Springtime

It must finally be spring. It's 50 degrees out. My maple tree is budding, and perched atop a limb is one of the two robins that nest therein, checking out the accommodations for the season. Construction is in full swing and well, some destruction as well.

Reverberating around the community and also the County offices, is the latest screw up of Bob Holland. Well, at least he's consistent. I haven't had too much to say about the Waterford operations this winter, as Winter activity is down. It is notable, however, that appearances at Vista Bay Marina, other than the allegedly unlawful destruction of the restaurant, are markers that could be construed as intent to widen the road leading into the marina. As we understand it, some of that roadway is leased from Idaho Fish & Game. We will follow up on that assertion and report back.

Definitions

This started out as a comment to a previous comment on Huckleberries online, a blog sponsored by the Spokesman-Review and mentored by Dave Olivarria. My post is in answer to a comment by a person that uses the on-line name of Idawa, which seems to suggest that he can't make up his mind where he is, Washington State, or Idaho, but then that's alright. He then attempted to define a conservative, which I thought he did rather well. Here is my response:

Well, Idawa, one thing you said resonated with me.

"one who embraces tradition and urges gradual change"

It is interesting though, that most definitions of liberal/conservatives are made by the other group, leaving both liberals and conservatives to be defined by someone that disagrees with their philosophy. It would be a freshening breeze, if we were allowed to define ourselves. I see nothing wrong, however with Idawa's definition of a conservative. When one gets into differing degrees is where the rubber hits the road.

I also see nothing wrong with the above definition insofar as being cautious and promoting gradual change seems to be a virtue opposed to an objection. Change in a social or governmental sense is alright, as long as it isn't sudden and all encompassing without the cushion of history and tradition to keep things from blowing out of hand. That, of course is well covered in our constitution, which was worded very carefully, so that radicals couldn't set this country ablaze with a will-of-the-wisp temporary aberration. One hopes that this buffer will long endure.

Deja Vu, All Over Again

The Vista Bay Marina is undergoing more problems as Waterford Park Marinas allegedly went past what they were permitted for in remodeling the old restaurant there. Those close to the situation tell us that they had a permit to do some limited demolition,essentially,to replace the roof,which turned out to be a whole new building, or close to it. Pictured above, is what is left of the once proud Vista Bay restaurant. Note the lower right corner, where the un-permitted showers were built four years ago. I suppose though, that under the circumstances, that is a moot point.

Closed for the ten years prior to Waterford Park purchasing the marina, many changes have taken place. It is my understanding that the decision to turn the building into a clubhouse prompted the rebuild. Having participated in the original remodel back in 2004, it appeared to me that the building was sound, other than a blanket of bat guano that covered the attic floor.Long gone are the mobile home renters that had as their Summer homes, lived there many years. Some wonder why the company didn't get all their permits prior to evicting the tenants, but then it's only money, right?

Sadness

Actually, I am the last Bastian of conservatism, not to be confused with radicalism. I have outlasted some people that call themselves conservatives, but hey, you can name yourself anyway you want to.

I'm trying to remember the screen names of the aforementioned trolls. Then there was the guy that flipped over a condom dress, (do any of you realize how much money went into that creation?) Hey, the model, one has to admit, was prepared for any eventuality. Oh yah, that was Anymouse, as he called himself.

Then there was Ziggles. A Guy that way too much time or whatever, on his hands. There wasn't anything or anyone that escaped his wrath, er ... until he was unmasked, at which time he crawled back under his rock.

Now we have someone that has gone postal. No, not in the usual fashion, where you go guns blazing into the office to off as many co-employees as you can. No, this postal freak is something that crawled out from under a rock. Unable, or at least ill-equipped to debate the issues of the day.

I am sad. Not because of the vandalism. To that, I just feel sorry for the forgotten soul that can't reach out and mix with the rest of us. No, I'm sad, because we don't have enough treatment programs for people like this.

I'm sad because if he/she were to have come forward, discussed our differences of opinion, it would have been a civilized conversation. People can agree to disagree. We civilized types do it all the time. Give it a try, it works. Oh and did I mention that we have a suspect?

While law enforcement officers are coming to Bayview in hordes, to snag the phantom mail box destroyer, one can only wish that he would go back on his meds.

Juvenile Vandalism

I have hesitated about writing this, due to my concern that the idiot that vandalized my mailbox was trying to get attention. I went to the Bayview Post Office Friday to pick up my mail. Written on the box was the word, if in fact it is a word, "BLOGFAG."

In addition to the slur, I found the keyhole in my mail box glued shut.It only inconvenienced me for a minute or two while I had the Postmaster retrieve my mail, but the thought occurred to me that if there were prints on the box, this person of questionable intellect will be dealing with a Postal Inspector, as defacing or vandalizing a U.S. Post office or the boxes therein is a federal felony.

In discussing the crime with friends, I wondered, who would hate to the extent that they would take the trouble to deface a U.S. Government post office box. I checked back to see if any recent posts were picking on someone and didn't find that either. One person told me,"Well, Herb, now you have arrived, if the Cranks are coming out of the woodwork." I am still amazed at this childish trick, and I wonder, what was he/she thinking that caused this unusual stunt. I'll probably never know. Apparently there are some "Nutcakes" out there, folks.

Boat Launch Facility Fees

This year will mark the first that Kootenai County Parks and Waterways is charging the public for the use of the boat launches. Here in Bayview, we noticed a sign posted at the Village launch stating that $4 per day for residents and $8 per day for out of state boats will be charged for the use and upkeep of the ramps and docks.

Annual permits are $20 and $40 respectively. Other funding comes from a share or percentage of boat registration fees. While Waterways officials acknowledge the funds from boat registrations, it isn't enough to adequately maintain the facilities. Out of state boater that do not register their boats in Idaho especially strain the facilities without any monetary support.

Those Spokane boaters, of course, have the option to register their boats in Idaho to take advantage of the lower fees. The system is semi-honor system, much like the self parking garages, but like the garages, if you don't pay, a citation may be issued.

Easter Egg Hunt

Over 40 kids ages from birth to 12 hunted down eggs at the Captain's Wheel and Terry's Cafe Saturday. clearly the largest turnout yet, it was a great success. We would also like to point out that unlike reports of parental interference in other locals, these kids, AND their parents were very well behaved and were good sports.

Not once, in witnessing both age groups was there any bad manners, nor pushing, shoving or stealing of eggs, as reported in other venues. We can only assume from this that Bayview Mom's, Dad's and kids are the best, most well behaved in North Idaho.

Easter Sunday will mark the 2008th anniversary of the Resurrection of Jesus, and coincidentally, my 70th birthday. I am very proud to share this holiday with the King. I will, of course, be holding court at the usual place, the bar at the Wheel, around 2:00 pm. Should anyone be overcome with joy at me attaining this improbable age, please join me.

Firing Range Aftermath

We recently wrote a scathing post about the stealth measure sponsored by the Idaho Fish & Game Department and eleven North Idaho legislators. A real feel good issue, according to some quotes by the evil eleven. I find it rather strange that a measure requested by F & G. Introduced and sent to committee February 13 and passed the house and senate February 20.

In five days, without any feedback or publicity enabling Bayview to at least be heard, this measure passed. In an attempt to circumvent a judges ruling, the state raised the noise bar to 64 decibels. Several remarks by area legislators forces me to believe that these well meaning people thought that a band of extremist ban the guns types has taken over the village. Not so! Prior to the lawsuit, the Bayview Chamber of commerce, supported by most locals and the fledgling Bayview community council both voted to send a resolution to the Fish & Game Department opposing the resiting of a world class firing range.

Contrary to one mouthy legislator, this is not about gun control, nor is it about banning the right to bear arms, which I am, as a conservative, very much against. Many of the people that sued, have and use firearms. For example, last Summer, many of this group trotted their own rifles out for a sound test, with a qualified audio engineer in attendance. What this is about is the inappropriate location, not firing ranges per se.

