:00

BP 88
MW 103
OM 103

Restaurant was closed for the holidays, but the bar was still serving cold ones. My HTC was out of juice as usual. The bartender salvaged the 19th hole wrap-up shot with this pic from his iPhone.

UPDATE:
The Other Mike (who -unlike your loyal blogger - is a real photographer) also posted some pics from the round on his blog. Some great ones capturing the interesting light as the park transitioned from coastal mist to sunshine...

(ripped from Other Mike's blog)

...as well some action shots of questionable photo-journalistic integrity. He see fit to characterize my "up and down round" but neglects to mention he finished with the same score as my round. Just sayin...

17th Tee and Green

2011-12-26T13:28:00.001-08:00

On the tee of the 17th hole (5th hole of the original Alister McKenzie layout), with fairway running along Laguna Salada.

And Bob leaving his birdie putt short on the 17th green.

Hole described in Bo Links article:

"This hole was one of two that MacKenzie modeled after his famous "Lido Hole“ the design entry he submitted in 1914 to Country Life magazine that launched his career. A lakeside hole and one of the most interesting holes on the course, similar to Dr. MacKenzie’s ideal golf hole [a reference to the Lido Design]. Three tees, four routes. Easy route probably will cost at least one extra stroke to get on while the other combinations of tees and routes give rewards proportionate to their respective risks."

Sent from my HTC smartphone on the Now Network from Sprint!

Beer Hole

2011-12-26T12:54:00.000-08:00

Playing for the extra beer (Roy's beer) on 15.

Bob puts it on and wins it with a par.

Sent from my HTC smartphone on the Now Network from Sprint!

My Birdie putt on 13...

2011-12-26T12:33:00.001-08:00

... misses.

Got the par.

Sent from my HTC smartphone on the Now Network from Sprint!

The Other Mike is harassing frogs.

2011-12-26T12:26:00.000-08:00

He was careful where he put his feet.

Sent from my HTC smartphone on the Now Network from Sprint!

After the turn...

2011-12-26T12:19:00.001-08:00

BP 45
OM 49
MW 51

Still hope to break 100.

Sent from my HTC smartphone on the Now Network from Sprint!

Tenth Hole

2011-12-26T12:13:00.000-08:00

The other Mike misses his par on 10 (the original McKenzie 18th finishing hole).

From the Bo Links and Richard Harris article on the course :

"The finishing hole is long and hazardous if not successfully played on both long shots, but the green is wide, open and nicely rolling in order to lend interest to the many thrilling final decisions which will no doubt be made on it. A clump of trees guards the green on the left."

Sent from my HTC smartphone on the Now Network from Sprint!

6th Tee

2011-12-26T10:55:00.001-08:00

Number 1 handicap on the course. Striped it 250 yards down the middle of the fairway. Five iron to the middle of the green rolling just off the back. Three putt for the bogey. These things happen.

Sent from my HTC smartphone on the Now Network from Sprint!

Fourth Tee

2011-12-26T10:03:00.001-08:00

A very scenic hole

Sent from my HTC smartphone on the Now Network from Sprint!

Live blogging Sharp Park

2011-12-26T09:06:00.001-08:00

Boxing Day and the Veto Victory Lap, with Bob and the other Mike.

Sent from my HTC smartphone on the Now Network from Sprint!

A Very EssEff Christmas

2011-12-23T18:53:00.001-08:00

For reasons I can't explain, I am compelled to expose myself to the madness that is Union Square once a year.

At least I did not wait until the last minute... you know... tomorrow on Xmas eve.

What would a SF holiday be without protests?

Occupy Oakland is marching around the square.

Not sure what happened to Occupy SF. I suspect they must have joined the other 99% thar are here shopping today.

UPDATE: Added pics and clip
Sent from my HTC smartphone on the Now Network from Sprint!

Mayor Ed Lee vetoes Avalos ordinance to destroy Sharp Park. Avalos loses. EssEff wins.

2011-12-22T10:18:00.000-08:00

Until now, I never really subscribed to the sentiment of this quote, variously attributed to Gore Vidal, David Merrick and/or Larry Ellison...

"It is not enough to win, others must lose."

As the The Golf War in San Francisco drags on, I have developed a much better appreciation for it's finer points.

The Sharp Park golf course was the big winner this week. San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee vetoed the ill advised, poorly written, and disingenuously "gamed" ordinance to destroy Sharp Park golf. It was sponsored by city supervisor John Avalos and fast-tracked to a narrow 6-5 vote with the help of board president David Chiu. The veto represents an important and satisfying victory for the people and city of San Francisco, and an equally satisfying defeat for John Avalos.

John is on a bit of a losing streak. He lost his run for mayor. He lost the opportunity to steamroll this ordinance before the new year, and he is about to lose the moonbat majority he has enjoyed in the board of supervisors.

But I am getting ahead of myself. Let's back up a bit. The week started with our parochial land-use kerfuffle making it to the pages of the New York Times:

In Pacifica, the Angry Golfers vs. the Supervisors and a Back-to-Nature Plan "The game is not yet over at the Sharp Park Golf Course in Pacifica. A powerful group of advocates — some of them as old as this historic 79-year-old course overlooking the Pacific — is vowing to keep the links open, despite the San Francisco supervisors’ vote this week to begin a process to transform this 417 acres of oceanfront land into National Park land."

When I saw this article I though it understandable the reporter would take the easy route and superficially cast this as an Environmentalist vs. Golfer issue. It is an easy frame, the article is only a few hundred words, and what else could he do covering a local issue from across the continent? Then I noted that is was actually a reprint of a local article written for the Bay Citizen. That was disappointing, I expect better from a local reporter.

Let's get real. This is San Francisco - the city that bans "Happy Meals" in McDonalds, plastic bags in stores, circumcisions in hospitals, and mandates composting in residential high rise apartments. If it really was a question of environmentalists vs. golfers, it would be no contest. The reality is that this issue is more about "Environmentalists" vs. "Environmentalists". There is a real and substantial difference in opinion between environmental scientists on both sides of this issue. Golfers fortunately can claim one group of environmentalists as allies or the issue would already be decided. This is, after all, San Francisco.

The competing environmental science claims had a hearing in a federal court a few weeks ago which was lost by the WEBLEEDU Axis. The judges finding was consistent with what we've heard before from biologist Karen Swaim. It is important to understand that those who would close the course are losing the environmental science argument.That fact is lost when the discussion is inaccurately framed as Environmentalist vs. Golfer.

