Mad About March

Sleepy Wintertime Bayview is about ready to rock. The month of March will feature 50 cents off all drinks, new food items including taco salads, etc. In addition to the menu, weekly drawings will be held. Prizes galore at the Captain's Wheel Restaurant.

Also don't forget open mike Wednesday pm and live music Saturday nights. All music starts early so you don't have to worry about getting up the next morning.

Last night's snow has melted and it looks like the dire warning for this afternoon and evening isn't going to be that bad. Just snow/melt/changing to rain. The usual early spring stuff. Good riddance to February and hello to March, the gateway to Spring.

A recent conversation with Chip Corsi, Idaho Fish & Game produced hope that finally, the Kokanee have recovered enough for a limited fishing season for them in 2013. Stay tuned.

The Bayview Chamber is soliciting funds to keep the street lights burning. Up to this point, the Chamber has stood the cost of the electric use.  

Brand new lumber has brightened up the bay as Scenic Bay Marina is in the later process of rebuilding all of the docks.

Some hardy souls have been seen fishing out on the bay and others will follow shortly. Don't forget, if you don;'t have a boat or have sold yours, you can rent kicker boats from MacDonald's Resort and larger craft from the Bayview Marina.

While the Buttonhook remains closed, breakfast lunch is available at Ralph's Internet Cafe, and the Bay Cafe. Dinner at those locations as well, but including the Captain's Wheel for Dinner and drinks. As always, J.D.'s Bar is open 7 days a week. Come on down.

Clint Darnell & Friends are playing at the Wheel tonight, Saturday about 7:00 pm.

Politically Incorrect

Sometimes I think I've lived too long and seen too much change. Some gradual change is healthy for a democracy such as ours. What we have experienced in my lifetime is radical. Of course the end of segregation was long overdue. The pendulum in government tends to swing from one extreme to the other without stopping in the middle much. For example:

My high school was the Renton Indians. Many place names have been changed as well as team mascots over the years. It was good that insensitive references were changed. But that wasn't enough. The stampede toward total correctness (by whose standards) has led to extremes the other direction. The South Dakota Fighting Sioux offended a portion of the Lakota Nation. It was deemed out of bounds by the NCAA.  My high School changed to another less sensitive logo as well.

The one that really frosts me though, is when Seattle University changed from a famous past as Chieftains, they changed to Redhawks. This ignored an era during the '50's when  Elgin Baylor was an all-American who went on to a successful career in the NBA. Last I heard he was General Manager of the San Diego NBA franchise. Following him was a double team of great players, the O'brian twins, Eddie and Johnny. Now where this gets me is that Chieftain is not a term exclusive to native Americans. It was used in ancient times to describe European tribal leaders. as well.

The Florida Seminoles used a tribal name native to a Florida tribe that apparently isn't as sensitive as the Ogalalla Sioux. Many cities and even states are named after either tribes or individual  Indians. So then I propose the following changes, in order to comply with whomever or what ever organization decreed these over reactions. Unelected, all.

First, Seattle must give up it's name since it was named after Chief Sealth. Sealth High School in Western Washington must also go. Wenatchee, Yakima, Spokane, Colville, Kenniwick, Wallula. Blackfoot, Idaho? Oh my.

Then there are states that are out of compliance as well. Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North and South Dakota, Klamath Falls, Oregon, Utah (Ute tribe) All must go.

We could rename Seattle to Juan de Fuca, but then we would be mocking the Hispanics. I won't go on to try to identify each and every Native American city or state, but you can get the idea from what I've listed.. 

Basically, It is time we stepped back and took a long look at how far we have gone to placate each and every person or organization. First no way can you accomplish that chore, for what offends one group, challenging it will offend another. It's kind of like comedy. A comedian has to make fun of somebody or something which then will offend the target of the joke. The only ones that get away with that are the self-depreciating comics who make fun of themselves.

Even the Canadians are guilty. Perhaps even more than us. Saskatchewan, Kapuskasing, Ottawa, are not English Or French names either.  On top of all of these indignities, modern airplanes don't even have propellers.

So this square headed Norsk is signing off wishing that sanity would return or at least have that pendulum stop in the middle once in a while

Ben Wolfinger For Sheriff

                                                             

This is a short biography of Ben Wolfinger. I thought you would like to know more about this man and the contributions he has made over the years. I personally think he stands head and shoulders above the other candidates.  Pictured above are Ben Wolfinger and wife Mary.

