Just a year ago!?!?!

We, Nevadans, had this caucus almost a year ago.  (And, that was fun….raw fun in my case, facing a coup attempt that morning!)  It was the last time I saw Obama up close and personal also (I barely even looked up at him when he was at the Quad this past October because I wanted to hear him that time more than see him).  And, a year ago (approximately) was when I resigned from active role of political volunteer work (yeah, right…..that panned out just as expected, lol). 

Someone on Morning Joe this am said that the year “2008″ will stand out like other critical turning point years have (1929, 1941, 1776, 1860).  Most years don’t get that honor.  This one probably will.  Not only was this Irish/African American guy elected President, but our economy collapsed so completely in all sectors that the lives of all of us will undoubtly as a result  be radically “reset” (heard that term this am, related to economy’s impact) in ways we can’t picture fully right now.

They (these pundits on Morning Joe) were talking about Oprah’s impact, especially in relation to Obama’s Iowa victory, on the Big Story of Obama’s eventual election to the  Presidency.  But, I don’t think her work on behalf of Obama was the biggest thing, or the  most important thing she did this year.  Not even close.  This year, she staged a multi week webclass where she and Eckhart Tolle went through his latest book, New Earth, page by page for the benefit of millions of those watching and participating in the live online class.   I saw some of this (and have read the book) and I think those two guys may have seriously introduced a very large number of people to valuable awakening tools (pretty damn simple ones, btw). 

Just a year ago I took my first Amtrak train trip, a last resort option to get back home to Reno, after being stranded for four days in California due to the “storm of the century”.  That trip took forever (as we slowly followed a snow plow train clearing the tracks of snow).  Now, a year later, plans are being made to begin a complete (or at least major) overhaul of our infrastructure….not only because this is overdue all over the place, but because this economy needs to be stimulated and people need to be working.  There’s talk already of the plans for the high speed rail between LA and Las Vegas.  We need this everywhere!!

So…..thanks to the constant, non-stop reminders everywhere, I am made aware that today is the last day of the year and that a new year is beginning.    This brief blog article represents a blogger’s mandatory “recap of the previous year” article.  It’s really the best I can do right now because generally I’m not even aware of what day of the week it is.  (Knowing the month, and the approximate part of it, is the best I can do these days. )   

See you sometime next year……….(presumably)

Washoe Dems hosting big inaugural party for “people from all political parties”.

The Washoe County Democratic Party will be hosting an Inaugural Gala at the Grand Sierra on the night of the Inauguration of Barack Obama as the nation’s 44th President of the United States.  And, it’s going to be a big event, and large scale “production”, designed to attract far more than party “regulars” and activists.  The notice for this event emphasizes that this party is for everyone, no matter their party identification. 

For those missing out on the day’s key events, from Washington DC, there will be big screen tvs at this “black tie optional” gathering replaying all of that as well as showing the many live events (i.e. inaugural balls) going on that night in D.C. 

I saw details of this event posted at the Facebook page just created to promote this party and a more general notice at http://washoedems.org  Tickets can be purchased online there (only $35!) or people can call 775 323-8683 for further information.   And, it looks like (for starters) no one will starve with the offerings of a buffet of appetizers and dinner.  There will be a 17 piece big band from Reno along with other live entertainment and “guest celebrities”.  Jakki Ford is the celebrity emcee.

I know a fair number of people planning to go to Washington D.C. for the inauguration.  (Very hardy people, mostly sleeping on the floors of hosts living in D.C.).  People who were there literally at the very beginning in some cases, now making the long trek to see the fulfillment of dreams and hard work.  But, for those of us staying behind, this Grand Sierra Gala seems like the place to go, to celebrate what has happened and to get energized for the road ahead.

That white Reno Christmas was no dream…..

The project/mission to photograph the first light of Reno on Christmas morning, with the prophesized accumulated snow enhancing the brightness of that light, was delayed a couple of hours.  I was able to go out at the first signs of a lull in the heavy downpour of snow. 

The sun even broke out for a brief bit, but by the time I started heading back home, it began snowing heavily.  First, falling vertically.  Several blocks out, though, it got windy and the snow was fully assaulting my face. 