The WEBLEEDU Axis has two paths to accomplish their goal of destroying the course - the SF political process and the courts. They've lost one round in the courts and this veto means the window for closing the course via the political process slammed shut for the foreseeable future. With the veto Ed Lee continues the Newsom/Brown tradition of using the mayoral office as the last bastion of what passes for common sense in EssEff, and at least partially restraining the on-going clusterfuck that is our Board of Supervisors.

There will be a new political dynamic in 2012. Ross Mirkarimi moves into his new job as Sheriff in January. Bad for the Sheriff's department, good for the city of San Francisco. He can do less damage as Sheriff than on the Board of Supervisors. Ed Lee will appoint his replacement. Anyone is an improvement. In addition, supervisor Eric "McDonald Happy Meal" Mar, is up for re-election. His vote to kill the course was nothing less than a betrayal of the constituents in his district. By exhibiting more loyalty to Avalos than to his district he is vulnerable. With a concerted effort, he should be a bad political memory by this time next year. The WEBLEEDU's last, best chance to force a political capitulation has evaporated for the foreseeable future.

I'm a little behind the curve on the blog. Lee vetoed the ordinance on Monday and I am just getting around to posting this now. My apologies to the reader. I have been busy running victory laps around the local blogosphere, spiking the ball and getting penalized for excessive celebration in the comment threads. Some local stories and reaction:

San Francisco Chronicle:

Mayor Ed Lee vetoes Sharp Park legislation
"Mayor Ed Lee vetoed legislation today that calls on the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department to transfer management of Sharp Park to the federal government, if an agreement can be reached. The parkland property — owned by San Francisco — is located on the San Mateo County coast and used for a public golf course. The goal of the legislation is to restore the land to its natural habitat for inclusion in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area."

The Bay Citizen:

Lee Sides with Golfers - Mayor vetoes bill that would have closed golf course at Sharp
“The implicit aim of this legislation — cutting off talks with San Mateo County and envisioning the end of golf operations at Sharp Park — is not a balanced approach,” Lee said in his veto message Monday. “I am returning this legislation with a veto and encouraging the Board of Supervisors to find a balanced approach to Sharp Park.”

Pacifica Patch

Golfers, Enviros Respond to S.F. Mayor's Veto of Sharp Park Ordinance
"Golfers cited the course’s accessibility to high school students, seniors, ethnic minorities and the middle class as reason to keep it operating. “With his veto, the Mayor speaks up for working-class, public recreation, in both San Francisco and San Mateo County, and we thank him for that,” said San Francisco Public Golf Alliance spokeswoman and Sharp Park Women’s Club member Lauren Barr. “The Ordinance would have effectively deprived ethnic minorities, the middle class, seniors, and high school golfers of a treasured and affordable home. Public golf is an important part of the City’s recreational mix, and Sharp Park’s historic course makes the sport accessible to men and women across the ethnic and economic spectrum.”

The full text of the mayor's veto is linked at Pacifica Riptide. Official reaction from the San Francisco Public Golf Alliance is linked at Fix Pacifica and the WEBLEEDU response can be found here.

Regarding that last - and in the continuing context of pointing out losers - the WEI press release is particularly interesting. By "interesting" I mean a bilious, bitter, paranoid and dishonest fear-mongering screed. Quite an enjoyable read for the holidays, and worthy of a post of its own. Stay tuned.

17th tee

2011-12-11T14:42:00.001-08:00

My beer.

Winning the beer with a par on 15 was my only triumph out there today.

BP - 89
MW - 109

I should be getting some sort of product placement fee for Red Seal Ale.

Sent from my HTC smartphone on the Now Network from Sprint!

15th Tee - the beer hole

2011-12-11T13:52:00.001-08:00

We are playing for the extra beer. New rules. Bob must beat me to take the beer. We are both on the green with our tee shots.

Sent from my HTC smartphone on the Now Network from Sprint!

We slowed up around the turn

2011-12-11T13:28:00.001-08:00

So Tom joined us to tell urology jokes.

at the turn:

BP 43
MW 55

Sent from my HTC smartphone on the Now Network from Sprint!

Bob approach on 7

2011-12-11T12:04:00.000-08:00

About 50 yards behind my drive.

Sent from my HTC smartphone on the Now Network from Sprint!

Not Live blogging Sharp Park

2011-12-11T11:20:00.001-08:00

Just Bob and me. Late start and worried about rain, but weather is perfect. With just two won't be doing much blogging, unless - you know - anything happens that must be a blogged.

Sent from my HTC smartphone on the Now Network from Sprint!

Nothing says Christmas...

2011-12-10T16:14:00.001-08:00

... like a Santa Francisco bar crawl!

Walked down to the hardware store, and ran into this...

I would have hung around bit was not appropriately dressed.

Who knew there were so many Santa outfits in our little burg?

Sent from my HTC smartphone on the Now Network from Sprint!

Early Morning Lunar Eclipse

2011-12-10T00:32:00.001-08:00

If I wake up in time. And the Weather is clear. And Twin Peaks is not in the way. Then we might see an interesting sight from our terrace. From the Chron:

"Early risers Saturday will see a total eclipse of the moon low in the western sky, and if the Bay Area's clear weather persists, the sight should be spectacular. "The full moon should appear even larger than normal when the eclipse is total because it will be so low in the sky that Earth's atmosphere will magnify it into a blood-red monster," said astronomer Andrew Fraknoi of Foothill College in Los Alto Hills. The partial eclipse will begin at 4:45 a.m. and will become total at 6:05 a.m., Fraknoi said. Totality will last until 6:57 a.m.After totality, however, the moon will be setting and too far below the horizon for Bay Area viewers to watch as it emerges from Earth's shadow. "To watch it all as the eclipse becomes total, you'll need a clear view of the moon as it nears the horizon in the west," Fraknoi said. "Even from my house in San Francisco there's a big hill that will block my view, so I have to climb the hill to watch it."

I better get to bed now.

UPDATE:

Got up in time. Weather was clear. Planning left something to be desired.

The eclipse was perfectly visible from our terrace and the moon about half consumed when it dropped behind a neighboring high-rise and stayed there for the balance of the event. I also could not get a decent shot with Sigrid's camera. These shots of the moon are just a blob, but looked in focus through the lens while the moon was visibly half eaten to the naked eye.

Better luck next time. It looks like we'll have a shot at an annular solar eclipse a short drive from here (5-6 hours) next May 20. We'll be ready for that one.