A magnificent park such as Farragut specializes in nature walks, wildlife observances, Camping and hiking,in addition to horseback riding, Winter sports such as sledding, cross-country skiing and many other compatible uses. The tranquility is broken only when loud explosions occur. That hasn't been a problem for the sixty years since the Navy abandoned the base. The known distance range in use during WW11 training,was only used on rare occasions, such as a few days prior to hunting season, when hunters would trek up to the office, beg the key to the gate, and were permitted to use the range in a very limited way.

It was only when Fish & Game, with apparently too much money overflowing their pockets, decided to create a world class range with multiple rifle pits, and trap and skeet, with shotgun blasts echoing throughout the park. While there may be a need for a facility such as this, we believe this is the wrong place. Since 1946, property lying vacant and wooded during and before the war years, has built up and is still growing into a vital premium place to live.

We are not weird headed cranks, nor extremists. The rural experience is one of great value, but without the sounds of silence, it is wasted. To suggest that the 11 incumbents that co-sponsored this attempt to circumvent the will of the voters that live in this community will go unpunished, is laughable. Jorgenson, Broadsword and others will be remembered when election day rolls around. Frank Henderson, when I e-mailed him as soon as I heard about the bill, which turned out to be too late, said,"I've never heard of that bill. I thought the firing range was a dead issue." Shortly thereafter, thanks to Bill McCrory, I found out he voted aye on the issue. either he didn't bother to look at the bill, or I was lied to.

In a county, Kootenai, that brags about being the most conservative county in the state, we have 11 so called conservatives siding with big government against local control. Sheesh, and they call themselves conservative. Ronnie Reagan would have taken them to the woodshed for a good hiding.

Chicken Little Is Alive & Well

For the last few years, many ecology minded people, some even with scientific credentials have bombarded us with tails of global warming and disaster just around the corner. Sea levels rising to inundate coastal cities, and on and on and on. This isn't just an argument in scientific circles, it has become the holy grail of the left, and does not accept arguments to the contrary. Kind of like the Spanish Inquisition without the rack.

What is being lost, is that weather and climatologists that do not agree have been systematically shouted down, branded as ignorant heretics. This is why it was so refreshing to pick up the Sunday Spokesman-Review and find Randy Mann, a long range weather forecaster daring to dispute the mantra. The following are excerpts from this article.

"Snow cover over the Northern Hemisphere in early 2008 was greater than at any time since 1966. The U.S. National Climatic Data Center reported that record cold temperatures were observed across many American cities and towns in January and February. We've seen frigid temperatures as low as minus-20 degrees to minus -30 degrees near the Canadian border, unusual for so late in the season. rare snows fell as far south as Mississippi, Texas and Arkansas last week. Much of Ohio and upstate New York were buried under one to two feet of snow late last week."

(here's the punch line)

"Average global temperatures for January, according to the National climactic Data Center, were 0.3 degrees cooler than the 1901-2000 (20th century) average. THERE HAS BEEN ABOUT A DEGREE DROP IN THE EARTH'S TEMPERATURE SINCE AUGUST 2007."

Mann goes on to point out that China has experienced the most brutal winter since 1210. One ice storm after another has hit Canada for the last two months.

"The Winter was so severe that Arctic sea ice has returned. Forecasters for the Canadian Ice Service in Ottawa say that "the ice has not only recovered, but it's now thicker in places than at the same time last year."

Mann goes on to say that some well qualified scientists say La Nina is responsible, some say the lack of sunspots and solar activity. "There is now concern that we may be in for a long period of severe cold if Sunspot activity doesn't pick up soon." Russian Weather expert, Oleg Sorokhtin, pointed out. "THE LAST TIME THE SUN WAS THIS INACTIVE, OUR PLANET WAS ENDURING THE "LITTLE ICE AGE." It was a cold period that lasted 500 years, ending around 1850. During that time, there were widespread crop failures, famine, iced up harbors and rivers.

Mann tells us that it is still too early to tell exactly where Earth's temperature is headed. One cold Winter does not determine whether global warming took a year off, nor does it portend a new ice age. We are apparently in the worst cycle of climatological extremes in about 1000 years.

Perhaps we should leave this to the experts and quit politicising what is at best an unknown future in global warming/cooling.

Baywinkle Blows Town

Baywinkle, sound asleep, is on his way to a rural area North and East of Bonners Ferry, Idaho. This all expenses included trip was sponsored by Idaho Fish & Game, after numerous requests from local residents, fearful that children might be harmed. Alerted by Marie at the Captain's Wheel, your intrepid reporter scurried up to 1st and Fir, where Fish & Game agents had the moose down already.

The Bull Moose, sans antlers, has been hanging out in Bayview since before Christmas, as deep mountain snows blanketed the surrounding areas. Many originally thought he was a female, since no antlers. Research shows however that moose do not shed every year, but usually every other. Some close calls have been experienced since he moved in, at times eating out of peoples hands, (to be discouraged) and others, charging in anger.(to be avoided)

All in all, it was a great experience for the community, in a season that doesn't offer much in the way of entertainment. Great pictures and memories will last much longer than Baywinkle will. IF&G officials on scene felt confident that the moose will recover nicely from the tranquilizer administered, which isn't always the case.

Shooting Range, Dejavu

In an unbelievable turn of events, Idaho Fish & Game went behind the backs of local residents to circumvent a court ordered shutdown of Farragut State Park's plans for reactivating a World War Two known distance shooting range, effectively closed since 1945, with the exception of the occasional shooter, sighting in a rifle prior to hunting season.

The small village of Bayview sits surrounded by Farragut State Park on two sides. Perimeter Road goes by the proposed shooting range site within rock throwing distance. Noise from demonstrations of small arms fire are heard and objected to from areas several miles away, due to the echo effect of the hills surrounding the park.

Two years ago, a small band of determined citizens pooled their resources along with a local attorney to sue the state, asking that the creation of a "World Class Firing Range" be prohibited on the grounds that noise levels would be prohibitive to the peace and tranquility of the community as well as the safety, with the occasional errant bullet whizzing around. In addition to the rifle range, plans were put forth for a trap and skeet shooting area. While in theory, rifle noise could be baffled, there is no way to baffle or contain shotgun blasts. This facility is unwanted, unneeded and a public nuisance.

That the carefully observant activists in this area didn't get a peep from any source until this measure passed both houses is unbelievable. That Senator Mike Jorgenson of Hayden can't equate citizen voters with the neighbors suing the State is unfortunate. One suspects a vigorous election cycle this time around. Apparently, stealth and Big Daddy Government are still alive and well here in Idaho.

I have added this comment to the body of the post, because it is so enlightening, I didn't want IT to pass under the radar:

Bill McCrory has left a new comment on your post "Shooting Range, Dejavu":

Henderson voted "aye" on the bill! What's that load of BS he gave you?

The bill went to Resources and Conservation on Feb 13 and came out of committee on Feb 20.

No, not under the radar. It's been available on the legislative website. People just need to pay attention to what the hired help in Boise is doing. That's why the lobbyists get the big bucks and the taxpayers get screwed.

Bayview Ain't So Small

L-R Larry Grant, Gordon Fuller and Ralph Jones, Host. Fuller, who is blind,
is a member of the Idaho Governor's Independent Living Council.

While normally, Bayview is bypassed on the road to public office, we had a visit by democratic candidate for Congress, Larry Grant the other day. Grant, running for Bill Sali's First District seat, stopped by Ralph's Internet Cafe to visit with supporters, along with his entourage. Rick Currie, Chairman of the county Board of Commissioners told me he was going to try to attend tonight's Bayview Chamber of commerce meeting. Minor surgery with his wife being the only problem. Curry has been real good about visiting with Bayview citizens over problems, both real and perceived. While he can't always do what the folks here would like to see, he doesn't hide in his office, either.

It is my solemn duty to remind you of an occasion that isn't so solemn, as the annual pajama party at the Captain's Wheel cranks up for a St. Patrick's Day celebration, Saturday, March 15. Be there. Waivers are granted for those of us that sleep nude.