BEN WOLFINGER was born in Wallace, Idaho and raised in the Silver Valley. Ben has been with the Sheriff’s Office since April 1, 1983.  Ben worked in the Jail, Patrol and Detectives while he worked his way through the ranks until his promotion to Captain in April of 1995.  Since 1995, Ben has commanded all aspects of the Sheriff’s Office. Ben was appointed to the rank of Major in 2009. Ben’s current duties include managing the Support Services Bureau, dealing with Special Projects and performing as the Department’s Public Information Officer.

Ben has and continues to be an active volunteer at Real Life Ministries in Post Falls and in the community. Ben is a former Coeur d’Alene City Councilman and a Past Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Chamber of Commerce.  Ben is a graduate of the 1994 Leadership Coeur d’Alene class.  Ben has received a variety of community honors including the 2001 Ed Abbot Community Volunteer Award and the 2005 Distinguished Citizen of the Year.

Holidays Lost That Bug Me

It isn't that I resent the legacy of Martin Luther King. Dr. King was a person that only surfaces in two or three generations and then only when a calling or need occurs. The speech, "I have a Dream" still makes the hair stand upon the back of my neck.
 Celebrating his birthday is not a bad idea at all. What is a bad idea is sh*t canning our founding fathers, Washington and Lincoln.

In the infinite wisdom of our  politicians that decided Lincoln and Washington don't matter, Lincoln's birthday, February 12 and tomorrow's Washington's birthday, do not count any more. After all, (sniff) they didn't happen in our lifetime which as it turns out appears to be the only criteria that matters any more. You see, we are being ruled by those that do not think the father of our country and the man who kept it together aren't important.

From Mesopotamia, Ancient Greece, The Roman Empire and of Course, Israel, gift of God, which was defeated by Rome and thence,the Diaspora to Europe, North Africa and even Egypt. Moslem Nations and tribes, tribes being more dominate than nations. have fought with each other over Awalite, Sheite, Sunni, the Soudi version and many other branches including the Kurds. Many do not know that Sal-Alladin, victor in the holy wars was a Kurd. History that isn't recent don't count.
Well, as usual I digress.

I mourn for the lasvish birthday parties we had in Grammer School celebrating the birthday of Abraham Lincon. Did any of you pause the 12th to praise his birthday? I thought not.

How about today. George Washington's  birthday. February 22. You know why we don't any longer celebrate his birthday either? Dr. King. It turns out that aside from the huge slam at out founding fathers, it was mostly how many national vacation days were available and how should they be parcelled out.

I am shamed, and I hope at least some of you are too.

Blogfest 2012

Well I scored a first Saturday. Unfortunately not the right kind of first. I missed my first blog fest since they started. I can't remember what year that was, but I organized it and we had about nine or so attendees here in Bayview. We held it at the Captain's Wheel Restaurant. Since then the idea has exploded, the Spokesman-Review has taken over sponsorship and I understand there were over 70 people present at the Fort Ground this year. I wasn't one of them.

The night before, I had a minor health issue that kept me awake for hours. Finally around 7:00am I got to sleep. I awoke around non and wasn't in any shape to go anywhere. I'm fine now but deeply regret the opportunity to see many of my friends again and to meet new ones as well.

As has been pointed out, it is amazing to see the camaraderie when everyone meets face to face rather than the sometimes snarls that occur on line. My theory is that typing into a computer takes the person out of the conversation to an extent that liberates some from the need for courtesy. On the other hand, face to face meetings tend to smooth the edges of differences in philosophy and brings the personalities out instead.

Since I missed my chance yesterday, I want to take today as an opportunity to greet all of you. I just wish I had been there, too.

We Had A Revolution And Nobody Noticed

Yesterday in the Spokesman-review North Idaho blog, Huckleberries on line, a subject was brought up that featured a high school teacher that had offended a female teen with repeated profanity while teaching. Apparently she went to the principal with her objection and was brushed off. Her father then attempted to get the situation under control.

Thirty comments were offered on the blog. Out of that thirty, only eight agreed with the family. The rest didn't apparently see a problem, since folks out in society cussed all the time. Arguably some of the commenters were repeats since the discussion went back and forth.

After great reflection I realized that we as a society have turned 180 degrees. I was born in 1938, graduated from high school in 1956. If either a student or teacher had used profanity in the classroom whey would have been immediately banished.Back then we didn't have a drug problem, we were patriotic, respected our parents even though some didn't deserve much respect.

If a child misbehaved, any adult that witnessed the malfeasance would most likely march that child to their home where punishment usually ended with corporal punishment. Back then we didn't use fancy words like that. Translated, the kid got whupped. Yes spankings were legal, you could lock a kid in there room then too. If a child ran away from home they were promptly brought back by police or any parent that knew the situation. Now in many states, running away is alright and a parent cannot do anything about it. (Washington)

That was then, this is now. Very few vote even though we are among a very few nations that have that right. We used to throw out office holders, citing them for contemptuous behavior. Now we throw out the entire government with contempt. Even with the right to vote, many ignore what i going on around them, suggesting that they don't count and the "Man" will do what they want anyway.

