Archive for Uncategorized
Upcoming Mountainair Events
by John Weckerle
Checking in on our friends at Mountainair Announcements, we find two noteworthy events scheduled over the next few days. This Saturday, October 3, a historical reenactment/costumed living history of life during the actively occupied period of Gran Quivira will be presented as a series of tours starting every half-hour beginning at 6 p.m. For more information, see the article at Mountainair Announcements.
Especially importantly, Central Region Educational Cooperative and Mountainair Public Schools will host early screening for developmental issues as part of the Child Find program. If you have a child age infant to five years old, this may be a great opportunity to identify problems that may be better addressed sooner than later. Again, for more information, see the Mountainair Arts article.
Upcoming Weed Management Action
The following is a public notice from the Central New Mexico Cooperative Weed Management Area:
The week of September 21 -25, 2009, the Central New Mexico Cooperative Weed Management Area in conjunction with the New Mexico State Land Office and our Cooperators are going to aerially spray Russian knapweed on New Mexico Highway 41 one-half mile north of the intersection of NM Highways 41 and 542. Treatment of Russian knapweed is planned for the west side of NM State Highway 41 just to the west of the highway right-a-way. Acres planned for treatment include approximately 160 acres of State and Private Lands. »» Upcoming Weed Management Action
The Grill vs. Everybody Else
by John Weckerle
New Mexico Central has received word from Kathy Schuit of Katrinah’s East Mountain Grill in Edgewood that the establishment has entered the State Fair green chile cheeseburger contest. According to Kathy, the grills fire up at 1 p.m. on September 22. If you’re going to the Fair, paint up your “Sell No Holiday Before Its Time” picket signs and cheer our local establishment on. If not, stop in to the restaurant and taste in advance what may be the next king of the hill in the State burger championship!
And Even More Annoying – In Fact “Most Annoying”
by John Weckerle
As I related my annoyance with the beyond-early exploitation of Christmas to a colleague just after our last entry, another colleague, who had overheard, popped in and told us about a grand scientific effort that had taken place some time back. Three intrepid souls had decided to conduct a survey and ask respondents what were the things they liked the best in a piece of music – and what they found most annoying. They then used the results of the survey to create the world’s most wanted, and the world’s most annoying, pieces of music. The world’s most annoying piece, at about 22 minutes long, is indeed a work of art in the realm of musical irritation – an opera singer rapping and then singing “cowboy,” incessant holiday themes (sung by a jangly children’s chorus), bagpipes, tubas, pipe organs, references to Walmart and George Stephanopoulos, patriotic background singing, and more – and many at the same time. Perhaps not surprisingly, the world’s most wanted music – a journey into soft schlock – is perhaps more subtly odious, although it is mercifully much shorter (which may be why the worst music beats it out in the end). At least the worst music is funny. We invite our readers to enjoy the music and the articles to which it is attached:
Who Wants To Boycott The State Fair? And Some TV Shows?
by John Weckerle
Well, at least one of us is thinking about it. The issue? The incredibly irritating television commercial promoting the event.
The commercial – the theme of which is that the State Fair is like all the holidays rolled into one – features a number of people dressed in costumes representing holidays, dancing (poorly) to the Christmas song “It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year.”
I, for one, have been sick to death for years of the exploitation of Christmas and the cynical trend of commercial interests’ shoving one of our best holidays into our faces as much as four months in advance. I can understand the hobby stores getting things out early – it takes time to make things for Christmas, especially if you make a lot of presents (which I do, although I’m committed to a last-minute dash most years). But this incessant barrage of Christmas paraphernalia that begins in late August and persists through December is, to my mind, offensive. »» Who Wants To Boycott The State Fair? And Some TV Shows?
September 11 Memorial Event
The following is a press release from Wildlife West Nature Park:
On Friday, September 11, 2009 the largest simultaneous white dove release in history will take place across America as a national memorial to those who died on September 11, 2001. In New Mexico the only location for this special recognition for victims and fire fighters who perished that day will be held at Wildlife West Nature Park in Edgewood at 10:00 a.m.