EssEff Board of Supervisors votes on for Avalos ordinance to destroy Sharp Park and give it away to the Feds

2011-12-06T16:35:00.001-08:00

I am back at City Hall to see the vote on the Avalos ordinance to destroy the Sharp Park golf course and give our coastal park land to the Feds. There are 11 supervisors on the board. Six votes are needed to pass. Columnist CW Nevius thinks the votes are there, but it is a meaningless vote, as it will not survive a Mayoral veto or a court challenge.

Still, in the years I have been following this clusterfork, this is the first time I recall that the full board has voted directly on the issue at hand. I understand there will be no public comment, but wanted to see an actual vote, meaningful or not. So I'm back in City Hall to watch it happen.

Listening to Avalos now, he is softening the language considerably with an amendment. This is apparently intended to solve the EIR legal issue.

Now David Chiu is offering another Amendment to further soften the language.

Both are saying that now this ordinance is only assuring that all options are being explored - including destroying the course and giving it away to the feds. Sean Elsbernd calls bullshit. He says these amendments are eyewash - meant to disguise the real purpose of the ordinance. I trust Elsbernd, but it looks like Chiu has the votes lined up.

The Supe roster is cued up for the ayes and nays:

Nevius was right. It passed 6-5

Not sure if I got the votes exactly right - will correct later if I missed it [CORRECTED]:

AYE - John Avalos District 11 John.Avalos@sfgov.org
AYE - David Campos District 9 David.Campos@sfgov.org
AYE - David Chiu District 3 David.Chiu@sfgov.org
NO - Carmen Chu District 4 Carmen.Chu@sfgov.org
NO - Malia Cohen District 10 Malia.Cohen@sfgov.org
NO - Sean Elsbernd District 7 Sean.Elsbernd@sfgov.org
NO - Mark Farrell District 2 Mark.Farrell@sfgov.org
AYE - Jane Kim District 6 Jane.Kim@sfgov.org
AYE - Eric Mar District 1 Eric.L.Mar@sfgov.org
AYE - Ross Mirkarimi District 5 Ross.Mirkarimi@sfgov.org
NO - Scott Wiener District 8 Scott.Wiener@sfgov.org

Like I've said before. No one who casts a vote to give away this park deserves to serve in any public capacity in the City. But, it is axiomatic we get the government we deserve. We elect them, we have no one to blame but ourselves.

It is a 6-5 vote. One vote changes the outcome. Mirkarimi will be off the board in the new year. That is a very good thing. He can do less damage as Sheriff than what he can do on the Board. Eric Mar is up for reelection and vulnerable. He is out of step with his district and constituency. A concerted effort and he'll be off the board this time next year.

My understanding is that this was a vote on "First Reading." It must be submitted to another vote, probably next week, for the ordinance to pass. The language of the ordinance cannot change between first and final, or the process starts over. The way they threw last minute changes at this, it's possible that a detailed reading will find a flaw that will push this into next year with Mirkarimi off the board. If that does not happen a veto by Mayor Ed Lee is the next best hope. There are not enough votes on the board to overcome a Lee veto.

Nevius was right about the board vote. Hopefully he is also right about a Lee veto.

On to the next round.

UPDATE:
Corrected typos, fixed the vote count, added thoughts and links.
Sent from my HTC smartphone on the Now Network from Sprint!

John Avalos Games the Avalos Chaired "City Operations & Neighborhood Services Committee" hearing on the Avalos "Destroy Sharp Park" Ordinance

2011-12-05T14:52:00.000-08:00

The game continues. I am at the open public hearing on the John Avalos ordinance to give Sharp Park to the feds and destroy the course. Mostly this is more of the same specious arguments we have been hearing from the WEBLEEDU Axis over the last 3 years.

The Sharp Park ordinance was item 8 on the agenda, which meant I had to hang out for over 5 hours to see it through to the end. Jon Avalos chairs this committee and tried to arrange it to minimize the participation of those that support the course. That included scheduling the Sharp Park item for the end, and placing one of those useless "Only in EssEff" resolutions immediately before Sharp Park was considered - this an Avalos sponsored resolution to End the War in Iraq and Afghanistan and return all moneys spent on the war to San Francisco Social Programs. At least I think that was the resolution, because it sure seemed all the dozens of public supporters commenting thought that was what was going to happen to Department of Defense monies if our Supervisors pass this resolution. I saw a number of the Sharp Park golf supporters eyes glaze over during this agenda item and leave saying they had to get back to their jobs.

The one new element coming out of this hearing was learning the extent to which Jon Avalos and his supporters have tried to disguise and obfuscate the real purpose of his ordinance and bypass the Environmental Impact Statement that should be required for a vote on any action of this scope. In their rush to get a vote in front of the Supervisors to destroy the course, the WEBLEEDU Axis are twisting themselves into knots to avoid the required environmental impact regulations. You read that right - these "environmentalists" are trying to avoid a legally required Environmental Impact Statement. It is really unconscionable.

There was a classic exchange between Supervisors Sean Elsbernd and Avalos before public comment began that set the tone. Ellsbernd tried to get Avalos to come clean about the reason for his parliamentary machinations and legal sophistry pushing this ordinance to a vote now. Avalos was really squirming. It would be funny if it wasn't so sad. Okay it was funny anyway. When they get the video posted on SF GOV, I'll excerpt it here.

This begs the question - Why the panic to get this voted on now? Apparently the vote will take place tomorrow December 6 at 2ish. This is "warp speed" for a San Francisco Board of Supervisors vote. Then it struck me. This is likely to be a very close vote. Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi will be Sheriff in January opening up his Supervisor seat. Mayor Ed Lee will appoint a replacement to finish his term. That will be a lost vote on the Board of Supervisors for the WEBLEEDU Axis. Moreover, Supervisor Eric Mar is up for re-election in District 1. He has a lot of Sharp Park golfers in his district. They would not be happy if Eric Mar votes for this ordinance to destroy Sharp Park. However, Eric Mar has shown a distinct tendency to show more loyalty to John Avalos than to his own constituents. He either votes against, or he loses his seat. All this points to one conclusion - it is now or never for this vote. This is the very last chance to get a political victory for the WEBLEEDU's, who are in the midst of a three year losing streak.

More later...
UPDATE:
Camden Swita at Pacifica Patch does a nice job covering the hearing. I know it is quality work because he actually quotes me in the piece:

"U.S. District Judge Susan Illston ruled that the frog population had actually increased in the area in the past 20 years, and that there has only been one confirmed case of a snake killed on the course six years ago.
Some of the speakers who attended today's committee hearing in opposition to the proposal cited the judge's ruling and said the environmental impacts of the golf course are overblown.