Schools that have a student rebel, cannot take the kid into the back room for a few well placed swats on the butt. Today, that would be child abuse and most likely the perpetrator would be fired followed by criminal prosecution and a law suit. It would appear that the inmates are indeed running the asylum.

With a total breakdown in enthusiasm for being an American, discipline unenforceable and a who gives a sh*t attitude, I'm terribly glad that I am old enough that I won't have to experience the end of our great nation, as the idiots who think the are superior to the rest of us take over from the religious, moral and indignant former majority.

Long Ago Interview Of Me Online

About twice a year, in this case probably less, I check to see what others are seeing about me, my writings and opinions. This is a long ago forgotten interview with the organisation listed at the end. I thought it might me of interest to others, maybe those in the field of jounalism.


JOURNALISM

Q. What is your specialty?
A. What subjects do you deal with?I am a feature writer, for the most part. I write for a local newspaper, as well as the occasional magazine.

Q.In which media do you presently work or have you worked?
A.Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Washington, River Journal, a local magazine, as an independent correspondent.

Q. Please list a web address where where one can view an example of your work.
A.blog: bayviews.blogspot.com,spokesman-review archives

Q. What is "news"?
A. News is information. It is especially important if the news isn't available elsewhere.

Q. To you, what is objectivity?
A. If you have an opinion before the story, you cannot write it. I have passed on many stories that I was involved in. Objectivity is being in the middle and not a part of the story.

Q.What is the best headline you have ever read?
A.Japan Surrenders

Q. What headline would you like to see printed one day in the newspaper?
A. Peace has broken out around the world

 Q. Which paper do you buy on Sundays? Where do you read it?
A. Spokesman-Review at home.

Q.  Does freedom of expression end where the editorial line begins?
A. It only begins. Much of the time, biased opinion dominates even the news.

Q. Do you feel that analytical and investigative journalism is being lost?
A. Yes

Q. With a camera on every mobile phone, is every citizen becoming a correspondent?
A. Not unless they have the capacity to transfer the picture to the Internet, and even then it is likely that the quality of the picture would not be printable. Then they have to have the ability to tell the story behind the picture intelligently.

Q. How would you explain the boom of the tabloid press?
A. I wouldn't know. I don't read about two headed babies.

Q. What is your position regarding the right to privacy of famous people?
A. Privacy, in my mind, is within the home or a private place. If a celebrity is posing in a public place, they are fair game. Still, telephoto lenses into private homes swimming pools isn't fair game. Most celebrities love the attention of the press. It just isn't fair game when they try to invade the privacy of your home, or your private sojourns.

Perhaps as I am old and was taught at an early age that good manners were important in life, I am not in the main stream anymore. It seems that shrill insults are the norm and common courtesy is out.

Q. What can you teach us about the art of the interview?Listen carefully and take notes. Inaccuracy is the downfall of good writing.

Q. Please list well-known people you have interviewed.Ronald Reagan, Walter Knott, Rick Currie, John Schmitz, Dan English, etc., etc.
Q. Would you say the journalism blog is revolutionizing the profession?
A. Absolutely. It is revolutionizing the media and at the same time will destroy it if it isn't controlled beyond the shrill behavior of adult children wanting to be heard.

Somehow, between the last generation, or perhaps the one before, kids are not taught to respect others, or even practice patriotism. This may be a byproduct of the 60's when their parents were linking hands in street intersections, yelling, "Hell no, I won't go."

What we have now, is a generation of young adults that don't have a clue about how to respect others of differing opinions.

Q. Will the paper press disappear?
A. Probably as it now exists, yes. My paper is already half of what it was. While I am old fashioned and my mornings start out reading the paper from beginning to end, I am afraid that this is an over fifty thing. Either the younger set gets their news from the Internet, or what is even scarier, they don't care about world events at all.

Q. What are your thoughts of the free papers distributed in cities?

A. Well, I've written for a few of them. They are advertising driven, but then so are MSM papers. It's all about revenue. You got it, you have room to publish it. I just think the MSM has lost touch with their readership and will go down as a lost cause. At least in my area, most folks are moderately conservative. Some even more, yet the News media continues to support left wing ideas. This, I'm afraid will kill journalism before economics does. It's all about representing those that you serve.

Q. What is the book you would like to write?

A. I would like to write a disaster novel based in my neck of the woods. Having said that,I don't believe I have the patience to actually write a book. You are talking about one to two years of research and heavy detail. No, I'll stick to 500 to 1000 word stories that I think are of interest to the public.