Party Time in Spirit Lake

It was party time in spirit Lake Saturday, as the who's who of journalism gathered at Taryn Hecker's new/old home. Long time Buddy, Taryn invited me to her housewarming held Saturday. We had friends, associates, just about everyone around that basks in the warmth of Taryn's friendship. Three newspapers were represented, as the Coeur d'Alene Press, Spokesman-Review and the St. Marie's Gazette were ably represented by the people that count. Namely the party animals. The snow berms are still monumental in the neighborhood. It is hoped that by the Fourth of July celebration, the snow will be gone, but nobody is taking bets.

The housewarming is more than just a house. It's a new start for a wonderful person, bright reporter and a great friend. Hang in there, Taryn, you do good.

Tanker Contract

A recent Spokesman-Review editorial agreed with the defense department over the choice of Airbus of France, primarily, as the prime contractor for the new refueling tankers. Right on the heels of this, came an overwhelming cheer from our defense department. I respectfully disagree with both, but for different reasons.

First, the point made, was that we are in a global economy. That is, and should be, a limited goal. We haven't yet become a one world government, where our self interests must be sublimininated for the others out there. It is not in our best interests, for instance, to try to equal the workers in a country that pays an employee $5.00 per 12 hour day. We rose above that sort of thing in the 30's. The obvious result of equality here, is that we should then split the difference. Give them half our wealth, to make up for their people's inability to become part of the 20th century, let along the 21st.

At no time, since buying aircraft for the first world war, have we ever failed to support our military with domestic production of same. Tommorow may not include the same allies that today brings. It is critical that we not ever give away our technology or ability to produce our own protection. There isn't a war plane anywhere in the world that can stand toe to toe with ours. Let's keep it that way.

That kind of equality is retreating from everything we have gained through a better system, harder work, and the freedom to be as good as we have the ability to be. Secondly, and more to the point, we are in a recession. Actually, I have been preaching this for over a year. Memories are short, and the lessons of thirty years ago forgotten, ergo the mortgage debacle. Part, though of the cause of this recession is because we have given up our sovereignty to the world markets, no longer protecting our economy, our manufacturing jobs, claiming that a free market is the panacea for universal wealth. It is not. Free trade isn't free at all. It requires firms that used to manufacture goods in this country to ship those jobs overseas to take advantage of peasants in another economy.

Back to the tanker contract. Dissing Boeing, or any other resident company for the Europeans is shipping jobs in an area that we already have given up to many jobs. The most pressing argument regarding the tanker contract is that our defense is not a world wide project, but one that is addressing our interest, and ours only. To suggest that Boeing isn't competitive is a joke. This is about globalization of trade and politics. When politics intercede, they should, on behalf of our self interest only.

Shifting our economy into the service industries, without actually producing anything, is a carousel of a revolving nothing. Nothing produced, nothing earned, nothing acquired. Eventually, we will run out of borrowed money with which to maintain our freedom. I'm so glad I'm too old to see the final outcome.

Float Homes

A couple of weeks ago, I published a controversial piece on the float home dilemma for the home owners. Since then, new legislation is being considered by the State Legislators , setting up a system for arbitration. This might be a fair way of handling the problem. We'll see. Since then I had an opportunity to speak with Chan Karupiah, owner of JD's and Scenic Bay Marinas.

Obviously, a marina operator is going to have a different perspective on the problem. I try to stay out of arguments that I am compromised or not objective about. This is an ethical thing that the Spokesman-Review requires of it's employees and correspondents. It must be stated here, that I rent a mobile home space from the above mentioned marina. Still, it might be useful to examine the positions of the marina owners, so as to get a complete picture.

Some of the proposed changes are not really that marginal. Eliminating one whole dock, since the purchase of the Boileau's dock last year leaves two parallel docks, one being unnecessary. Another, switching a boat house from it's grounded position to another more useful spot. The proposal to tear down the existing eyesore boat shop that exists between the Captain's Wheel and Scenic Bay Marina, thence rebuilding it over the water in another location, using the grandfathered footprint over the lake? Quite another story. From what I can gather, although a proposal is before the State of Idaho Land Board, I haven't seen detailed plans and specs for this new/old building, just the footprint. It might be useful to have fully engineered drawings to present, instead of a do over from what was rejected.

Chan believes that if it becomes more profitable to turn float home slips into boat slips, and if he begins to lose money in the process of reining in the rents, that he has the right to evict those float home owners, rather than allow the state to run his business. That consideration must be weighed, since I can find no law or proposed law that would prohibit a change of use such as that. In a controversial issue such as this, it is necessary to state both positions. I have done so here. Others may want to sit down with Chan and Hans for the purpose of understanding their positions and why. Me? I'm going to duck and run for cover.

Ralph Nader, Hummm?

I think I have the answer for the spoilers out there. Ralph Nader has thrown his seventy-eleventh hat into the ring as a liberal or wacko third party candidate. In the interest of equality, which seems to be on ever one's mind, we need to talk Ron Paul into becoming the candidate of the er ... right? Or how about the other wacko? Genghis Khan faction? I'm not sure where he fits, but with this presidential race starting to become very entertaining, why not?

Here we have our very first serious Female candidate, Our very first serious black candidate, in our entire history. Add the moderate McCain, certifiably a war hero without the shadows that Kerry 's run produced. No matter what happens this year, it will be a monumental change in how we govern ourselves. All we need now, is to have Saturday Night Live resurrected for a show starring Nader and Paul, with a guest appearance from Ross Perot.

Most election cycles have me rooting uproariously for one candidate or the other. I confess that my favorite is John McCain. Having said that, at my advanced age, I'm starting to find humor in the various scenarios. Ms. Clinton didn't wow Washington with her gracious personality, nor did she endear herself to the military, by dissing them whenever possible.

Then we have Obama. Forget the smear regarding him wearing Somali dress. Any, repeat any visiting dignitary will, if asked, don native apparel. It is considered an honor to be asked to do so. Then there is John McCain. The Clinton's seem to be somewhat short on scandal there, so resurrecting a worn out discredited non-scandal from ten years ago, is at best a reach. The only candidate coming out unscathed is Hillary. Nobody wants to be the first to attack a woman, even if she deserves it. The old school still frowns on that, even though she would, in a heartbeat, attack stereotypes, such as women's lib. God forbid we would every give stay at home parents the same break.

What we have here, and I may enjoy this way more than when I was blinded by partisanship. This is going to be more entertaining than anything the striking writers could have come up with.
Just remember one thing. We have had good presidents and we have had mediocre presidents and we have had horrible presidents. All of you will categorize these differently. That's called freedom of thought. The main point is, that no matter who we elect, if it doesn't work out, this great country of ours will survive very nicely. You see, there isn't a hell of a lot a president can do, when congress levels the playing field, or the Supreme Court intervenes. Many political positions get abandoned when reality sets in. None of these candidates wants to bring our country down, it just seems that way when we pay to much attention to rhetoric. ... Just like mine.

Spring May be Just Around the corner

All kinds of fun stuff in store this and next month in Bayview. The huge piles of snow are receding, St Patrick's Day is coming with The Captain's Wheel annual pajama party , Saturday night, March 15. This has been a show stopper in the past. Just don your baby doll nightie, show up, enhance your image, ladies. The guys? We stand around gazing in awe at those previously hidden talents.

Baywinkle, our town moose is still around, but it is suspected that he will wander off soon, as the snow melts down in the hills, surrounding Bayview. Feeding the moose is dangerous, and is to be severely discouraged. If even one person is injured by this moose, even if it's the stupidity of the person, Fish and Game will kill him. He is not a pet, and is never going to be tame. Please do not mistake the placid look for docility.

A big round of applause for Bob Parsons and Cindy Garcia for all the help they gave those people that couldn't help themselves with snow removal. Also, lest we take her for granted, Terry Sheppard, the town Mom. Any time an elderly or ill person is discovered, you can find Terry at their doorstep with a kind word, some soup or a sandwich. She's been doing this so long, we sometimes are guilty of taking her for granted.