The release of white doves will take place in locations from the Atlantic to the Pacific, from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, in communities from large cities to small town all across America. Wildlife West Nature Park was selected as the only site in New Mexico for this national memorial in part because Tom Smylie, world-renowned falconer, will handle the release of the birds (the birds will fly back to his home in Edgewood).
The public is invited to attend and to honor those who lost their lives on this devastating day. Admission to Wildlife West is free during the day for this special ceremony. Contact Wildlife West Nature Park for additional information at 505-281-7655, 877-981-WILD (9453) or visit the Park’s web site at www.wildlifewest.org.
Stop Calling Your Brother Names!
by John Weckerle
Lacking any significant local messes on which to comment, at least for the moment, we turn out attention to a situation that is often seen locally, and yet is symptomatic of factors at work nationwide – the nature of discourse on public issues. In a commentary posted last week that I cannot find at present, a CNN reporter bemoaned the deterioration of the way in which public debate is being conducted on a wide variety of issues. The piece was not partisan, and gently chided both sides for their behavior. It is disappointing to see how far this business can go. As the author pointed out, those holding a right-of-center view are often branded by their opponents as fascists or right-wing radicals; those to the left are likewise vilified as socialists or elitists. Especially over the last couple of decades, we seem all too eager to abandon the real subject at hand, refuse to listen to any viewpoint other than our own, accept opinions as fact, and descend immediately into name calling and accusation. We are losing our ability to listen, and replacing it with a talent for shouting. »» Stop Calling Your Brother Names!
Permaculture Gathering In Edgewood
by John Weckerle
On October 3, 2009, beginning at noon, Dr. Christian Meuli will host the free annual permaculture gathering in Edgewood. Permaculture, the art and science of creating human environments based on an understanding of ecological relationships, uses a systems approach to create environmentally sustainable settings that provide a positive experience for those who live in them – human and otherwise. The effective use of resources – for example, soil, water, sunlight, and organic matter – are key elements of permaculture, as is the effective incorporation of topography. Dr. Meuli, known locally as the chairman of Edgewood’s Parks and Recreation Committee, is one of the area’s foremost experts on and advocates for permaculture, and has used permaculture principles to create a sustainable and rewarding environment at his home.
The program will include a site tour, potluck, and presentations. Tom Smylie, a raptor expert who has worked with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Peregrine Fund and also conducts free-flight falcon shows and raptor courses at Wildlife West Nature Park, will discuss Birds In Our Lives. Water artist and Keepers of the Waters Director Betsy Damon will give a presentation on “Living Water.” For more information, see the event flier or contact Dr. Meuli at (505) 281-4871.
Harvest Time!
Blacksmith Demonstration at 2008 Wildlife West Harvest Festival
by John Weckerle
Later this month, on Saturday and Sunday, August 29 to 30, Wildlife West Nature Park in Edgewood will hold its annual Harvest festival celebrating the area’s culture, traditions, and agricultural heritage. This year’s festivities include a wine tasting, blacksmith demonstrations, hayrides, games and stage shows, folk music, opportunities to experienc wildife up-close, many artists and vendors, a Chuckwagon Dinner featuring Syd Masters and the Swing Riders, and a Sunday morning fun run and pancake breakfast. These events are a lot of fun, and are a great experience for the whole family. Albuquerque folks: it’s only 20 easy Interstate minutes away – and you can’t take the family to the movies (for two hours) for what you’d pay for this all-day event!
Fire Update From Bernalillo County Commissioner Brasher
We received the following press release from Larry Gallegos of the Bernalillo County Public Affairs Department yeterday:
County Commissioner Michael Brasher wants everyone in the East Mountains to know that Bernalillo County is aware of the flare up in the ongoing East Mountain fire. State and U.S. Forestry personnel are fighting the fire at this time and have air support and additional resources on route.
“Bernalillo County is proactively reinforcing wild land fire crews and patrols in the area and will assist when needed,” says Commissioner Brasher.