Q.  Is there a motto or ethical principle that clarifies your decisions in moments of confusion?
A. Don't deliberately hurt others and be absolutely accurate.

Q. What advice would you give to someone who has just left university and wishes to start in the profession?Switch majors.

End of Interview. This was done when my total blog output was 354. I am now at 1014.
Interview conducted by http://www.whohub.com/bayviewherb

Long Ago Interview Google

About twice a year, in this case probably less, I check to see what others are seeing about me, my writings and opinions. This is a long ago forgotten interview with the organisation listed at the end. I thought it might me of interest to others, maybe those in the field of jounalism. JOURNALISM What is your specialty? What subjects do you deal with? I am a feature writer, for the most part. I write for a local newspaper, as well as the occasional magazine. In which media do you presently work or have you worked? Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Washington, River Journal, a local magazine, as an independent correspondent.  Please list a web address where where one can view an example of your work. blog: bayviews.blogspot.com,spokesman-review archaives What is "news"? News is information. It is especially important if the news isn't available elsewhere. To you, what is objectivity? If you have an opinion before the story, you cannot write it. I have passed on many stories that I was involved in. Objectivity is being in the middle and not a part of the story. What is the best headline you have ever read? Japan Surrenders What headline would you like to see printed one day in the newspaper? Peace has broken out around the world Which paper do you buy on Sundays? Where do you read it? Spokesman-Review Does freedom of expression end where the editorial line begins? It only begins. Much of the time, biased opinion dominates even the news. Do you feel that analytical and investigative journalism is being lost? Yes With a camera on every mobile phone, is every citizen becoming a correspondent? Not unless they have the capacity to transfer the picture to the internet, and even then it is likely that the quality of the picture would not be printable. Then they have to have the ability to tell the story behind the picture intelligently. How would you explain the boom of the tabloid press? I wouldn't know. I don't read about two headed babies. What is your position regarding the right to privacy of famous people? Privacy, in my mind, is within the home or a private place. If a celebrity is posing in a public place, they are fair game. Still, telephoto lenses into private homes swimming pools isn't fair game. Most celebrities love the attention of the press. It just isn't fair game when they try to invade the privacy of your home, or your private sojourns. Perhaps as I am old and was taught at an early age that good manners were important in life, I am not in the main stream anymore. It seems that shrill insults are the norm and common courtesy is out. What can you teach us about the art of the interview? Listen carefully and take notes. Inaccuracy is the downfall of good writing. Please list well-known people you have interviewed. Ronald Reagan, Walter Knott, Rick Currie, John Schmitz, Deedee Beard, etc., etc. Would you say the journalism blog is revolutionizing the profession? Absolutely. It is revolutionizing the media and at the same time will destroy it if it isn't controlled beyond the shrill behavior of adult chlldren wanting to be heard. Somehow, between the last generation, or perhaps the one before, kids are not taught to respect others, or even practice patriotism. This may be a byproduct of the 60's when their parents were linking hands in street intersections, yelling, "Hell no, I won't go." What we have now, is a generation of young adults that don't have a clue about how to respect others of differing opinions. Will the paper press disappear? Probably as it now exists, yes. My paper is already half of what it was. While i am old fashioned and my mornings start out reading the paper from beginning to end, I am afraid that this is an over fifty thing. Either the younger set gets their news from the internet, or what is even scarier, they don't care about world events at all. What are your thoughts of the free papers distributed in cities? Well, I've written for a few of them. They are advertising driven, but then so are MSM papers. It's all about revenue. You got it, you have room to publish it. I just think the MSM has lost touch with their readership and will go down as a lost cause. At least in my area, most folks are moderately conservative. Some even more, yet the News media continues to support left wing ideas. This, I'm afraid will kill journalism before economics does. It's all about representing those that you serve. What is the book you would like to write? I don't believe I have the patience to actually write a book. You are talking about one to two years of research and heavy detail. No, I'll stick to 500 to 1000 word stories that I think are of interest to the public. Is there a motto or ethical principle that clarifies your decisions in moments of confusion? Don't deliberately hurt others and be absolutely accurate. What advice would you give to someone who has just left university and wishes to start in the profession? Switch majors

354 visits Whohub [bayviewherb] Herb Huseland Bayview, USA Ask me a question, make a comment, or request my opinion on something:

© Herb Huseland Web address for this interview:http://www.whohub.com/bayviewherb

Gravity Is A Curse

 The only thing that defeats gravity is a flat spot. OK I know. If it weren't for gravity I would spin off into space. Well, some will tell you I've been there all along. But other that the space thing, gravity is a curse. First I must preface that I am a bachelor. No house keeper other than myself.