Others, including Mike Wallach, a San Francisco resident of 25 years, said the course is a historical resource that must be maintained. The course was designed by Alister MacKenzie, who has also designed several world-famous courses, including Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia.

"Sharp Park is a gift to the people of San Francisco," Wallach said. "It's a historic landmark by any standard, and doesn't belong to the Board of Supervisors, it belongs to the people."

Several other speakers cited it as one of the few cheap, full-sized golf courses in the area, referring to it by its nickname, "the poor man's Pebble Beach."

Along with opposing viewpoints among the speakers, things got chippy during the hearing between Avalos and fellow committee member Sean Elsbernd, who opposes the plan.

Elsbernd accused Avalos of "gamesmanship" by only calling up supporters of the proposal in the first dozen or so speakers."

I always have a tough time in this kind of hearing trying to say what I want to say in the allotted two minutes. So I'll just use this space to replay my comments and amplify on what I intended to say:

"Sharp Park does not belong to the Board of Supervisors and Sharp Park is not a political chip to be disposed of by an ambitious board supervisor.

As a practical matter, common sense informs us that giving away 400 acres of beautiful and valuable coastal park land that belongs to the people of San Francisco is not in the interest of the people of San Francisco.

A vote to give away this historic landmark legacy of the people of San Francisco is nothing less than a betrayal of our City and the past, present, and future citizens who live here. "

Yeah - that's what I wanted to say.

END UPDATE

The San Francisco Public Golf Alliance announcement provided additional context details on the meeting:

=================
Urgent! Attend Public Hearing Monday, Dec. 5, 10 A.M., S.F. City Hall, RM. 250: Oppose Avalos Ordinance To Close Sharp Park

The long-threatened public hearing on Supervisor Avalos' Close-Sharp Park Golf Course Ordinance, is scheduled for public hearing Monday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m. in Room 250, S.F. City Hall, before the City Operations & Neighborhood Services Committee. (Room 250 is the big legislative chamber at top of the grand staircase).

The Avalos Ordinance would direct the Rec & Park Dept. to offer to close Sharp Park Golf Course and enter exclusive negotiations with the GGNRA to take over Sharp Park. The GGNRA has already announced it will not operate a golf course at Sharp.

NOW is the time for golfers and their friends and families to come to the aid of affordable public golf and the legacy of Alister MacKenzie at Sharp Park.

Bring your friends, family, and foursomes. Be early.

If you plan to attend, PLEASE RSVP via Email by clicking here. Please include your name and phone number.

Spread the word!

Save Sharp Park!!

RSVP: info@sfpublicgolf.com

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19th hole

2011-12-04T13:42:00.001-08:00

Bob 89
Todd 92
Mike 104
Anonymous* 118

By request, this golfer's name will not be revealed in this post.

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Traditional 17th Portrait

2011-12-04T12:43:00.001-08:00

Possibly the worst single example in the long history of 17th Hole Portraits on this blog.

This one makes up for it. By request from the newbie.

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Moment of impact

2011-12-04T12:11:00.000-08:00

On the 15th tee.

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Falling behind on the blog

2011-12-04T11:56:00.001-08:00

Somewhere after the turn. Yes, that Asahi beer is as big as it looks.

Todd 43
Bob 44
Mike 50
Roy 64

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Par 3 8th hole

2011-12-04T11:18:00.000-08:00

Roy on the tee.

Todd in the trap.

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Todd is a Lincoln Park virgin

2011-12-04T09:49:00.001-08:00

Here he tees off for the first time under the watchful gaze of the golf gods on the 6th.

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5Th Green

2011-12-04T09:42:00.001-08:00

With the Bridge as backdrop

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Bob tees off on 4

2011-12-04T09:32:00.000-08:00

After he and Todd parred #3.

Todd chipped it in for his par.

Not to be outdone, I got two pars on 3.

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Roy tees off on two

2011-12-04T09:04:00.000-08:00

...after a less than stellar opening hole.

I won't say what he shot on one.

Okay - It was a 10.

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Live blogging Lincoln

2011-12-04T08:42:00.001-08:00

The usual suspects, Bob and Roy.

Unseen ... Todd, who is filling in for our MIA unreliable golfer.

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David Axelrod Speaks

2011-12-01T23:40:00.000-08:00

At the Marin Civic Center to see David Axelrod speak at the MPFS Lecture Series.

This was my first opportunity to see a speaker in this series at this venue. By the time Axelrod took the stage every seat was filled. I'm impressed. It is a great series and venue. I'll be back.

As for Axelrod himself, I'll probably have more to say later, but will make a few general comments now.

He speaks from notes and has a low key, matter-of-fact, conversational speaking style that lulls you in. He is a more effective communicator in a venue like this than in a "talking head" close-up on TV. On TV I find his style to be transparently manipulative, invoking a classic huckster. Here, looking up from a comfortable auditorium seat, you tend to want to uncritically accept everything he says. It is easy to fail to notice that outside of a few anecdotes, the content is standard Democratic partisan talking points. But let's be fair - he is after all running Obama's reelection campaign - what else would one expect?

This being Marin, California - the choir was very receptive and appreciative.

One other note - Despite my preconceived expectations, I can confirm from my front row vantage point that David Axelrod does not, in fact, have horns.

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Dispatch from The Golf War: People of SF win another Sharp Park battle

2011-11-30T02:03:00.000-08:00

The Wildly Equitable Biodiverse Litigants for Ecological Extortion and Deep Untruths (WEBLEEDU) just lost another battle in the Sharp Park Golf War.

The San Francisco Public Golf Alliance has the story:

"Federal Judge Susan Illston today issued an Order Denying Plaintiffs' Motion for a Preliminary Injunction at Sharp Park Golf Course. The plaintiffs, "a collection of non-profit conservation groups" led by the Tucson-based Center for Biological Diversity, had sought an order to halt mowing on Holes 9-18 and to halt winter flood-relief pumping at the 80-year-old golf course. Noted architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr. submitted a declaration to Court, saying that if granted, the relief sought by the plaintiffs would effectively mean destruction of the Alister MacKenzie-designed course.

In a 15-page ruling, Judge Illston said she denied the motion because she found that the plaintiffs "failed to establish the likelihood of irreparable harm" to the California red-legged frog or the San Francisco garter snake. Judge Illston, a veteran Federal Judge who last year presided at the Barry Bonds case, heard oral arguments in the Sharp Park case on November 18. Trial in the case is scheduled for July 16, 2012.

To read a copy of Judge Illston's opinion, click here [PDF]."