Speaking of taking people for granted, the Captain's Wheel will host the what? Fourteenth or fifteenth annual huckleberry pancake breakfast Saturday April 19, 8 to noon. They donate the space and some help, pay all the overhead as a community service. Don't forget Easter and the egg hunts. Saturday, March 22 will find the kids, ages birth through 6 at the Captain's Wheel from non to 12:15, then Terry's Cafe from 12:15 to 12:30 for Kids 7-12. Mark all of these down on your calendar. We'll see you soon in Bayview. Oh, and happy Washington's Birthday. We didn't have a picture of George, so we substituted one of Baywinkle.

Capistrano has the return of the swallows. Bayview has the return of the Robins. Yesterday, none. Today, dozens of them. Why Capistrano gets all of the publicity, I couldn't say, but here in Bayview, it's a sign of long suffering, soon over. Certainly, this Winter has been a doozy. Not that bad Winters are rare. it's just that the earlier patterns have happened in such a way that for the last ten years, we have had more benign Winters than not. A wake up call? Perhaps. So much for global warming. Perhaps next year, the Chicken Littles will be screaming "global cooling."

Moon over Hayden

These are pictures of the luner eclipse taken from Hayden, Wednesday evening with, i'm afraid a 55mm 12X lens, which doesn't as I learned take the place of a 300 mm lens, as hopefully, Jesse Tinsley will produce. Still, it was to the naked eye, a magnificent sight.

Prejudice

I grew up in the 40's and 50's when the term "politically correct' hadn't been coined yet. Ten years later it was a period of great class and racial upheaval in many parts of our county. Where I was raised, however, the subject didn't come up much. It was a problem of the South, or the industrial North, but not us, nestled in the suburbs of Seattle, on acreage. There was a black family or two at the end of the street. We were polite to them and they to us. We didn't mix, primarily, I think back then, because we didn't have many common interests. Possibly at that age, I was naive, but that is how I remember it.

Comes the 60's with the Viet Nam War, social and racial upheaval, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Among many black preachers, he made more sense than some of the more shrill of the lot. From those days of protests, marches and social upheaval, many good things started to happen, but not over night. It took 40 more years to bring us to where we are now, if anyone can define where that is.

The subject has occurred over and over this last month, as I watched election returns. Those same commentators that occupationally lynch those that step out of line with an unfortunate comment that may or may not be racist, are calmly breaking down the male vs female and the black versus white votes and interpreting them. That seems to me, but then I realize that rules are made by zealots, not the main stream, as blatant racism in and of itself. If any of you see this as an exception, or don't see the situation for what it is, are then Zealots heading 180 degrees the other direction, picking and choosing how equality should be interpreted.

I'll never forget that on Monday Night Football, Howard Cossell lost a brilliant career, by referring to a small Black runner, in the excitement of breaking off a great run, when he yelled,"look at that little Monkey run." Immediately, the PC Police jumped on that as proof that he was a racist. Never mind he was the ultimate ringside announcer for boxing, or that one of his best Buddies was Mohammed Ali. No, that one taken out of context ruined him and many others since.

Perhaps we should go back to the stuff what brung us, like allowing our elected officials make the rules, instead of self-appointed PC police. It is obvious that they lack a sense of consistency that defies any logic I've been able to discern. Equality is color blind, or economically blind, or ethnically blind. To use race or ethnicity when it suits the user, is of course what I will call Racist.

Lake Pend Oreille Part Two

Debuting March 8 if everything goes alright, will be part one of a three part series on the rise and fall of Lake Pend Oreille as a trophy fishing lake. Cause, Mitigation and What now. I have the second part roughed out, (damned rough) and will be starting on part three soon. These will be seen in the Handle Extra.

Moving right along, I'm all wrote out for now, but hang in there. I never run out of things to say for long.

When Party Animals Growl

Blogfest 2008 went off without a hitch, as our host, Dave Oliveria keeps the pizza coming. Dave is celebrating his fourth anniversary with the spokesman-review blog known as Huckleberries.


Guest of Honor, Doug Clark


Our Fearless Leader
No Collection of Pictures is complete without a Pin-up Girl

Taryn Hecker, Enthralled by something Spencer said.

Lake Pend Oreille is Dying

Lake Pend Oreille is dying. It isn’t dying from toxic waste or pollution, but is dying economically. This pristine body of water, once the home of commercial fishing, is in a slump the experts are afraid may be irreversible. The death of this lake was caused by human interruption of the food chain. Re-intervention to try to right the wrongs of the past are in motion, but hold only small hope for recovery. In this, the first of three parts, we are going to visit the causes. Parts two & three will address what is being done to mitigate and thirdly, the results as projected. We will as well, talk to business owners around the lake regarding the economic effect of this crisis.

This is the opening paragraph in a series of three articles I am writing for the Handle Extra, which will probably start in early March.

Television Bias

If you ever needed proof that broadcast journalism is biased, tonight proves it. I am an election return junkie. I've always been hooked, and will not go kicking and screaming into treatment. I don't know how many of you have picked up on this, but every network I've tuned into including Fox, keeps harping on the disarray the Republican Party is in because of the McCain-Huckabee campaigns.

Either these peope are terminally stupid, or, guess what! They just might have an agenda. They are essentially creating an issue where one didn't exist, or they aren't paying attention. With the Republican campaign virtually locked up, this is the message they are portraying, that the party is split wide open. Hey, guess what. It's a contest that isn't even close.

On the other hand, the Obama/Clinton race is neck and neck. Do they suggest the Democratic Party is divided and in disarray? If so, I haven't heard it. Spin is alive and well, and we have a grand example of where Television used to report the news, they no longer are doing that. Now they insist on making the news. The power of television commentators with a hidden agenda is much stronger than the candidates or issues involved. We are, for those that remember Orwell, heading into an era where communications conglomerates will be choosing our National Leaders.

Super Delegates

Little is known about the super delegates that we hear so much about. I'm going to try to unravel the mystery for those that are not aware of what they represent, who they are, and why they should get to vote at convention without being selected by the voters. If I make any substantial mistakes, I invite corrections in the comments.

Super delegates are those that hold elected office, such as Senators, members of the U.S. House of representatives, Governors, state party chair persons and others of that ilk. In the infinite wisdom of the parties, it was determined that while citizens could elect delegates to the several conventions, party leaders, senators and such should have a voice. In some cases, perhaps many, the delegation is led by the leading office holders of the parties. The Republicans have 463 delegates that are not pledged to any candidate, at least officially. Some are super delegates, others are elected delegates that chose not to declare their favorites.

The Democrats, however, have 796 super delegates. All of them are unelected, other than the fact that they were elected to their offices. It is feasible, that these insiders could vote against their own state delegates that were chosen by the voters. In the Republican race, it appears that McCain will go into the Republican convention with enough delegates to win hands down. That has been the story for many years in both parties.

Most interesting, however, is the Democrats. If Obama and Hillary get to the convention close, as they appear so far, and without a clear majority, we could see the will of the voters thrown aside by the insiders. I will not attempt to define who has the most insiders in their pockets, but with former President Clinton's wife running, one could assume that the Clinton faction may, and I say may, have the edge. It may boil down to who do you want to avoid pissing off? Clintons, or the relative newcomer, Obama.

For the politically inclined, a brokered convention hasn't happened in my memory since 1960 when the favorite, Senator Estes Kefauver was gunned down in a brokered convention by a junior Senator from Massachusetts, John F. Kennedy. Since only us old Farts remember those days, it gets more interesting than your favorite Soap Opera.

In a brokered convention, delegates that are pledged to a particular candidate, are only held to that person for a few ballots, depending on the rules of the State they represent. Most are released after two or three ballots to vote any way they want. That's when the horse trading begins. For starters, lets take the Republicans. A substantial amount of delegates were amassed by Romney, no longer in the race. Those could be thrown to whichever candidate can convince them to switch.

