PSA: Mountainair Elementary School Fall Carnival
by John Weckerle
Checking in on our friends at Mountainair Announcements, we find that the Mountainair Elementary School will hold its Fall Carnival today, Friday October 28, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The carnival supports school activities and includes games, bingo, and a cakewalk. The organizers are requesting donations of baked goods and bingo prizes. For more information, see the Mountainair Announcements article.
In Hot Water Again…
by John Weckerle
Your editor has again apparently stepped on some toes – specifically, those of the folks over at the Sandia Tea Party web site. This should not be surprising to our readers; we have on multiple occasions taken issue with the postings there.
On October 17, Sandia Tea Party internet spokesman and Edgewood Town Council member Chuck Ring posted a cartoon depicting a balloon in the shape of U.S. President Barak Obama’s head, captioned “Running Low on Fuel?” In the basket below the balloon can be seen a beleaguered donkey, and the basket bears the words “White Guilt.” Now, we admit that we don’t usually make comments directly on the Sandia Tea Party web site, preferring to conduct our reviews and analysis in our own space. However, we did think it appropriate in this case to get some more information, given the lack of any commentary other than the cartoon in the post, before publicly making any conclusions. Your editor posted the following, rather direct comment:
Would you care to elaborate on the meaning of this image and how it relates to the political and/or socioeconomic issues that face the nation at this time? Would you also care to enlighten the readership with regard to how this image communicates the official position of the Sandia Tea Party?
At first glance, and several subsequent looks, this post would appear to suggest that the official position of the STP is that the President was elected (and remains so) because he is of African American descent (“white guilt”) and/or has received support from the electorate based on this premise. If this is the official position of the STP, please provide credible references to support the position.
After accusing your editor of attempting to paint him as a racist (and later accusing me an “attempt to steer any reader to your interpretation of the cartoon”), Mr. Ring responds to the initial question somewhat in the affirmative, suggesting that “some” voters likely supported Mr. Obama to expiate the “sins of their fathers.” No real evidence is provided to support the claim – but to be fair, it would be wrong for us to dispute that “some” may have done so, because “some” probably did. We do, however, question whether this was a significant influence on the results on the election, and welcome the Sandia Tea Party to provide any credible (that is, verifiable) evidence that this was a major factor. We will also say that, after kicking the idea around New Mexico Central headquarters, we did not settle upon “racist” as describing the cartoon, although “racially charged” and “racially insensitive” did gain a little traction before we gave up on the exercise altogether.
Mr. Ring then expresses offense at the question and engages in an attempt to put your editor in his place, whatever it is that he believes that place to be. This is not the first such attempt, and it is likely to be about as successful as previous efforts. Despite the explicit statement that no criticism or judgmental language had been offered, Mr. Ring states that this must have been the case because “your IQ is probably in the stratosphere as to the number and I know you have common-sense.” I have, in fact, been wondering what happened to my IQ, and I do appreciate the help in trying to find the darned thing and put it to use, but the fact that I apparently left it on a plane at some point hardly seems good reason to call me a liar. An inference is made to the cleaning of diapers on the blog. I now have my own scatological Sandia Tea Party web site reference – and that without expressing a single opinion!
Mr. Ring denies being the Sandia Tea Party’s spokesman, and I challenge that point. Mr. Ring responds: “Since I have corrected your opinion, I believe we can lay it to rest.”
Let us address the latter point first – Mr. Ring has repeated his denial of our characterization of him as the Sandia Tea Party’s spokesman, but he has corrected nothing. For the reasons given in the comments, we consider him the one of the organization’s spokespeople, and denying that until the cows come home will probably not change our position in that regard – the Sandia Tea Party site is not his personal blog (he also has one of those), and what he posts there reflects directly upon the organization. With respect to the “offense” taken, we see this as an attempt to deflect attention away from the issue originally raised, and put it into the same category of the “I know you are but what am I” strategy to which we have declined to respond in the past.