For those keeping score:

WEBLEEDU failed to elect SF Supervisor John Avalos mayor of San Francisco, after he cravenly secured their support by promising to give away 400 acres of beautiful coastal park land that belongs to the people of San Francisco (I know. Really. He is actually doing this. Only in EssEff.).
WEBLEEDU failed to make the scientific case to close Sharp Park based on a specious threat to endangered species who have thrived at the park since it was created over 70 years ago.
WEBLEEDU failed to close the park by promoting false and misleading statement about the financial status and popularity of golf at the park.
WEBLEEDU failed (thus far) to intimidate The City into closing the course with threats of patently absurd and pointless lawsuits.
WEBLEEDU failed to stop the funding of a job-creating, stimulus-subsidized, PUC-sponsored, cities of San Francisco and Pacifica supported project to bring recycled water to supply the course (I am not shitting you. A coalition of ostensible "environmentalists" were fighting to stop a project to use recycled water instead of potable Hetch-Hetchy reservoir water at Sharp Park.)

By my count, the current score:

People of San Francisco - 6
WEBLEEDU Axis - 0

Of course, this latest decision is only the most recent skirmish in a series of legal battles. That's ok. We may have a lot of problems in the City, but a shortage of really good lawyers is not one of them. No judge is going to rule to close a historically important landmark golf course in the face of a good faith plan to enhance the habitat for protected species that is sponsored by the most environmentally progressive City government in the country. It is purely an intimidation and EAJA compensation ploy. That's what WEBLEEDU does - environmental bullying of cash strapped municipalities. The City must stand up to them, and so far we have done exactly that.

They will lose the legal battle. Less predictable in San Francisco is what happens on the political front. The next political battle starts Monday December 5th in a public hearing with the City Operations & Neighborhood Services Committee to discuss Supervisor Avalos' ordinance to give away Sharp Park.

The WEBLEEDU's will be there in force. Any San Franciscan interested in protecting this landmark city treasure should be there too. As I've said before:

"John Avalos is advocating giving Sharp Park away to the federal government. This is political suicide, or should be. Where else in the world could a politician run for mayor on a platform of giving away 400 acres of incredibly valuable and beautiful coastal park land that contributes millions in revenue to the city and belongs to the people of that city?

Sharp Park is a unique gem that belongs to the people of San Francisco. We choose to share our park with the Bay Area and the world.

The 80-acre golf course was designed and built by Alister MacKenzie, the game's most important architect. The 400-acre park itself was landscaped by John McLaren, the godfather of San Francisco parks. The park was a gift to the city in 1917 and represents a historic legacy entrusted to the people of San Francisco. The park and golf course are important historic landmarks by any standard.

This civic jewel of a park is a treasure that is our common San Francisco heritage and is a legacy for us to leave to future generations of San Franciscans.

Unless some clueless politician manages to give it away."

Family, Friends, Feast, and Football...

2011-11-24T23:39:00.000-08:00

The Mona Lisa of Thanksgiving Plates

- Plenty to be thankful for on this the most American of holidays (although not necessarily in that order). Sigrid and I enjoyed a feast at Chez Brudsen on Thanksgiving day, and watched Harbuagh the Elder defeat Harbaugh the Younger in the Har-Bowl - validating, once again, the important principle of senior sibling superiority.

Abby with turkey.

The Master Chef at work.

All the fixin's

Turkey

More Turkey

Yum.

Just another day in progressive paradise.

2011-11-20T14:38:00.000-08:00

A spectacular rainbow on display from our terrace this afternoon.

This occurred shortly after the Bears scored a touchdown on their way to a win over the Chargers.

If I am not mistaken, the far end of this rainbow is landing squarely in the Occupy SF encampment. Who knew?

“One can enjoy a rainbow without necessarily forgetting the forces that made it” - Mark Twain

“After fifteen minutes nobody looks at a rainbow” - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

“Somewhere, over the rainbow, way up high, There's a land that I heard of once in a lullaby” - Lyman Frank Baum

"My heart leaps up when I behold a rainbow in the sky.” William Wordsworth

“If I traveled to the end of the rainbow - As Dame Fortune did intend, Murphy would be there to tell me - The pot's at the other end” - Bert Whitney

“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.” - Dolly Parton

In solidarity with Occupy EssEff ...

2011-11-17T12:35:00.001-08:00

... I had the Beggar's Banquet for lunch at the Market Bar right across the Embarcadero at the Ferry Building. Soup of the day was clam chowder.

Recommended. I raise my glass of draft Drake's Amber Ale in solidarity to my fellow 99 percenters across the street.

Meanwhile, the bourgeois merchants here have not been happy about the encampment:

After The San Francisco Examiner detailed complaints from Ferry Building merchants about the Justin Herman Plaza camp, the Building Owners and Managers Association of San Francisco shot off a letter Friday to Lee demanding action. “I am aware that you have received a number of communications from members of BOMA citing the vandalism, theft, public urination and defecation, physical altercations, business interruption, etc. that the public has had to endure with increasing frequency... The right to public assembly and ‘free speech’ is NOT a license for such irresponsible, uncivil, unhealthy behavior — and it must not be tolerated.”

Whiners.

Still, with the election in the rear view mirror, I don't expect Mayor Ed Lee to keep this particular tourist attraction around much longer.

More pics and thoughts later.

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Bears, Eagles, Desperation, Magical Thinking and The Super Bowl Shuffle

2011-11-07T13:12:00.000-08:00

Chalk this up to an act of desperation. Da Bears have a big game against a resurgent Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles in Philadelphia tonight. Despite putting their 4-3 record up against a losing 3-4 record for the Eagles, the Bears are big underdogs. No one expects them to win. This game will probably tell us whether the Bears are going to contend this year.

If I was to indulge in some wishful thinking - my hope is that the Bears go on from a win tonight to beat Minnesota and Detroit in the rematch, spoil Green Bay's perfect season in Green Bay on Christmas Day, make the playoffs as a wildcard, and in a rematch of last years NFC Championship, knock off the Packers in Green Bay in a blizzard to go to the Superbowl.

Yes this involves some some serious magical thinking, so I am invoking the magic of the 1985 Bears Superbowl Shuffle to help out.

Found this in the archives...

In 1986 I was working at enterprise software supplier McCormack & Dodge. One week before Superbowl XX, the annual M&D sales kickoff meeting was held at the company Headquarters in Natick, Massachusetts. The VP of Sales was based in Chicago and there was a lot of excitement and rivalry building for the Chicago Bears / New England Patriots match-up. It was a fun meeting but the most fun was the the sales team rendition of the Superbowl Shuffle. Greatest.Cover.Ever.

