Tag: Informational

Posted on

H1N1 Flu coming soon to a neighborhood near you (probably)

Old photo of flu patients
I don’t have any better insight into this subject than you do, but I have been watching the CDC website. The numbers make it look pretty inevitable that flu is headed our way. At this point there are no reported cases in Shasta County. I wonder how long that will last? When it does hit I imagine there may be a bit of a panic. I hope everyone stays safe in these upcoming, potentially trying times.

Progression of flu patients

The chart above was much shorter just yesterday. So. I need a plan. I figure I’m going to get it. Probably you are too. I’ve had the flu before, and lived to tell the tale. And I expect to do so again this time. Bravado perhaps. Not looking forward to it though. From reading the information available online, the flu virus has a nasty habit of mutating rapidly and into things we cannot predict. Obviously, some preparation is in order. You may want to get some Hand Sanitizer ready for the season, and stock up on other supplies as well in case anything happens. It could also be worthwhile wearing things like face masks in order to limit the spread of germs and viruses to those around us, check them out here – https://stringking.com/ppe/face-masks/3-layer-kids-face-mask/. I think I’m going to make some chicken soup. Enough to freeze until we need it, and I won’t feel like cooking much. In addition, it would be a good idea to think about the symptoms that come along with the flu and make sure that you are stocked up on the relevant pain relief treatments. For example, I will be making sure I have plenty of lozenges from places like Quantum Health (https://quantumhealth.com/shop/product/cough-relief-bagged-lozenges) for more natural remedies to treat a sore throat. The key is preparedness for this flu season. What are you doing? The CDC site has some suggestions:
Preparation logo

Pandemic. That sounds serious. When we feel like these things are serious hopefully that means our community can come back together and work to help us through it all and keep healthy. I hope the chicken soup helps! Best wishes to all.

Posted on

Where our taxes go

Yesterday was painful, but not as painful as it would be to live ANYWHERE ELSE ON THE PLANET. Still, this chart is worthy of your consideration. Be patient after clicking on it. It took a while to come up.
Tax chart

Posted on

We took the Bullet Train to San Diego

Bullet train

We spent a few days in San Diego after taking the Bullet Train out of Redding. It just took a few hours. I remember when it took all day on I-5 back in the bad old days. What a great trip. The train was really nice, and we met some cool people. San Diego has a terrific Light Rail system. Look at what they’ve done to their cityscape HERE. We even took the Red Car to Tijuana for an afternoon of fun.
Bullet train

The Red Car is quaint and fun, but not as nice as our Green Car system that stretches from Shingletown to Whiskeytown. Of course, the best part of any trip is coming home to Redding. Our NicholsMelburg&Rossetto designed train station is one of the nicest in the world.
Bullet train

Of course I’m making all this up. I was thinking about this as we started getting so many e-mails this week about trying to beat down the proposed SCRIP (formerly Fix 5) building fees that are ostensibly meant to pay for widening I-5. Widening I-5? Are we maybe preparing for the wrong scenario here? They have “freeways” ten lanes wide in the Bay Area and they are still jammed. What if we had a decent rail system like they have in Europe? Why is that Europe has a better transportation system than we do? We are spending trillions of stimulus dollars and all we get is widened roads? I’m feeling really gyped. Where is the vision that built Shasta Dam? Our leaders today spend big, but think small.

Posted on

Variety City offers alternative shopping and fun

VarietyCity
The appropriately named Variety City at 1281 Lake Boulevard carries grocery items that may have been slightly damaged, or are blemished in some way. Dented cans are a good example. They also have regular grocery items along with various and sundry hardware and gift items. The store has been owned and operated by Joyce and Gene for 9 years, in a property that had started out as a hardware/lumber yard. Over the years, I’ve always enjoyed shopping there for the interesting and unusual food items you can randomly find. There’s always something to be found you might never buy at a big box store, like some odd soup or sauce, but which you can find here priced attractively enough that you end up taking it home. You can find brand names you won’t see in the chain stores around here. Joyce works to keep the atmosphere really friendly and fun. I still remember the first time I walked in there 9 years ago, and Joyce saw me walking around looking at items, and said with her big smile, “Hey you, get a cart. You’re going to need it.” I did, She was right.

Of course, in these economic times, access to these bargains is more than just a a luxury indulgence. Highly recommended.

Posted on

State of the City, our Mayor speaks at the Cascade

The Mayor speaks
We attended the free version of the State of the City address at the Cascade yesterday evening. Mayor Rick Bosetti made references to Yogi Berra and Ronald Reagan. Ok, that was weird, but he did touch on some good points. We have many great things happening here, despite the tough times. New bridges, boulevards, and trails. A spectacular library. A new business park. I felt proud of my city, as I watched the presentation.
The Mayor speaks
Our city is well run, with a bright future. The event was sparsely attended, but I’m glad we went. I took several shots of local civic celebrities, but nothing came out worth posting.
The Mayor speaks
The same presentation was made earlier with lunch included for $30 per seat. Oddly, it appeared that the earlier version was much more well attended than this free version, despite the cost. In these economic times, I find that surprising.