We have a little insight for the would-be non-spokesman: These tactics do little to enhance the credibility of your positions or decrease that of those who question them. They may play well to a limited audience – and if that’s all that’s intended, that’s fine – but the world at large likely assigns them very little weight in the debate.
The Insidious Plot
by John Weckerle
Our readers may have noted that we’re occasionally sporadic with respect to the frequency of our posts. The challenging economy is becoming a challenge, and sometimes we find ourselves working hard just to keep working hard, and the need for some of us to continue generating an income sometimes means a need to take a break from other pursuits. We returned to the online world today and took a quick look in on the folks at the Sandia Tea Party, and noted a September 15 post by Edgewood Town Councilor Chuck Ring on the Rebuild the Dream Contract for the American Dream. A copy of said contract is provided in image form – not surprisingly titled “Communist Contract AD Alliance Partners” by the author – as is a graphic providing the logos of organizations affiliated with Rebuild The Dream. Mr. Ring invites us to go conspiracy hunting at a site called “Discover The Networks: A Guide to the Political Left.” He then suggests that there is something misleading about Rebuild the Dream’s use of the logo of one of the supporting organizations, “OUR Walmart,” insinuating that OUR Walmart is a fictitious organization or one that may have “misused” Walmart’s name. He points out that a Google search leads to a listing for “ourwalmart.org,” a site no longer in service with a link to Walmart’s corporate home page.
In this, Mr. Ring indulges in a little fast footwork himself – so fast that he apparently shot past the first three hits on the search he recommends. The first two lead directly – and predictably – to the organization called Organization United for Respect at Walmart (OURWalmart), an association of Walmart employees who quite pointedly state that they are not satisfied with the conditions of the their employment. In that context, we don’t see anything misleading. A little research indicates that Walmart challenged the use of the domain name “ourwalmart.org” by the organization – a challenge that appeared valid given domain naming conventions, which is something your editor knows a little about. However, we’ll point out that the logo on the “commiegraph” does not include a domain name, so we fail to see the deception in its inclusion on the graphic, which was clearly lifted from the Rebuild the Dream site and presented without attribution on the Sandia Tea Party site.
Dish Network Outage
by John Weckerle
Dish Network is currently experiencing an outage on their Satellite 129. Subscribers can still watch non-HD channels by going to their guide, setting it to All Channels, and selecting channels without the “HD” next to them.
An Article About Articles
by John Weckerle
It’s been a while since we checked in on the folks at the Sandia Tea Party. In our last article on the subject, we examined two posts on the Sandia Tea Party site: one which we felt was a slap at minorities, and another on global climate change on which we thought it appropriate to clarify the source. Predictably or not, both articles vanished from the Sandia Tea Party site very quickly after our article was published.
Since then, we’ve been busy with other things, but have been keeping an eye on the site from time to time. There have been a few times where we’ve considered taking the author(s) to task on disinformation and other issues. It is rife with “the usual” – branding people with different opinions as “socialists” (even those who advocate sustainable development are now included in this ever-broadening category); suggesting that widely accepted scientific postulates are a) false, b) stupid, c) the result of dishonesty or myopia in the scientific community, or d) all of the above; and peppering all this with vague (or sometimes not-so-vague) scatological references that are certainly more enjoyable to write than they are to read.
We find ourselves currently amused by several posts on the site dealing with issues associated with carbon and anthropogenic climate change. The first of these consists of a doctored (we hope) photograph depicting a child urinating off a pier with the caption “After rising CO2 levels were blamed for increasing ocean acidity, a new theory emerges.” Apparently, this is supposed to suggest that it is foolish to believe that an increase in atmospheric CO2 lowers the pH of water.
Announcement: Flood Maps Changing for East Mountains — Public Meeting Scheduled
by Catherine Lopez, Bernalillo County Public Information Department
Bernalillo County – A couple of weeks ago, letters were mailed to approximately 730 East Mountain residents notifying them of the revised flood zone maps and the direct effect it will have upon them. As of August 11, the county entered the 90 day appeal period when residents can appeal the technical aspects of the new mapping or protest the information presented on the maps themselves.