The thing about gravity is that when you let go of something, it falls to the floor. Every time. Then without help from gravity, I have to bend over and pick it up. This requires effort. Especially if you are old (body broken) and or slothful. (which I am)

It is fairly easy to envision the outcome of this contest. Gravity wins every time. The only thing that defeats gravity is a flat spot. A flat spot for the uninitiated is any table, counter, piece of furniture, etc. I call it a flat spot syndrome. As I cruise through the house carrying what ever, I am sometimes challenged by only having two hands. This sometimes requires that I let loose of whatever I am carrying. It goes to ... you guessed it, the nearest flat spot.

These unnatural conditions create a mess on the floor as well as a place to lose things that are buried with other things on a flat spot. It is no wonder that bachelorhood is an unnatural state. I ask you, should I be required to stop what I'm doing, go home from the neighborhood bar and (shudder) clean house? No way, Jose.

I can see from one end of the house to the other. There is a distinct pathway leading to those areas necessary to navigate. Most of the time I know where my phone, computer and TV remote are. All important bases covered. As far as unpaid bills, forever buried under yesterday's Spokesman-Review are concerned, I save money by losing them. I may be in hog heaven. Oops, was that a Freudian slip?

Bayview Summer Accomodations

Many people ask me where they can stay while visiting Bayview. I will attempt to give you a roundup of facilities.

MacDonald's Resort has cabins for rent. You can contact them at 208-683-9107

Scenic Bay Resort has 4 motel rooms on the water. 208-683-2243

For longer stays, the former Scenic Bay Motel is now renting on a monthly basis.
"Bayview Scenic Apartments and RV Park rent rooms on a monthly basis for $550.00 we do require a deposit of $100.00. The room is fully furnished and includes linens. Included in the $550.00 a month are the utilities to include Direct TV. The rooms are studios. With the rooms there is a coffee pot, microwave and small refrigerator. Rooms are rented on a monthly basis only. Currently we do have one available.
The RV Park charges $350.00 a month which includes water, sewer, and electricity. The month of July we have no spaces available. 208-683-2215."

Other options are Farragut State Park for tent camping, RV and small cabins as well.
683-2425

Scenic Bay Marina has several RV spots with hook-ups as well. 683-2243.

Lakeland RV has both RV parking and tent camping. They are closed during the winter, but after about April you can make reservations at 683-4108

All of the locations are usually booked up for the Bayview Daze celebration which occurs July 6-7-8 this year. The best bet for that week-end would be Farragut State Park if you hurry. Bayview Scenic Apartments are the way to go if you have a month to spend here. Come see us this Summer.

Scenic Bay is probably the Idaho Panhandle's best kept secret with sheltered waters and plenty of available boat slips, plus two boat ramps. Although July is the favorite month due to Independence day celebrations, August is my favorite. You want to see a parade and missed the 4th? How about Athol Days. The parade celebrating 103 years as a city stats at 9:00am Saturday, August 11 followed by party in the park with booths, games auctions and lots more. Boat slips are plentiful and can be rented through Scenic Bay
Marina 683-2243 or MacDonalds Resort 683-2211.

For those without kids in school, September can be the best month of the year in Bayview.  The water is cooling down some allowing trophy trout fishing and the sun is usually out with real comfortable temperatures. While students are longingly looking out the windows of their classrooms, you can be enjoying a boat ride or a beverage at several waterfront locations.

Boat rentals can be found at the Bayview Mercantile as well as just about everything you will need for your stay. Not quite as large as a super market, not quite as small as your average convenience store, it beats the heck out of driving 17 miles to the nearest large store. MacDonald's Resort also rents boats. Unlike most mercantiles, Bayview's also rents boat slips.

Pet Peeves

Nothing bothers me while reading, to see grammatical errors committed by professional writers. Lately, I've noticed the word "on" being misused. I'll explain. Here's an example.

"Larry Coe will report on Monday to the team." This is incorrect. It should read Larry Coe will report Monday to the team. Using "on" suggests that Monday is the subject of the story instead of Larry. Please, if you continue using on, who knows where you will end up. But y'know, Irregardless, I'll still take the paper, but shudder at certain words or grammatical misplacement of them. (Above words  with tongue in cheek.)

Many of you are aware that I have written a few stories as a corespondent for the Spokesman-Review. That gig ended when the paper pulled out of the Idaho Handle Extra. I'm  criticizing a practice shared by many college educated journalists. I thought I'd warn you since I too, make grammatical errors, but I have an excuse. I am self taught.