A friend who does not believe in using snow chains finally left Reno early this afternoon.  He’s been staying at the El Dorado since December 5th, here only for a three day visit (during a slot tournament).  But, he refuses to contemplate using snow chains, so it worked out that he was still here for Greg Carano’s $20,000 giveaway of electronic goodies (including 47″ flat screen tvs and laptops).  Most of those treasures went to people with over a thousand tickets “on file” in the computer (this was a computer generated drawing).  A handful of people got three or four gifts.  And, maybe a few others were not repeat winners.  Now…..people complained of course and this is a matter that Third Eye can report will be a key subject addressed in a future staff meeting!!  (This just might be the hottest news exclusive posted from Reno in recent days.)  In any event, this friend (from out of town) finally left Reno after 22 days. 

On Christmas night, I watched a steady stream/flood of traffic enter Reno from the west (from a vantage point of a 24th floor room at the El Dorado).  A lot of people seem to be in town, having made it through after periods of either I-80 being closed or requiring chains.

The size of RGJ’s classified ad section lately tells a story.

Yesterday I saved the four pages of the RGJ’s Sunday classified ad section.  Those sparse four pages covered all categories of ads.  And, tell a sad/scarey story: jobs are scarce.   Only a half of one page had job listings!  (And, today’s paper had barely a single column of job listings.) 

For Reno’s supposed number one industry, “casino/gaming”, only the Atlantis had an ad.  They are currently seeking attendants,  a concierge, estheticians (huh, what’s that?), and massage therapists.  In the “general employment” category, there’s only 7  jobs advertised.  Health Care is an area always needing a high number of employees, but there were only 4 employers advertising (with one,  Barton Health Care System listing the most jobs needing to be filled, 13 in all).  And, offerings in the other categories were sparse also.

Prospective Assembly Candidates Gather for Introductory Seminar

The Democratic Assembly Caucus hosted an orientation seminar this past Thursday night at the Washoe Democratic Party Headquarters (1465 Terminal Way) for people interested in running for an Assembly District seat in 2010.  Current Assembly representatives  Bernie Anderson, Sheila Leslie, Debbie Smith and David Bobzien spoke before a group of 25 who showed up to learn what it takes to not only get elected but to serve.

Some attending were just curious, but according to the report I received of this meeting, it looks like at least five people have an interest in running for the Assembly District 27 seat (where Sheila Leslie is serving now in her final term), two interested in the AD 31 seat, two others for AD 26, and one for AD 25.  One of the persons currently in AD 26 may move to AD 27 and possibly run in the primary contest for that seat.

Our Assembly reps told the interested parties that in order to run they had to:

~have a willingness to raise money

~walk their district

~go to all candidate functions

~and, accept the fact that they essentially would have no life from May to November during the election year.

And, that’s just the beginning of the fun, IF ONE ACTUALLY WINS.  For those who are employed, they will not be able to work at their current jobs for the four months when the Assembly is in session.  Sessions begin on the first Monday of  February, with the work load at the beginning 5 days/week and then 7 days/ week during the last stretch of the session.  Assembly members get $7000 pay plus per diem after the first 60 days.  Also, you have to attend interim committee meetings when the legislature is not in session. 

The Assembly Caucus folks had the potential candidates fill out a form expressing their interest and providing background information.

If interested yourself in running for a seat, the Washoe County Democratic Party, along with the Democratic Assembly Caucus, will be hosting another seminar for prospective candidates on January 16th (noon) at the Washoe Democratic Party headquarters.  For further info: http://washoedems.org

Thankyou Byllie Andrews for the notes on this meeting!!!

Winter Solstice Notes

The River School, on the western edge of town and by the Truckee River, is hosting a Winter Solstice Celebration of “music, bonfire, food, ceremony, reflecton” on Sunday, December 21st:

http://www.riverschool.info/River_School/Home.html

And, today I finally got around to signing up at the Obama/Biden transition site.  Where I joined the army that’s going to take out any Harry and Louise operations that threaten to derail legislation pushed by the upcoming administration.  There are also several forms of service outlined in their “America Serves” page at http://change.gov:

“Thanks for signing up to stay informed about the Transition.

There will be many more ways to get involved in the weeks and months to come — and with a lot of hard work ahead of us, we’ll be counting on you to help.