Despite the potential for personal embarrassment, I am willing to take the risk in the hope some of that old magic will rub off. Hey - it worked for the '85 Bears, which most knowledgeable football fans acknowledge to be the greatest team in NFL history. Maybe, just maybe, the magic will work again.

It could happen.

UPDATE:
Look at that. It worked! Bears win 30-24. I'm back on the bandwagon. All it takes is a little 1985 Magic. I guess I am going to have to keep this up front and center for the rest of the season. Not that I am superstitious, its just that, you know, it worked.

Done Deal.

2011-10-17T23:26:00.000-07:00

Behind schedule and a lost season, but we are finally back.

Yay!

One sibling appears to be missing. I blame her children. They should have made her come up for the Reopening Rehearsal. I guess I'll just have to photoshop her in at some point.

Camp Closing Notes - 2011

2011-10-17T15:00:00.000-07:00

Last shot of camp before departure.

Opened just in time to close - some random and incomplete notes as we shut things down for the season.

Camp Closing Crew

Done - Tree trimmed

Shock and Awe: For the first time in decades, there is no medicine chest in the kitchen

Partial: The cable configuration was made functional and phone transferred to cable.
More finishing work needs to be done.
Tools and parts on bedroom and bookshelf are needed to finish.
Winter visitors should leave these where I can find them in the spring.

Complete: Storm windows everywhere for the first time in decades

Partial: Here we are learning shut down procedures for the new well and plumbing.
This procedure is not documented nor well understood at this point.
We did drain the all pipes...

...and there are lots of pipes and valves...

... lots. So for this year, Beauchamp will finish winterizing the camp.

Important: This pipe hanging in the shed is important.
It is a key need to drain and refill the well in the fall and spring respectively.
Do not throw this pipe away.

Redo: There are issues with the stovepipe install on the wood stove.
It is functional but will need to be redone.

Notice: Firewood is stacked and loaded, but there is likely not enough firewood on site for extended winter stays.

Lots of other stuff to consider. there is debris, wood, cement, and stone supplies still stored around the camp. Landscaping and cleanup of the site is needed. Well water will need to be retested in the spring. All towels and bedding have been removed from camp and will need to be returned for future visitors. There is no scotch. The bourbon is low. However, there is an adequate supply of Wisconsin white whiskey.

Dock Deconstruction

2011-10-16T15:59:00.000-07:00

I don't know how may times I have to explain this to Brian

Yesterday's Grand Reopening happened just in time to begin closing the camp for the season today. First step is getting the dock safely out of the way of the way of winter ice. Despite helping out in prior seasons, I found Brian still needed a lot of direction.

Here I am showing him what he did wrong

He gets it right eventually

Managing Brian is mentally exhausting.

Here Brian wanted me to see the injury he incurred while removing the dock.

The Grand Reopening Gala [Rehearsal*] and bonus Olive Palooza!

2011-10-15T22:58:00.000-07:00

The Grand Reopening Gala Rehearsal Crew

The floors are done, the final inspection approvals are imminent, the contractors and tradesmen have vacated the premises, we have moved back in (kind of) - Time to celebrate! Friends, family and neighbors joined us for a Grand Reopening Gala Celebration. Some of these pics ripped without attribution. You sort it out.

Guests arrive...

...including Special Guest Birthday Girl.

Harlan working on the wild rice pilaf

Wendy burning the potatoes

In case anyone is wondering what Wendy was doing instead of watching her potatoes

Ab appetizers...

... along with artisinal bread, cheeses, and more.

Setting the table...

Seasonal centerpiece

First at the table?

Another masterpiece from the Weber Master.

Tenderloin, wild rice, salad

Yum.

Let the feast begin...

After dinner - The Birthday Girl Celebration, a perfect excuse for our 3rd Annual Olive Palooza:

Yay!

By special request: Tomato and Sprinkles Birthday Cake

really

It was surprisingly good.

After the banquet and birthday, a patented Brian Bonfire and Fireworks:

*Robyn insists that this was all actually just a rehearsal, as the real Grand Reopening Rehearsal Celebration will not happen until the spring. I dunno. That spring celebration will have a tough time improving on this "rehearsal".

Why we need fat intertube pipes at Camp

2011-10-13T23:53:00.000-07:00

Papa is watching hi-def NLCS series on TV, and a split screen on my underpowered netbook with streaming ESPN3 college ball on the left and a gamecast of another game on the right.

Unseen - another open window on another laptop linking to his Costa Rican bookie...

..and a couple of active games of PadScrabble on the iPad. Some people are just internet pigs.

More great weather. More fishing.

2011-10-13T20:34:00.000-07:00

Apparently the long, cold, much feared U.P. winter ended last week and...

...it is summertime already. We had great weather yesterday, and almost as good today.

Still catching fish, still not keepers.

Nice night. Catching fish...

2011-10-12T16:36:00.001-07:00

...just not big fish. Or even keepers.

Fished until dark, got back in just ahead of a storm.

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A new thing...

2011-10-12T08:47:00.000-07:00

After visiting the area for 50 years, anything new is worthy of note.

This is the Ishpeming waste water treatment plant.

We are getting s sample of our new well water tested here. Decided to spring for the partial chemical analysis.

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We're back in the saddle again.

2011-10-11T10:35:00.000-07:00

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it is deja vu all over again.

2011-10-10T12:36:00.001-07:00

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Moving Day

2011-10-08T10:47:00.000-07:00

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Born to ride the open road.

2011-10-08T09:38:00.001-07:00

Given the state of the economy, it is good for even a University Dean with a PHD to develop some other skills as a fallback.

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Rolling Norrh

2011-10-07T14:26:00.001-07:00

The Shag Moving Crew is shuffling North for the big move. The never-ending project ia coming to an end. Finally.

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The last word.

2011-10-02T21:11:00.001-07:00

The sun sets on Sharp Park. Did not have enough juice for the traditional 19th hole wrap up and had to wait to plug the phone in the car to take this shot. The final results:

MM 93 (44 49) and 10 skins
MW 101 (54 48) and 7 skins
BP 117 (54 63) - injury withdrawal from skins competition.

I came back strong on the back, but fell short with a disappointing finish. My only snowman of the day cost me two skins on 18.

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My 280 yard drive on 17

2011-10-02T20:51:00.001-07:00

Looking back up the fairway at Matt and Bob standing near their drives in the far distance.

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traditional 17th tee portrait

2011-10-02T20:44:00.001-07:00

As usual, phone is running out of juice. Can't seem to make it through a full round. Will post pics later.

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15th tee.