Operatives from the various campaigns will scout the floor, looking for a wavering delegation, hoping that they will switch the right direction. As a child, (I grew up in a very political family) We watched Eisenhower nominated, and the Kennedy/Nixon race unfold, all brokered conventions, since primaries hadn't been in vogue yet. While the Republican convention might not be as interesting, (but then again if Romney were to throw his delegates to Huckabee) that could change.

It's almost a given that neither Clinton or Obama will achieve a majority by the convention. If the professionals, (super delegates) don't swing it all one way, sit back and enjoy politics 101. It's entertainment and a serious civics lesson, all in one. Oh, and did I forget Florida and Michigan? Never in the history of this country, has a State political party been banned from a convention, with the exception of reconstruction years following the Civil War. This is totally unprecedented.

Two things can happen, or maybe three. One, the party caves in and seat the two State's delegates. Two, if they do, since Obama didn't and Clinton did campaign in those states, would the delegate count be fair? Next, one candidate or the other takes it to court. Not Florida again, please ... Last but not least, we could see the courts hold up the convention while special primary elections are held. I can't envision the democratic Party disenfranchising the whole state, especially, since the voters in those states would probably retaliate by voting Republican. Having fun yet? Just wait. It gets better.

No Lake Flood

I spoke with Mike Daugherty, US Corps of Engineers this morning about the mountain snow pack. He said, based on records so far, we only have 90% of normal snow in the higher elevations. The snow between 2000 and 4000 feet will melt long before the upper flathead drainage, resulting in very low potential for Summer flooding such as we had in 1997.

Snow Stymies Schools

Athol Elementary School, Friday, February 8. 2008


Three snow days for local schools in the Lakeland School District, and more. Some days were cut short. P.E. classes were canceled, due to an enormous amount of snow on the roof, making the gyms unsafe to occupy. Today, finds contractors and students, those over eighteen, hired to remove snow. Some of the school buildings have literally disappeared from sight, as snow berms rise higher and higher.

Tom Taggart, spokesman for Lakeland, said, "were on top of the problem. No buildings have been lost, nor are any unsafe buildings occupied. "Crews are working fast, in the hope that the snows of 2007-08 are gone. Melting has started, which brings yet another problem. Flooding. I have attempted to reach the Corps of Engineers, but to no avail. Soon, hopefully, we will know whether another 1997 is upon us, flood wise. More when I get it.

Super Tuesday

I watched with great interest, the results as they came in last night.As a somewhat centered Republican. (I know that I'm center, because politically, nobody agrees with me about much)

I came away with several thoughts. The first, was that in states that hold either state conventions or caucuses, tend to show extremes in the sense that the vote totals are so one sided. Incidentally, I'd like to congratulate Molly Quinn, for making sense of this nationwide mess in her graphics, shown today in the spokesman-Review.

Some examples are:

Republicans

West Virginia 52% 1% 47%

Colorado 13% 19% 59%

Democrats:

Alaska 25% 74%

Colorado 32% 67%

Idaho 17% 80%

Kansas 26% 74%

Minnesota 32% 67%

No. Dakota 37% 61%

All of these examples are essentially landslides. One wonders that if primaries were held in these states, the results would be different. Absent a well oiled political machine, and the power politics of party gatherings,(both) I think these results tend to skew the results, by in some cases, intimidation, lack of hidden ballots and the tendency of a tidal wave effect that can occur in these types of meetings.

Another conclusion I arrived at, perhaps the last, as I fell asleep listening to Barak Obama give his speech in Chicago at day's end. As I previously said, I'm not, at least by standards set by people not extremists, a liberal. I came away with the notion that this Dude is one fine orator. Maybe the best since guys like Everett Dirkson and Ronald Reagan, not to forget JFK. He speaks slowly, makes three or four word statements, mostly inane references to change, and other equally non-specific slogans. Every one of them sounded like they were written on tablets, carried down the mountain by a bearded man. The fact is, he doesn't have to talk policy. He just simply mesmerizes his audience. I thought at times that he sounded just like Martin Luther King, Jr. Others, sounding like John F. Kennedy.

If, Obama doesn't poop in his mess kit, or make a huge blunder,and he's able to avoid detailed discussions, and above all, avoids debating Hilary, he might be the Democratic nominee, or even, President of the United States.

Weather, Or Not

Many memories, including mine, are somewhat faulty, when trying to remember which year was THE year, snow wise. I contacted Spokesman-review's own Michelle Boss, who coordinated with cliff Harris, both of whom are outstanding weather guessers. There are, indeed some surprises, but then most of us remember the year that most inconvenienced us. Here are the records of the six top snow years, since 1894-95, which probably means none of you remember past then anyway.

1. 1915-16: 124.2"

2. 2007-08: 122.7" As of February 3

3. 1968-69: 117.8"

4. 1949-50: 116.6"

5. 1992-93: 114.5"

6. 1921-22: 112.1"

Clearly, this year, within 1.5" of the modern record, will set a new record. One must remember however, that these statistics are collected at the Coeur d'Alene Airport,(Pappy Boyington Field) and are not indicative of other more snowy areas, such as the Rathdrum-Spirit Lake Corridor, nor further north, where around Priest Lake, the weatherman may still be buried from any one of these years. What is interesting, is that the years most people remember, 49-50, 68-69 and 92-93, are all within 3.5" of each other. Now that's consistency.

Since we have one new storm on our doorsteps, and another slated for the week-end, it appears that the new record is safe for this year. the snowiest on record. Again, thanks to Michelle and Cliff for the information.

Newcomer Blues

This post is for the folks that having moved here, into the wonderful rural land of the Inland Empire, (Including North Idaho) That didn't bargain for a real Winter. It kind of reminds me of the old saw,"Caveat Emptor," which loosely translated, means buyer beware. About every ten years, we have a real old fashioned winter, of the old days. This is shaping up to be one of those Times.

I have lived here through several tough winters. It appears to me, that when extraordinary weather occurs, weather that is maybe every ten or so years, people come unglued. Hey, This is North Idaho, people. An area that, in the Winter, can reach up and bite you in the butt. This isn't about the average years, nor is it about Government dropping the ball.

Several years ago, I spoke with a resident of Blackwell Hill. He told me that oil deliveries had stopped , and he ran out of fuel. He was forced to burn wood furniture in the fireplace to survive. Back then, in 1968-69, neither Kootenai County, nor Coeur d'Alene City, had any spare funds to buy snow removal equipment. It was a given, that if a bad Winter occurred, it was up to the individuals and neighborhoods to cope with.

We have rapidly expanded the population in our area, to the extent that people that have migrated to this fair land, expect the same services that were prevalent in the place they left. Unfortunately, we are primarily a rural area. Just a few miles, or even a few blocks outside of Coeur d'Alene or Post Falls, you get rural. Rural areas do not develop tax dollars necessary to maintain a perfect winter snow collection service. You want Los Angeles, we don't have it. We do, however, have a bunch of nice things that L.A. doesn't have, like a better place to raise your kids, neighbors that given a chance will help you out when you need it, that sort of thing.

Bottom line, you wanted the rural experience, now is when the other side of the coin appears. Enjoy. I am. As a matter of fact, I probably am the only resident of Bayview, that never actually saw the moose, that has now been named, Baywinkle. He's still here, and doesn't seem to mind if you are around, unless, of course, you do something that startles him, in which case, he will probably stomp you to death just to make sure you aren't a troublemaker.

1949-50 ... 1968-69 ... 1992-93 ... 1996-97 ... The present time. If this Winter turns out to be like it can, add this one to the above list. It happens when you live above 2000 feet at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Get prepared, or , the other opportunity, is to go back from whence you came. Oh, and would you mind leaving your snow shovel behind?

Bayview Overlay Proposal

I received an e-mail from a staff member at Planning & zoning regarding the scheduled hearing Thursday at 6:00 pm. Two things. No, they can't notify everyone if it is cancelled at the last minute. It is suggested that you call before 4:00 pm or so, to get the latest status, as the storm impacts, or doesn't, the meeting date and time. 446-1070.