Thanks,

The Obama-Biden Transition Project
http://change.gov  “

We had our first snow late on Friday evening, December 12.  And, more during the evening of December 14.  More is due this coming Friday.

Morning of December 15th

On another front, I learned last night that Chip Evans will be a candidate for the Chair of the Washoe County Democratic Party’s board (replacing Chris Wicker who is not running again) and that Pam DuPre will reportedly be running for the Vice Chair spot that Allison Gauldin will be vacating.  I don’t know if there are other candidates for those seats, but will try to find out.

BTW,  it seems that “Third Eye on Reno” reached its most expansive “third eye” view of Reno this past weekend!  Here’s the  photo of that (which you can access in extra large size at my “eurekamoksha” flickr account in order to see the Reno skyline in greated detail):

Third Eye On Reno!

Here’s the url for the original (or extra-large size):

http://www.flickr.com/photos/28424275@N06/3110892921/sizes/o/

“Songwriting and Performance Institute” Launched For Reno Teens

SPI, or Songwriting and Performance Institute will be going public at a downtown gala on Jan 9 and is described (from http://www.spimusic.com)
in this reposted page:

15 December 2008
Media Contact: Chip Evans
775.240.1222
Chip @ SPImusic.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Reno Musicians Launch Innovative New Music Institute

Institute to help teens become confident, competent singer-songwriters

Reno, NV December 15, 2008 – An innovative new music institute for teens and their parents is being launched by leading musicians from the Reno music scene. The Songwriting & Performance Institute (SPI) will “Provide the knowledge, perspective and skills necessary to develop confident, competent singer-songwriters equipped to express themselves musically and enjoy music for life.” SPI clinics and workshops will meet the needs of both the amateur musician and the aspiring professional.

Eric Stangeland, Kate Cotter and Todd South – all winners of the Reno News & Review’s reader poll for “Best Musician” the last three years and identified in its “The List: 101 That Mattered” in Reno’s music scene over the last 20 years – along with singer-songwriters Grace Hutchison (also among the 101), Leisa Golding and Chip Evans are working together to fill the gap in the music world for development of young musical artists. Stangeland, SPI’s Music Director and winner of this year’s Reno News & Review poll for “Best Music Instructor”, notes, “SPI helps young people find their own voice through songwriting and their own path in the music world. Since all SPI instructors are seasoned music industry veterans with solid touring and recording backgrounds, we’ll also share how much fun music making can be.”

“Our relationship with students and parents begins with a frank and comprehensive overview of today’s music world along with an honest skill assessment and personalized plan for each student,” says CEO Chip Evans. “Assessment helps students establish realistic goals and provides parents insight on how they can help their kids achieve their dreams.”

While many teens enjoy music as a relaxing hobby, many want to perform for an audience and record in the studio. SPI will offer a unique “Stage & Studio SeriesTM” incorporating guitar or keyboard skills, vocal techniques, music theory, songwriting, performance skills, and recording techniques resulting in the public performance and recording of each student’s original composition. Todd South, a well-known host of open mic and musician showcase venues, shares, “Every week I meet young people with natural talent and creative energy, all of whom can benefit from experienced guidance as they make the leap from karaoke singer to confident, performing singer-songwriters.” Leisa Golding, also an experienced open mic host, adds, “For most kids there is no support for that progression, certainly not in Northern Nevada. SPI will be addressing a big gap in our local community of benefit to musicians and music lovers.”

SPI clinics will teach Music Careers, Professionalism, Songwriting with Software, Performing with Groups, Promotion & Marketing, and Legal & Safety Issues. Most clinics will be co-taught by two singer-songwriters, one adult and one youth. Kate Cotter reflects, “Much of what SPI will teach comes from what experienced singer-songwriters say they wish they’d known as they began their musical journey.” Grace Hutchison adds, “Success and happiness in the music world comes in many different forms. We strive to help students become inspired musicians, while providing an early glimpse of their musical potential, creatively and career-wise.”

SPI will include an on-site recording studio and the services of resident producer/engineers. SPI will also sponsor master workshops, clinics and concerts with renowned recording artists, performers and songwriters.

Reservations are currently being accepted for January 2009 clinics in Keyboards, Guitar and Vocals for Songwriters, an Overview of Today’s Music World (A Guide for Aspiring Singer-Songwriters in the Digital Age), as well as the first Stage & Studio SeriesTM.