2011-10-02T20:34:00.000-07:00

We all managed to avoid the ball eating tree protecting the green - aka Bob's Tree.

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12th tee

2011-10-02T17:45:00.001-07:00

On, and a missed 8" putt for a bogey.

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Somewhere after the turn

2011-10-02T16:27:00.000-07:00

MM 44 5 skins

MW 53 2 skins

BP 54 1 skin

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Bob is having some problems on 9

2011-10-02T15:27:00.000-07:00

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This was as.bad aa it looks.

2011-10-02T15:02:00.001-07:00

I've already lost my new sleeve by 4.

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bob tees off on 4

2011-10-02T13:55:00.001-07:00

To the trees on the right. he is working on new swing thoughts.

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mulligan on 2

2011-10-02T13:12:00.000-07:00

After winning the first skin, this one almost makes it to Hiway One.

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Live Blogging Sharp Park

2011-10-02T12:55:00.000-07:00

Bob and Mulligan. Team Oracle.

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A Night at the Opera

2011-09-27T21:17:00.001-07:00

At "Heart of a Soldier" - a new opera based on the life and death of Rick Rescorla.

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Natural Selection and Adirondack Oak Vinyl Siding at Shag Lake

2011-09-20T12:29:00.000-07:00

The story of the "peppered moth" near industrial cities in England is the iconic example of natural selection found in every textbook on evolution:

Dark moths on light colored bark are easy targets for hungry birds but are hidden on pollution darkened trees.

In pre-industrial England, the dark moths were rare as they were easily picked off by birds from light colored trees. In post-industrial England, the light colored moths became rare as they were easily picked off against dark soot colored trees. Evolution in action.

Pictured here are some of the local fauna happily blending into the vast new expanse of Adirondack Oak siding we have introduced to Shag Lake. I could not help but wonder whether we may have shifted the local natural selection balance on the lake.

Leftover Night

2011-09-19T23:37:00.000-07:00

Heading back in the morning, so time to clean out the refrigerator tonight.

Yesterday's trout, drizzled with sesame oil and planked on the grill, twice baked campfire potato (well - really once baked then microwaved), grilled sweet onion, smoked herring, Three Pear wine.

"Cast and Blast" completed ...

2011-09-18T11:45:00.000-07:00

... after years of trying.

First Harlan bagged a grouse, getting the "Blast" - the hard part done.

Finally. Then off to the stream...

... a few hours later ...

... the "cast" was also complete.

We caught six or seven small ones, and I caught this one keeper.

Between the one grouse and one trout, not enough food for either one of us, so we stopped in Tino's in Negaunee for pizza and cudighi.

Tree hunting - day two

2011-09-18T10:33:00.000-07:00

Gryff is ready.

Harlan is ready.

I am ready.

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Sunday Sunrise

2011-09-18T09:02:00.000-07:00

Sunrise found our work crew heading out of town.

Their job done, the undocumented immigrant workers made an early morning run to to get safely south of the border under cover of darkness.

HDW contemplates the serenity of the sunrise after their departure.

Work is done. Time for fun with guns.

2011-09-17T13:18:00.000-07:00

Tree hunting season opened this week. We'll see if we can bag some poplar.

After a pleasant walk in the woods with the usual result, also had time to for a few casts.

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The Trench...

2011-09-17T12:18:00.000-07:00

A thing of beauty and wonder

... was not as difficult an undertaking as my earlier posts may have indicated. Brian and Aldo knocked it out in two hours flat.

Harlan provides a final QA Inspection

As always, expert management and coaching is the key to any successful endeavor.

Work crew has arrived...

2011-09-16T21:20:00.001-07:00

The first shift has arrived. Brian on site with friend Aldo.

Workers crew quarters have been prepared.

The crew decided to immediately check out the work site and project scope. The wanted to get started on work right away, but I insisted they rest and wait until tomorrow.

You'v got to admire that kind of gumption.

It's a bit nippy here this morning.

2011-09-16T05:19:00.000-07:00

I suggest the work crew bring some long johns.

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Moonrise on Big Shag Lake

2011-09-14T21:07:00.001-07:00

I am sure this picture does not capture it, but we had a spectacular moonrise on the bay tonight.

Have I got a dirty job for you....

2011-09-14T19:00:00.000-07:00

Water line running into water tank. Note the nice trench.

I am recruiting nephews and nieces (because Uncle Mike is not a sexist pig and firmly believe in the complete equality of the sexes) for a dirty but necessary and really fun job at camp. But before reviewing the pictures, I suggest first cranking up the volume on this:

Dirty Deeds. Done Dirt Cheap.

Water line from tank to new foundation wall (note nice trench)

Water line emerges from other side of new foundation wall

Water line emerges into crawlspace of old section not in a nice trench.

Water line arcs across crawlspace next to pier kind of the opposite of being safely in a trench

Water line dives back underground on other side of crawlspace, under the foundation and back into a nice trench.

Brian, Roy, Eric, Katie, Kristy, Leah, and Jonah - Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to dig us a nice trench for the water line so it does not freeze in the winter. Really.

Busy day at the old homestead

2011-09-14T05:29:00.000-07:00

Simultaneous work on the roof, plumbing and electrical. Big progress on all three.

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Starbucks to Shag in Six

2011-09-10T14:27:00.000-07:00

Six hours flat elapsed time including stops for gas, Gram's Pasty's, and Taco Bell. Not blistering fast but not bad.

Tipped the Maitre'd and secured the always-in-demand lakeside terrace dining table for an evening pasty repast to ease into the trip.

The updates from the many intervening management crews since my last visit in the spring has been so complete, that I have I had no surprises in my initial walk thru.

Happy with the work that was done (mostly), unhappy with the work yet to do.

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Have coffee. Will travel.

2011-09-10T05:26:00.001-07:00

Rolling.

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SFO

2011-09-08T17:14:00.001-07:00

Upgraded.

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Ess Eff Symphony 100 Year Anniversary Opening Gala

2011-09-07T20:23:00.000-07:00

Many more pics later. Stay tuned.

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19th Hole

2011-09-04T16:10:00.001-07:00

Well, I did not break 100, but I did collect a skins bet from Rick.

MW 100 - 10 skins
RZ 101 - 7 skins
MS 105

The world has been restored to its natural order.

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16th tee portrait.

2011-09-04T16:01:00.000-07:00

The other Mike is holding my beer.

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The beer is mine.

2011-09-04T15:57:00.001-07:00

And I do not even like budweiser.