“It’s very important that homeowner’s understand that if they have a mortgage, they may be required to purchase flood insurance. Doing so before the maps take effect will save them significant money,” states Commissioner Wayne Johnson.
A public meeting is scheduled on Wednesday, August 31, at the Los Vecinos Community Center beginning at 6:00 p.m. Bernalillo County Public Works staff will talk about the flood zone changes, answer questions about the appeal process and insurance requirements; and discuss the next action steps for East Mountain residents.
For more information, residents can contact the Bernalillo County Floodplain Administrator, Don Briggs, at 848-1511 or visit our website at www.bernco.gov.
Announcement: Open Burning Ban Lifted in Unincorporated Bernalillo County
by Larry Gallegos, Bernalillo County Public Information Specialist
Bernalillo County – Today, Bernalillo County Fire Marshal Chris Gober lifted the last of the burn bans and restrictions that have been in place since June.
“We thank everyone for following the burn restrictions and making this a fire safe summer,” says Fire Chief John Garcia. “The recent rains have finally brought the fire danger down enough to lift the ban.”
Bernalillo County Fire Marshal Chris Gober reminds everyone that only tumbleweeds and dry weeds can be burned and only in piles of no more than three feet tall by three feet wide. Burning of tree limbs and branches, other wood products, leaves and trash is always prohibited.
Reminder: Harvest Festival This Weekend at Wildlife West Nature Park
The Wildlife West Harvest Festival, including the grand opening of the Historic Pinto Bean Museum, will be held this weekend! For more information, see the previously published press release.
Announcement: Annual Permaculture Gathering At La Resolana In Edgewood, Saturday, October 1, 2011
Editor’s note: This is a great event, with plenty of practical information on strategies for living in our New Mexico environment. We attended last year’s gathering, and learned a great deal (article here), and the food at the potluck was outstanding. We encourage all to attend.
by Christian Meuli
12:00 PM Site Tour
2:00 PM Potluck
3:00 PM Tom Smylie — Human Effects on Wildlife and Wildlife Dynamics
4:00 PM Jan Daniels — Using Cover Crops as Green Manure in Your Garden
This free permaculture gathering will emphasize using what is available in this difficult drought in New Mexico. We will observe the effects of drought during the site tour and share ideas about designing and implementing sustainable and nourishing landscapes. I invite everyone to discuss the variety of possible approaches to dealing with drought and with the increasing effects of global climate warming in this high plains desert.
I think that there is a high probability of longer periods between moisture events (summer rains and winter snows) interspersed with rare and drastic moisture events. The site tour will include path-making, rock terraces, sponge ladders, and possibly rainwater cisterns (allowing time for good food!).
Tom Smylie has been instrumental in the revival of the peregrine falcon in North America and has an amazing breadth and depth of knowledge about our changing environment. Jan Daniels is in the Design Review Department of Santa Fe County for landscaping, rainwater harvesting, and open space and trails and is an avid gardener.
Invite any interested friends and children, and bring your finest sun hat! Please bring a tasty dish that you would be proud to share with others; providing an ingredient list will invite more folks to enjoy your dish. Please car pool and leave pets at home.
Take I-40 to Exit #187 in Edgewood (25 miles east of Albuquerque and 8 miles west of Moriarty). At the end of the off-ramp, go south two blocks to the stoplight at the intersection with Highway #333 (Smith’s Grocery will be on your left and Walgreens to your right). Go straight up the hill on Edgewood Road #7 and in ½ mile turn right onto Moriarty Road (gravel). Go ¼ mile to #24 and turn right into my driveway or go straight ahead and down the hill and park on your left.
I look forward to seeing everyone and meeting new friends! If you need a map or a timely voice message update, please call me at 281-4871.
Looking forward to seeing everyone !
Christian Meuli
Grow Your Own – Quit Playing With Your Food!
by John Weckerle
Yesterday's harvest - Mondays aren't all bad!