Snow Day (Again)

I'm writing this primarily for my friends that are snow birding in Arizona. Last week-end, Bayview got over a foot of new snow. Starting tonight, we'll go for 30 hours of snow, predicted to be 6-10 inches in the valleys and 18 inches in the mountains. Just another snow day. Lakeland School district closed Monday, opened Tuesday, then sent students home early, as snow kept piling up.

They, along with a long list of Spokane area schools are closed again today. Having said that, we aren't experiencing rain like you are in Arizona. I can see it now in Wellton. Everyone huddled around the stove at the VFW, drinking Captain Morgans and wondering when the rain will stop. Then there's those dastardly 70 degree temps to put up with. It's enough to bore you to death.

Burlington Northern lost track of an engine that was towing cars along the Northwest Blvd. tracks. Seems that at about the road leading into the Sewer treatment plant, the engine hit a snow berm that derailed it. I suppose that is natural, since the derailer was invented just down the street at the Iron Horse. Hmmm. I wonder if BN will gripe about the snowplow berms that the city plowed up?

Here, however, we have skating rinks, (Pretty much everywhere) sledding hills, (same) and native drivers acting like Californians, barreling down Highway 95 with their SUV's at 65 MPH or more, shouting for everyone to get out of the way. We need sand. Not for traction, but so we can see where the damn road is. White-outs have become the norm, as our Winter weather has reverted to the Idaho of old. It just isn't nice to take Mother Nature for granted. ...

Many folks around here, including me, talk about '68-69, or '91-92, or Icestorm '96. We aren't through with this Winter yet, but if things go as they have recently, for much longer, we will have '07-08 to brag/bitch about too, not to mention the floods that will occur at Lake Coeur d'alene and Lake Pend Oreille.

So, having painted this picture, I think I'll dodge down to Hayden, croak a little Karaoke at Rusty's, then slide home just ahead of tonight's monster storm prediction.

Scouting! It's the best

I just wrote a description of a great scouting adventure at Farragut over the weekend, in the comments at Huckleberries on line. They had their annual Klondike Derby. I wallowed up there Friday Night, visited with some of the officials, then headed back to Bayview for the Mid-Winter beach party at the Captain's Wheel. I met some very nice people at the party. One lady in particular caught my eye.

Later, I was able to speak with the organizers of this event. Just think about it, you parents. 541 Scouts, 100 volunteers, and 60 staff, all spread out over 50 or so acres of deep snow. If that wasn't a Klondike experience, then I don't know what would be.

The above picture, is when I was a tyke and a Cub Scout. Back then we didn't have Weblos, just cubs. I think I held the rank of Wolf, or Bear, oh heck, it's been too many years. I was, however, the proud holder of the Life badge. I didn't make Eagle, since the resouces of my troop weren't sufficient to give us those hard to get badges. The picture, as you can see, is in black and white. We didn't have color back then. This picture was taken by my Mom, long deceased, with a Kodak brownie. I have to admit that even after all these years, mentioning Mom, brought tears to my eyes.

Local Happnins

Well, let's see. Oh yes, it snowed. Here in Bayview, that's not unusual, but the packed house at the Wheel for the mid-winter beach party was. Considering the weather, which could have been worse, but exacerbated by the State and Lakes Highway's unwillingness to pay overtime for week-end snow removal, roads did get a little testy. I took a run up through Farragut to check out the roads. They were passable, but getting worse. What I did see, though, was over 500 Cub, Boy and eagle scouts, camping out in their annual Klondike Derby.

This year, they got reality. The scouts build dog sleds, then are taught to equip them with camping and survival gear. Way stations, somewhat like geo-caches, named after towns and villages along the Iditirod trail were located by GPS carried by scouts, as they went from location to location. At each stop, a lesson in survival was taught. Back at the campground, the reality was being experienced. Friday night, they recorded minus 4 degree temps. Saturday and Sunday, they were buried in snow. An additional 10 or so inches fell on a base of 8 or 9 inches, to give the camp out over 18 inches of snow. By Sunday morning, the park was back to normal, the Captain's Wheel was quiet, and I experienced a computer virus.

I have AVG free as an anti-virus program. It cheerfully announced with a red banner, that I had a virus in the Kodak downloading program. Scratch pictures for a while. My question is, if AVG knew that a virus had invaded, why didn't they stop it? I put it in a place called a vault, where they told me the virus was captive. They just didn't tell me how to eliminate it. I deleted my Kodak easy share program, then deleted the most recent picture down load. Now I can't download pics and I don't know if I still have a virus or not. Suggestions are welcome.

Beach Party

The above photo of bartender, Marie, was taken by a drunk at the last beach party.

If you haven't made plans to do anything more adventuresome than hunkering down during the snow storm currently raging, try the bikini beach party at the Captain's Wheel in Bayview tonight.

This is the third year that the insane management at the Wheel is holding a mid-winter beach party. Contests, (I'm still sore from trying to stay on top of a beachball with handle,practicing for an event that I'm certain not to enter) There will be tan line contests, best bikini, and every other kind of mischief imaginable. Obviously, we here in Bayview, are in denial, big time.

The roads into Bayview are in good shape, just slow down a little.

Third Anniversary Post

Total visits since 1-27-2005: 24,532

Total page views same period: 43,193

Thank you for your support!

These are two of the posts that I wrote during the first week of this blog. My fourth anniversary is Sunday, the 27th. I thought I'd share a couple of my first attempts at on-line journalism. The picture? just because it was fun, and how many other North Idaho bloggers can say they rode a camel, She was cute, too, don't you think? Kinda reminds me of my third wife.
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Thursday, January 27, 2005
Bloggers anonymous

At an after hours session yesterday, at the Spokesman-Review,editors Ken Sands and Dave Oliveria attempted to council us folks that are blog addicted. This session was crafted in the hope that we would all go forth and do good in our community. We learned a lot, but honestly folks, after building this ant-hill, how are they going to train the ants ...

Monday, January 31, 2005
In The Spokesman-Review today

U.S. Fish & Wildlife co-ordinator, Ed Bangs in an interview. "You can classify Wolves as anything you want but predators"...Duh? How about wildlife disposal units?...

An excited Iraqi after voting yesterday ... Hamid Azazi, 57 said, "Even if I was dead, I would still participate!" ... Hamid, are you sure you don't live in Seattle?

In Huckleberries ..."I left my dollar for salami home". My Mariner heart fluttered, until I realized he was not talking about grand-slam homers ...

Psst! Based on chapter 24, of "Undaunted Courage", a book by noted historian,
Stephen Ambrose, Toby, or "Old Toby" was the nickname of an old Shoshone that guided the expedition through the Bitterroot Mountains ...
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Oh, and a big hand for Family Phil, who was my first commenter, welcoming me to the zoo.

Small World

Having been Karaoke starved for months, since no business in Bayview has it anymore, I decided to check around. Now, the Crossroads in Athol features a very good Karaoke set, but starts too late for my taste. I ran into a fellow singer at the Captain's Wheel a while back, who told me that a new bar, Rusty's in Hayden, had Karaoke and it starts at 7:00 pm.

I recalled that an old friend, Kim Gittle, a Summer resident of Bayview,had started the business, after entering and winning a lottery for new liquor licenses. I called him, verified the info and promised to show up Wednesday, last night. Kim was there and introduced me to a vaguely familiar face, as the karaoke hostess. We went through the where do I know you from, back and forth. Finally, I said, "well, my picture is in the paper a lot. Bingo. It turned out that Renee, hostess extrordinaire, works at the front desk in the spokesman-Review Coeurd'Alene office.

Most great undiscovered musicians have day jobs. Renee is no exception. Oh, by the way, she is an extraordinary singer. She even yodels. I'll be back next Wednesday, you can bet on it. Oh, yet another example of a small world, I ran into friends of friends of mine, Nancy and her guy friend, Drew. I'll just call her Nancy Drew for want of a better reminder. Drew also remembered me from when I was the Conductor/Entertainer on the Silverwood train. (that could happen again, if everything works out.