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Beer Hole on 15

2011-09-04T13:00:00.000-07:00

playing for the last Budweiser

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Rick is seemingly attracted to the weeds again.

2011-09-04T12:47:00.001-07:00

Or - more accurately - the marshes.

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Somewhere after the turn

2011-09-04T12:11:00.000-07:00

RZ 49 4 skins
MW 50 5 skins
MS 50

This game is all about balance.

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Out of the trap on 10

2011-09-04T11:54:00.001-07:00

Way way out. I mean so far out that the foursome on the 11th tee do not believe you when you scream "FORE!" at the top of your lungs and do not flinch as the ball sails directly over their heads and bounces off the cart path behind them.

That far out.

And yes, I was as surprised as I look in this picture.

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The Other Mike says ...

2011-09-04T10:54:00.001-07:00

"At least I got it on the fairway."

True.

On 9.

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my first and second tee shot on 5

2011-09-04T09:53:00.000-07:00

Things were going very well up until this hole.

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Other Mike out of jail on 4

2011-09-04T09:29:00.001-07:00

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On the third tee

2011-09-04T09:17:00.001-07:00

Rick started with a bogey and double bogey. Not bad for our bad golfer crew, but not good enough to avoid losing two skins in the first two holes.

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Live blogging Sharp Park

2011-09-04T08:47:00.001-07:00

Rick and the Other Mike

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Apres Art at "B"

2011-09-02T21:47:00.001-07:00

After touring a SFMOMA exhibit, nothing better than happy hour at "B" across the street on the Yerba Buena Terrace.
Vince was our mixologist and set us up with a Gin Rickey, Martini, and a lot of $1 oysters.

MW Recommended.

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Gertrude Stein collection at SFMOMA

2011-09-02T21:04:00.001-07:00

Finally made it down to SFMOMA to see the Gertrude Stein collection. The exhibit si scheduled to close soon, so very happy to get in under the wire. My first time, Sigrid's second (or third).

It was crowded but well worth it.

When you see the range of museum and private collections that had to be tapped to pull this exhibit together, you cannot help but think we are unlikely to see the like again.

Stein's in their Paris Apartment with American visitor

The old photos showing the collection as it was displayed in Stein's Paris home and studio help put it all in perspective and provide context.

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Not So Sweet 16 [candidates for mayor]

2011-08-28T20:28:00.000-07:00

As a direct consequence of our new public financing rules for the mayoral race in San Francisco, we have a cavalry charge of 16 candidates running for mayor. C.W. Nevius explains:

"It would be safe to say that many San Franciscans don't understand public financing...

Raise $25,000 and you get $50,000. Scare up $100,000 and you get a 4 to 1 match for $400,000. No wonder there are 16 candidates for mayor. It's political happy hour... this is a poor use of public funds. This is the first mayoral race with public financing and voters are learning that it allows candidates to get easy money and, in some cases, to waste it.

The weird catch-22 of San Francisco's system is that once the money is spent, a candidate can't drop out of the race unless he or she pays it back. The problem is that a 2007 change in the law made it possible to start pulling in the money nine months before the election. By the time August rolls around, candidates may be hundreds of thousands of dollars in the hole and can't afford to quit."

So we have candidates who are only in the race because we the citizens of SF are paying them to run for mayor with our money. And the peculiarities of our public finance rules mandate they stay in the race in order to continue to suckle at The City's bountiful teat. But this is all fine because - you know - we in SF have a lot of extra money lying around to finance any candidate who wants to run for mayor. Why would we not want to spend $9 million of our tax dollars for the privilege of sorting through sixteen mayoral candidates? I sure can't think of anything better to do with that money.

As Ron Popeil might say - "But that's not all!" At no extra charge we will throw all sixteen candidates into the mix-master of our first ranked voting / instant runoff election for mayor. On November 8th, all San Francisco voters will cast three votes for mayor in rank order of preference. "Rank" being the operative word in that sentence. Rich Deleon ruminates about the election and The City's progressive future in today's Chron Insight:

"San Francisco voters, as usual, have a lot on their plates. On Nov. 8, they will select a new mayor, district attorney and sheriff, and they will decide on eight ballot measures. In the mayoral race, in particular, the burden of choice will be heavier than in most past elections. Voters must choose from a crowded field of 16 candidates, 10 of whom are current or former officeholders and most of whom are serious, well-funded contenders.Under the city's ranked-choice voting system, the voters will need to do more political homework much earlier than in the past, because this election will be a one-day sale without the option of a later runoff election simplifying choice, for good or ill, by whittling the 16 down to two. And as the voters survey the candidates to decide how to rank and vote for up to three, they will also need to consider two rival charter amendments that address the central focus of recent campaign debates, namely, how to control San Francisco's accelerating public pension obligations and rising health care costs to secure the city's financial future."

Who knows what kind of a gawd-awful mess will come out of this election? Recall that in Oakland's 2010 ranked voting mayoral election, candidate Jean Quan had 10 points fewer first choice votes than Perata in the first vote count. I am talking about - Her Honor Jean Quan, the current mayor of Oakland, who had 10 percentage points fewer first choice votes than the loser Don Perata.

The simple fact is that most SF citizens have no friggin' clue about the ramifications of ranked voting/instant runoffs. While the voters may not understand it, be assured the candidates who would otherwise have zero chance of winning a plurality in the election or a majority in a real runoff know how exactly how the voting system can be gamed.

Net net - As a voter it is more important to decide who to exclude from any of your three votes for mayor than it is to pick who you would prefer to see win as your first choice. In fact you may be better off ranking your favorite as your second or third choice. This is Game Theory Gone Wild. We might as well be drawing lots to pick the next mayor.

At this point, all I know for certain about my mayoral vote is that John Avalos will not get any of my three votes. In this blog I have focused primarily on his position on Sharp Park. Obviously that is not the only or even the most important issue facing our city. However, that issue is indicative of a bigger problem with his character and candidacy.

If he is willing to pander to the most radical progressive constituents, to secure their support by denying the unassailable science and documented accounting on our wonderful Sharp Park, and even go so far as to advocate giving away this historically important 100 year old legacy - this gift to the people of San Francisco, then he cannot be trusted with any leadership role in our city government. But with our convoluted crapshoot of an electoral system, and enough second and third place votes, he could very well be our next mayor.

I only regret I have but three votes to not give to John Avalos.

Maybe this is the nature of future SF campaign themes, posters and bumper stickers under this cluster-forked mess. The only message simple enough to distill to a bumper sticker in this system is a message about who to vote against. How about...

"Do Not Vote for Avalos - Not First, Not Second, Not Third, Not Ever."