Bernalillo County Fire Chief John Garcia adds, “The Bernalillo Fire Department is staging additional staff and equipment at Fire Station 11 to be ready to assist if the need arises.” (Fire Station 11 is located at 10838 Highway 337 in Tijeras.)
As in the case of any fire or emergency, residents should take precautions by gathering important papers, photos, etc. Always make arrangements for people with disabilities, pets and animals and always communicate your plans with other family members.
I Break For Animals
by John Weckerle
After braking to avoid hitting an animal last Wednesday, I was surprised by a loud “bang!” and the immediate experience of looking up at the ceiling in the back floor of my Jeep. I had been hit from behind hard enough to snap the back of my seat. We will forego discussion of the particulars pending resolution of the issue, except to say that, at this point, there is no cause for much alarm on the part of our readers. One hopes that the aches and pains, etc. will disappear completely, and sooner than later.
I will say, however, that I have been very unimpressed by the other party’s insurance agents, Berger Briggs of Albuquerque, and the carrier, Union Standard Insurance Company. Again, we will defer discussion of the particulars until after the matter has been concluded; however, in our opinion, we found neither the agent nor the provider to be particularly stellar with respect to the way the case has been handled thus far. »» I Break For Animals
New Addition to NM-Central.com
by John Weckerle
As requested, we are providing some photos of the newest resident at NM-Central.com headquarters. Meet Wilson, who is now nine weeks old and has written his first symphony. More pictures behind the cut.
It’s A Dog’s Life – Mine, At Least For Now
by John Weckerle
Our readers may have noticed a brief hiatus since last Saturday. On that sunny and hot day, we chose to visit what we thought was a food festival at the Triangle Grocery – but which turned out to be a small arts and crafts fair. We understand that there was some food inside – but we never really got the chance to sample the food or look over the arts and crafts. My wife spotted the Animal Humane folks at the east edge of the parking lot, and suggested that we stop there first. We’ve been talking about getting a dog for about a year, and nearly adopted one a couple of months ago (at the last minute, the current owners decided to keep her). We looked over the occupants of the big RV in which they transport the dogs, and visited with one or two outside before hunger overcame the other folks in the group, and we needed to pop over to the Greenside Cafe for lunch (I had the Funky, a vegetarian sandwich that changes periodically – this time, an excellent portabella mushroom sandwich). As we started in that direction, my wife noticed a puppy that we hadn’t seen. He was an eight-week-old Chihuahua/heeler cross and very friendly, so we discussed it over lunch, went back, and adopted him.
We hadn’t really been planning on adopting a puppy, but we are having a great deal of fun. Even the house training is kind of an adventure – each success is pretty rewarding for everybody involved. It is, however, time consuming, and has taken up a little of the time I usually set aside for writing. He’ll be house trained soon, and the articles will increase in frequency.
One disappointment – I called the Town of Edgewood, and found that they have discontinued their dog training classes. We’ll be checking with Animal Humane to see what they have available; alternatively, I suppose we could enroll in Petsmart’s classes. If any of our readers know of something of good quality available locally, we’d love to hear about it.
Fire Areas Open With Restrictions; Others Close
by John Weckerle
The Mountainair Ranger District lifted closure orders for the Ojo Peak, Trigo, and Big Spring Fire Rehabilitation Areas on July 2, 2009. However, restrictions have been placed on the use of motorized vehicles within those areas. The Tajique, New Canyon, and Capilla Peak campgrounds have been closed until December 31, as has Forest Road 245. For more information and for updates on closures and restrictions within the Cibola National Forest, consult the Cibola National Forest Closures and Restrictions page.
Look, Up In The Sky!
by John Weckerle
Visitors to the top of the Sandia Peak Tramway received an unusual treat today, as several hang gliders launched from the area just north of High Finance Restaurant. One glider headed straight toward Albuquerque, but the second worked to ride the thermals and gain substantial altitude before leaving the area. Onlookers were heard to comment that two of the hang gliders were headed to a landing at a concert in Santa Fe. »» Look, Up In The Sky!