Posted on

Imagining 10 dimensions in 11 minutes

This was an interesting and fun video about how to conceptualize 10 dimensions, although we beings only seem to occupy 3 or 4 of them. At least, so it seems. Well worth your 11 minutes.

Watch Imagining the ten dimensions in How to Videos  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com
After watching this, I lay in bed the next morning wondering if time, the 4th dimension, was actually arranged on a Möbius path. We might find ourselves at the start of our path when we reach the end, like the Flatlander in the video. That would be odd. Anyway, thanks to my brother Ron for sending this one.

Posted on

Jury, it's not just a duty.

They floated me a few days, but finally called me to serve. I sat with the hundred or so of our fellow jurors in Shasta County waiting to do our duty. There was fellow Chamber Member, Kurt Mitchell of Edward Jones. Also seen there were was fellow agent and friend Lara Wells Osborn of Coldwell Banker. All taking a day (or more) off to do our civic duty. Good to see our citizens exercising their rights and duties under our judicial system.

We watched the video from the judge, and listened as staffers talked us through the process. Did you know it’s against the law to take pictures in the Jury Assembly area? I didn’t. You learn several new things at every chance to serve.

Courthouse

As it turned out I was juror 11. The plaintiff acted as her own attorney, in pro per, as I understand it. (Note to self – NEVER DO THAT!) We sat through her day in court, but she seemed to have no case. The opposing attorney absolutely SHREDDED her, although very kindly and professional, all the while. The judge, Cara Beatty was exceptionally patient and understanding, and made an excellent impression. That’s how all judges should treat people. It was dismissed mid-afternoon on a motion, mercifully. You should have heard people’s comments as we walked out the Courthouse. Wow, they were very patient in the jury box, but the conversation at deliberations would have been flaming, I’m sure. Glad we didn’t get there.

As I arrived in the assembly area, my shoe disintegrated. These were Clarks, supposedly a good British shoe. I wonder if this was a knock off? Naturally, I sat in the front row of the jury box, so all assembled in the room could clearly see my toes. Nice. If ever there was a good indicator that I need your business, this was it. I need new SHOES!
Clarks shoes

Posted on

League of Women Voters Soup Supper at Lema Ranch w/pics

I’ve been called to jury duty today. If you need Real Estate help, Erin’s got it covered.
Soup Supper at Lema Ranch
We attended the League of Women Voters Annual Soup Supper at Lema Ranch last evening. Lot’s of great people and atmosphere.
Soup Supper at Lema Ranch
Plus excellent food was in abundance. Everybody brought an interesting soup.
Soup Supper at Lema Ranch
Erin received an award for her work with the League, seen above with Susan Wilson.
Soup Supper at Lema Ranch
Our speaker for the evening was Mike Chuchel, the Unit Chief/County Fire Warden of CalFire in Shasta County. He spoke about fire safety and about last season’s horrific lightning sparked fire event. People, you need to pay careful attention to the 100 feet of defensible space rule! Mike says they are going to start citing offenders this year, instead of simply warning.
Soup Supper at Lema Ranch

There were hundreds of fires last summer. Thousands of acres burned, but few homes were lost, due to the hard work of our many firefighters from all over the state. Mike had lots of interesting anecdotes and statistics about the season. As he pointed out, you may not think it was such a big deal, but how many other events here can you think of where the President of the United States showed up to look? Plus our Governator came here 4 times in one month. It was a very big deal. I hope we never see its like again, but the warm January evening does not bode well for the dry winter we’ve had so far.
Soup Supper at Lema Ranch
Lema Ranch is as stunning at night is as it is by day. What a lovely resource. It was a terrific evening!

Posted on

What do you see in the sky at night?

You see time. This recently released 18 minute video from TED is thought provoking. Awe provoking, really.

TED has lots of thought provoking information from smart people. Worth a lengthy surf to their site if you haven’t seen some of what takes place there. It’s always encouraging to see smart people.

Posted on

Mortgage modification

Mortgages are often very difficult to understand. If you’re going to be applying for a mortgage, it’s important that you know how to get the best option for you because otherwise, you’ll struggle to pay for it. If you don’t have any credit history, then you will find it very hard to find a good rate so you should look at credit cards for people with no credit so you are able to build a score that will get you a score that will give you a mortgage you can afford. If you accept a mortgage that you won’t be able to support financially then you may lose your house. Luckily, there are steps you can take to improve your financial situation if you are currently struggling, like a mortgage modification. If you are interested in learning more about mortgage modifications for first time home buyers your preferred mortgage broker may be able to help.

A mortgage modification is where a troubled homeowner can renegotiate the terms of their mortgage to make it affordable. I have been dismayed to see so many scams recently appear to take advantage of the people who are in mortgage trouble, preying on the most vulnerable. Here’s a link to the only legitimate site I know, Making homes Affordable. Never pay anyone for this free information.

Avoid the many scam artists we see popping up. I hope this helps somebody.

If you’re currently purchasing a new home and want to find a lender for a mortgage loan, SoFi can help with this and make the process a less stressful one – https://www.sofi.com/home-loans/mortgage/.