Er… No.
Moisture At Last
by John Weckerle
Recent storms have left New Mexico Central headquarters high and dry, passing to the east and west as they bring moisture to – well, points east and west, and north and south for that matter. That is, until yesterday, when the skies opened up and dropped a greatly appreciated 1.1 inches of water on our location in 24 hours. The rain barrels are full, and we suspect that there’s much more water in the big tanks today than there was yesterday at this time. The weather forecast indicates we’ll have a couple of relatively sunny days, and we’re hoping for more rain before too long; if we’re lucky, it’ll be in time for one last burst of wildflowers. In the meantime, we’re enjoying the early morning “special effects” left behind by the storm.
Woofstock A Doggone Good Time
by John Weckerle
Senior Animal Events Correspondent Wilson takes a crack at lure coursing...
Yesterday’s first annual Woofstock festival – a fundraiser for a new animal shelter sponsored by the Town of Edgewood, Petco, and the Estancia Valley Friends of Animals – in Edgewood brought pets, people, and vendors together for a fun-filled outdoor experience. The weather cooperated, with partly cloudy skies and reasonable temperatures, although it was beginning to heat up just a bit by about 11 a.m. Senior Animal Events Correspondent Wilson attended with your editor, ensuring that the day’s offerings got an expert assessment. He gave the lure coursing a try, and made numerous friends as we moseyed through the booths and attractions. Your editor stopped for a very well-executed chair massage by local massage therapist Beth Dennis, with proceeds donated to the shelter’s construction fund, and then purchased some raffle tickets from Edgewood Town Councilor Chuck Ring. We did not participate in the Dunk the Dogcatcher activities, although we did spy a rather wet-looking Vicky Murphy in the vicinity of the tank.
Grow Your Own – Mutiny Among The Bounty
by John Weckerle
The garden has been giving us substantial yields pretty much every day. We’ve now dined on the green beans, zucchini, yellow squash, tomatoes, lettuce, radishes, peppers, and cauliflower. Today’s harvest was special in that we brought in the first four heads of broccoli. These may well end up as cream of broccoli soup, using a recipe from Martha Stewart, that uses a veloute instead of bechemel base. The “test carrots” are noticeably bigger, and I suspect we’ll be hauling those in before long.
However, we’ve been finding some compromised tomatoes and the occasional slightly-chewed green bean, and there are holes in the broccoli leaves – ditto for the cabbage and kale in Bed 4. We suspect that mice are behind the mangled beans and tomatoes, and caterpillars would be the prime suspects in the cabbage/kale caper. We have not yet found any on the affected plants, but we’re keeping an eye out.
Today's harvest, minus the lettuce and green beans.
Woofstock Reminder
The first annual Woofstock event will be held in Edgewood tomorrow, August 20. For more information, see our previous article.
Santa Fe County Press Release: Santa Fe County Burn Restrictions Lifted
Santa Fe County – August 17, 2011 – Due to recent rains and an increase in precipitation the fire danger level for Santa Fe County has dropped and Open Burn Restrictions established with Ordinance 2011-5 have been lifted.
Burn permits obtained from Santa Fe County Fire Department prior to the implementation of the Open Burn Restrictions are void and a new permit must be obtained. Permits can be obtained from your local fire district or from the Santa Fe County Fire Prevention Division.
“Despite the recent rains, precipitation levels are still below normal for this time of year. We ask that residents use caution when burning and follow the terms and conditions of the Open Burn Permit to avoid a wildland fire or a fire on their property,” said Interim Chief David Sperling.
If residents have built up a large pile of vegetation during restrictions, they will need to break that down into smaller controllable piles prior to burning. Residents are reminded the burning of trash is illegal in Santa Fe County and can be reported by calling (505) 428-3730.
For more information on Open Burning in Santa Fe County, please contact the Fire Prevention Division at (505) 995-6523 or visit www.santafecountyfire.org.