Nancy, the bar manager, was very gracious, and lest I forget, Tonya, the bartender,faced with over 35 guests, never missed a beat. Friendly, charming, and always there to check on everyone's needs. Folks this is a class joint. AND, it's a no smoking bar, too. Located in the strip mall on Orchard, between Government Way, and Highway 95. Phone, 772-2400.

Protection

photo coutesy of Mike Lee

It pays to have adequate protection for your home. Terrified, the bull moose decides he's had enough for one day.

Short Memories Part 111

The theme of this series, is short memories. The reason I have harped on that is simply because those that haven't experienced something in their lifetime, or professional career, seldom expect the possibility to arise in the future. People that hadn't experienced a volcanic eruption,couldn't believe it when Mt. St. Helens blew up. Twenty years from now, nobody will even remember it, except historians, unless of course, it happens again.

The Savings & Loan disaster that occurred with the 1981-82 recession, was caused by prevailing savings/Certificates of deposit rates, going through the roof. When interest rates on real estate loans hit 24%, savings rates followed them up, just not as high. Compare this example to a grocer that buys a box of apples for $12, then retails it for $20. Same thing with money. Wholesale/retail. The greatest example that I am personally acquainted with is Washington Mutual, the largest Savings bank in the country. During the period from 1979 to about 1984, WaMu was paying out an average of around 14% on savings/certificates of deposit. Loans that they did not sell, and they took pride in not selling their loans on the secondary market, were earning anywhere from 4.5% to 6.5%, depending on how old the loans were, and what the prevailing rates were when they were closed. Paying out 14% while earning much less, put them upside down. Within Months they were broke. Fortunately, unlike other S & L's that bankrupt, Washington Mutual was a Mutual, meaning that they theoretically were owned by their depositors, much like a co-op. They were able, then, to reinvent themselves as a stock corporation, then selling stock to recapitalize. They still call themselves Washington Mutual, but they aren't.

Enter the current market. Overbuilt spec homes, banks competing with each other to snag the most loans, with the belief that good times are here to stay. Folks, nothing is here to stay. We have extreme energy prices. The largest real estate lender in the country, Countrywide, was in so much trouble, that Bank of America had to bail them out. Washington Mutual did it to themselves again, the same old way, with the same old mistakes.

Since around the 1970's, lenders stopped, for the most part, selling loans individually to FNMA and Freddie Mac, and began to bundle loans into multi-million dollar packages, which they then sold as securities on Wall street. They still do that. The purpose, was to spread the risk, by owning a small part of a large body of loans.With thousands of loans in trouble, panic is setting in. Causes:

The differences between then and now with regards to graduated payment ARM's, is that in the early 80's, interest rates were back down to 8 plus percent. The other, and more important difference, is that in the 80's, lenders weren't making loans to borrowers that weren't considered good risks. Competition between lenders, that were selling their loans like hotcakes, since values were climbing at great rates, (sound familiar?)and the sky was the limit. If the borrower didn't pay,there would be enough equity to resell the property at a profit, without loosing a dime.

Reality Check:

Interest rates have stayed too low, too long, causing the demand to dry up naturally. Low rates of interest also caused many buyers to step up, buying as much home as they could, while the good times last. Lenders, are eating sub-prime loans at an alarming rate, and values haven't continued to rise, but are falling precipitously. I predict that Wall Street is going to implode with drastic results in the investments market.

Result:

We are in the beginning of a recession that will probably last at least three and maybe more years. When the Republican administration proposes a cash rebate of $800 per family, to encourage purchasing, it is a dead on signal that consumer confidence is in the toilet. Home values, if the trend continues as I have described, will go as low as 50-65% of values in 2005, the peak of the market. Over thirty percent of the current North Idaho population is in some way, either directly or indirectly connected to the building trades. That number may be conservative. Turning loose 30% of our population is going to cause many businesses to go out of business, since the consumers have left for other areas and other fields of endeavor. Hunker down folks. You ain't seen nothin' yet.

Signed, Cassandra

New Race Track

The new news in Bayview, is the race track that is in the planning stages. Borrowing from the ancient tradition of the Kootenai County Fairgrounds track, Bayview will soon have Quarter horse racing, as seen above.

Public Service Announcement

Floating Homes Association
P.O. Box 444,
Bayview, ID 83803

To Bayview Residents:

The purpose of this letter is to ask you to seriously consider making a contribution to the Legal Fund of the Floating Homes Association (FHA).

Although most float home owners do not reside in Bayview full time, many of us spend a lot more time in our beautiful town than you might imagine, certainly more than just a few weeks and weekends in the summer. In recent years, “floathomers” have supported the community in numerous ways. One has served on the Board of the Bayview Chamber of Commerce, two have been part of the Development Analysis Committee, one has served on the Overlay project, one has been on the Community Center Board, several have testified at Kootenai County hearings, multiple Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) hearings, and the recent IDAPA rule making process. Many of us are good friends with many of you. For years and years, the FHA has contributed substantially to the Bayview Daze Fireworks Fund, and also to keep a street light lit all year. We sent a Bayview child to camp. As an association, we made a significant contribution to Jerry Berry’s medical care, and more than several of our members also contributed to Jerry’s fund. In September, 2007, the FHA and our members individually contributed $1200 to help pay the Overlay filing fee. In short, we think we have been good neighbors, and good members of the community. We hope you feel the same.

When Bob Holland raised float home moorage rates over 100% in 2004 and 2005, we asked the Idaho Land Board and the IDL to help us. To be blunt, the IDL has not been of much help to us. It took four trips in 2006 and 2007 to Boise, where several of us testified before the Land Board, to finally get some results.

As a result of our officers’ and members’ testimony in Boise at the Land Board on those four separate occasions, the Land Board directed the IDL to include language in all renewal master leases that floathome moorage rates will be reasonable. They also directed the IDL to work with the legislature on an amendment to the Floating Homes Residency Act (FHRA). The IDL was instructed to seek our input when seeking a legislative fix.

Unbeknownst to us, and certainly with no input from us, the IDL Director drafted an amendment to the FHRA that will not materially help us, and could actually hurt us, unless we take strong and immediate action in the next few weeks. We need to get badly needed revisions and amendments made in this proposed IDL amendment, or it will be passed, as is, by the Idaho Legislature in January or early February.

District Three Senator Mike Jorgenson has been helping us, but he and others have told us that to have any chance of success, we must hire a Boise lobbyist. Idaho Legislators do not have any staff, and usually rely on lobbyists to supply them with facts and arguments as to why a certain bill should be passed, amended, or defeated. Said another way, the current proposed IDL amendment will certainly pass in its current form, unless we act quickly and decisively to get it amended.

We have just hired a highly recommended lobbyist, but her fee far exceeds our existing legal fund. We have asked our membership, and even those “floathomers” who are not members, to contribute as generously as they can, but it is unlikely we will raise enough money from them to reach the needed amount.

So we are asking you now for your support; whatever you can afford or are inclined to donate will help, and will be greatly appreciated. Please seriously consider helping us win our rent battle with greedy and unreasonable developers who apparently do not care about the charm and culture of Bayview. We think our float homes are part of that charm, and we want to stay a part of the Bayview community forever. Please help us.

We realize the recent holiday season may have strained budgets and we all have many other things going on. If you can donate now, please do. If that’s not possible, would you try to do so later on in February? Or if you would like to make a pledge now, and make monthly payments over some period of time convenient for you, just write a simple note as to what you want to do, and send it in to the following address.