SPI invites Northern Nevadans to attend the company’s Launch & Concert Gala on Friday, January 9th, 7-10pm at the Sierra Arts Gallery, 17 South Virginia Street. The celebration will feature refreshments along with performances by SPI instructors and introductions of the company, its principals, and future programs.

Contact Us for more information.

——————————————————————————–

Fun playing with numbers in the 2 CD 2 Federal races…

This morning I looked at the precinct by precinct vote returns that are now posted in North Las Vegas in the Heller vs Derby race. That way I could identify the precinct numbers in Clark County that are included in Congressional District #2. And, then finally get the numbers in that section of the district for the Presidential race and compare Obama’s results with Derby’s results. Thus enabling me also to finally get Obama’s and McCain’s complete results within Congressional District #2.

I think the main understanding that can be taken away from looking at these numbers is that people voted more for the person with seemingly not any overriding concern for party affiliation.

The numbers I came up with for Obama in CD 2 were 167,373 votes were cast for him and 167,964 votes were cast for McCain. So, 335,337 people voted for either one of the two (vote count for others not included). McCain’s margin of victory over Obama in this Congressional District was 591.

The number of people voting for either Heller or Derby is 307,319, so there’s an undervote of just over 28,000 in the Congressional race.
Heller received 170,771 votes and Derby was supported by 136,548 voters. Heller’s margin over Derby was 34,223 votes.

Peavine Mountain Wanderings

On Peavine Mountain, standing 2 miles south of Summit and looking east

Several months ago I started taking pictures from up on Peavine Mountain.  Here’s the flickr photo set so far (many more to be added over time):

 http://www.flickr.com/photos/28424275@N06/sets/72157610852305579/

“Base camp” for these wanderings has been located out in Somersett, a location about three miles directly south of Peavine Mtn. Peak Summit (and about 2 miles directly north of Mogul).   The mountain now has many developed trails on it and soon this portion of the many miles long range will have its trail system laid out in a map.

Today I reached a height that I had not attained before and for the first time got a full view of Reno and some of the valley south of it.  (A few years back, when exploring the very eastern end of the mountain range from the “base camp” of Rancho San Rafael Park, I would see stunning views of downtown.)

The photo in this article was taken just a week ago.  Tonight storms are raging, with our first real high winds in a long while, and snow is expected beginning tonight.  Peavine Mountain will becoming white as I spend the next couple of days up here.  And, that’s the way it will be for the next few months at least.

Saving Our State!

Zeke of http://zekesaysso.blogspot.com has come up with a proposal to enhance state revenues.  He suggests that the state sell to the highest bidders any state offices that are open for hiring.  This gave me (the Third Eye) an opportunity to offer my own, now expanded idea, of enriching our state’s general fund.  So, I posted this:

“What a wonderful opening and opportunity your article here gives me! (Actually, it’s a wonderful opening and opportunity FOR ALL OF US!)I decided this am that Operation Johnny GanjaSeed needs to be expanded upon (so far as its previous focus, medical marijuana patients).
I had proposed that the state dump its unwieldy, and patient hating, current process and grow it and sell it to patients (with all “profits” going into the general state fund).BUT….we are basicly on the verge of another Great Depression and there’s only ONE WAY out of the darkness. (As there was in the other Depression, to wit the END OF PROHIBITION).Voters almost approved a legalization measure 2 years ago. So, state legislators no longer really have to worry about supporting my very brilliant idea. Which now is:Sell pot to everyone, 18 and above in age! That is, the State sells pot that it grows (using state employees facing layoffs). Imagine the profits!!

A brief survey of voters at Java Jungle this morning revealed the biggest problem with this proposal (in the eyes of the voters there): that the hardworking gardeners and distributors involved in the current underground economy associated with marijuana would be hurt, and hurt badly by my proposal. My response (sincerely) was that I had already thought of that sad consequence, but now felt that our general welfare, indeed our domestic tranquility, is on the line here.

Go to http://renothirdeye.wordpress.com for a soon to be posted article that expands on my earlier proposal.”

Looks like I might have to get hard to work on this and even take up lobbying!  Perhaps even fashion a bill for someone to put on the floor. 

 

2:55 PM, December 11, 2008