Please mail your contribution to:
Lyn Shoemaker, Treasurer
FHA
PO Box 444
Bayview, ID 83803
Thank you so very much for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Powell Shoemaker, President 509-533-6455 pshoe417@comcast.net
Bob Brooke, Vice President 208-762-3664 Bob@robertdbrooke.com
Jamie Berube, Secretary 509-928-2570 jberube@smhca.org
Lyn Shoemaker, Treasurer 509-533-6455 pshoe417@comcast.net

Short Memories - Part 11

The step rate or negatively amortized adjustable rate mortgage, could have been a disaster back in the 80's. It wasn't, only because interest rate went down precipitously shortly after it's advent. Also, incomes were at the time recovering as well. Back then, the one element that wasn't present was that what we called "B" paper, or as it is now known, "sub-prime," did not allow borrowers to overextend themselves. Loan applications were plentiful. so plentiful that Seafirst Mortgage, where I worked, shut down new applications, due to office overload. With no further need, the market dropped the high risk loans, as well as the graduated payment ARM.

In years since then, 1987-88 for instance, the year I went broke in a new Mortgage Company that a partner and I started, interest rates went from around 8.5% in January 1987,to 10.75% in just two months. Over the years, the federal reserve manipulated the money supply and discount rates, so as to not over inflame the economy, nor let interest rates get too far out of hand. Some years, the industry went into a two or three year tailspin, then pulled back out. Nothing, however even close to 1980-81-82-83 has been experienced since.

Think about it. Those of us that were in middle management, or for that matter, upper management then, are retired. Portfolio managers that are now in their forties and carrying the heavy responsibility for risk management, were in middle school, and had no first hand memories of the "bad old days." When we don't remember, or experience bad times, we are prone to not expect them to happen. Most people feel that the world events that have happened since they reached majority, are the only events that carry any weight. Well, famine and pestilence haven't visited our part of the earth recently, but bad lending practices have.

In the last fifteen years or so,with a few short periods excepted, 15 and 30 year fixed rate mortgages have been very affordable. So affordable, that resuscitation of graduated payment ARM's wasn't necessary. Why then, you ask, did they? Competition caused it. Competition and greed. The market has been so hot, with in most cases, sub-six percent loan rates,that everyone that ever wanted a house and had reasonably good credit could buy one. Aha, but the key words here, are "reasonably good credit." The building boom in full stride, homes started climbing in value. over building caused lumber and other construction materials to become in short supply. Short supply means higher prices. Soon an average home was out of the grasp of most young borrowers, but wait! What if we offer graduated payment ARM's again.

It worked before, right? Suddenly, a $150,000 loan of 30 years went from a level term 6% with a payment of $900 per month, to $632 per month at 3%. The difference used in this example, allowed marginally qualified buyers to get much more home with what they could afford monthly. Or, they buyer could buy a lesser home with higher loan to value ratios. What the heck, if the borrower could make the payments in a year or so, the house will have gone up in value, so that we'll still be just fine. But what if incomes don't go up, and what if homes decrease in value, instead of increase indefinitely.

Sounds a little like 1986 when I, thinking the boom would last indefinitely, started a high risk business. Nothing, especially in the money markets, lasts forever. In my next installment, I will make predictions for the short term that will make Casandra look like a beginner. Stay tuned.

Short Memories

Back in 1978, the real estate market in the Seattle area was booming. The average price of a typical 3 bed one bath home shot up from around $20,000 to near $60,000 in just one year. Everything was great. I had just switched from real estate sales to mortgage lending in 1978. Things slowed down a little in 1979 and we saw interest rates rise to 8.75%. Then 1980-1983 happened. Inflation became severe, interest on a thirty year fixed loan shot up to 24% and as a result, home prices in many categories dropped by 50%.

By 1984, the economy had started to improve. By 1985, a new boom market occurred plus thousands of homeowners refinanced to lower their interest rates, then refinanced again, for the same reason. Part of the refinance every time interest went down 2%, was that people were operating in a panic mode, that didn't allow them to think that anything would be normal again. Many borrowers refinanced three and even four times, believing that the market would sour again and that this was their last chance. It wasn't, but I made a lot of money because of that fear.

During the years 1983-84, the market developed many adjustable rate loans. The industry standard ended up being the one year adjustable, where the rate would fluctuate up or down, based on a constant, either the one year T-bill or libor. An even more revolutionary loan was added. The step-rate adjustable. The way they worked, was the payment rate would start 3% below the prevailing ARM interest rate, while the payment rate rose by 1% each of the first three years. The thought there, was that incomes would increase, after all, aren't we in a period of inflation? The catch was the negatively amortized loans were eating up equity for the first three years, leaving the borrower, in some cases, owing more that the purchase price or value of the home. Many walked.

If some of this sounds familiar, it is. Because both borrowers and lenders are either too young, or, lack the long term memories to judge risk correctly, we have a crunch in the "sub-prime lending market. "Those who don't learn from history, are bound to repeat it." I'll expound more on this and the parallel universe we find our selves in today, in my next post, where I'll make some disturbing predictions for the near future.

Bob Turns 50

Actually, I will achieve the age of 70 in about two months. Easter Sunday, to be exact. This is not to be confused with aging. Years ago, I decided that growing up was over rated. I haven't changed my mind. I have gone through several incarnations professionally, and have decided that the North Idaho thing fits me best. A great guy, Richard Dunkel, now deceased, once told me that folks in Idaho, didn't have careers, they had gigs. I retired from the Real Estate Mortgage Business about seven or eight years ago, to find that first, I didn't have enough money to sail the French Riviera. I stopped, thought, then realized I could enjoy the same things here, without the accents.

Since then, I have sold office furniture, made salads in a restaurant, wrote articles for the Spokesman-Review, and still don't know what I want to do when I grow up. Right there is the problem. Everyone thinks that you ought to grow up. You don't. Just lean into the wind, and sale past the little bumps in the road. Maturity is a farce.

For every activity that you find you can't do anymore, there are others that didn't previously occur to you that take their place. Bob, you will make a fine old crank.

The Moose Is Loose

photos by Ralph Jones and John Ely

Entertainment in Bayview this time of year tends to be a little simpler than Summer venues. Currently, We are entertaining a Bull Moose that has taken up residency in Town. Originally, from a distance, most thought it to be a cow. Close-ups reveal the stubs of shed antlers. Seen periodically from a mile or so West on Perimeter, to the downtown residential area, he seems quite tame. According to Chip Corsi of Idaho Fish & Game, this is not true. Moose tend to be placid unless aroused, when they can turn on a person, a car, or even a railroad locomotive. The trick is obviously not to arouse one.

In a recent conversation with Corsi, he said, "I'm going to go out on a limb, and say that Moose are more dangerous than Bear." (Including Grizzlies)He went on to tell me that they cannot be domesticated, and can eat out of your hand one day, and stomp you to death the next. It is so dangerous to train one to hang out and beg food, that the Department of Fish & Game are in the process of attempting capture and relocation.

Relocating a moose can be fatal for the animal, since darting them with a tranquilizer sometimes causes death. If that method fails, then they will kill the animal before it can become a problem. The moral of this story, is do not approach one closely, nor attempt to hand feed this or other wild game. They may get violent over you simply running out of whatever you have been providing. Moose have absolutely no fear of humans, which differentiates them from most all other wild animals found in this country.

Izzit Monday Already?

I have a confession to make. I am a procrastinator. My motto? Never do today, what you can put off 'till tomorrow, or the next day ... well, you get the idea. I haven't put my snow tires on yet. Last year, I didn't need them. The year before, I just wore the studs down, while destroying the local highways. This year, I thought of driving down to Arizona, catching the kids and grand kids in California on the way back, where they don't allow studs.

But, I procrastinated, plus I'm having a blast writing my columns for the spokesman-Review so much, I hate to leave. Besides, what if they found they could do the Voice without me. I don't think I could handle that reality, so, here I am with no snow tires. The white stuff is starting to stack up, it's slipperier than deer guts on a door knob out there, and I'm inside, where I plan to spend the rest of the Winter. On the other hand,(sound like an economist?) I may procrastinate, and wander around outside, probably still in March, either bragging that I got through a hundred year winter without snow tires, or living it out in a ditch somewhere.

Newspapers are piling up, but, hey, it's to cold, snowy, quiet, too loud, oh what the hell, I think I'll crack a good book and turn up the heat. Unless, of course, I procrastinate again.