Pink Daisies
“Spring Has Sprung! The Grass Has Riz! I Wonder Where The Flowers Is?” That great comedian/gourmand: Jughead, of Archie Comic Book fame, “said” that a long time ago on paper.
“Definition of Spring”
“Spring is one of the four temperate seasons. Spring marks the transition from winter into summer.”
“According to the astronomical definition, spring begins on the Vernal Equinox (usually March 21 in the Northern Hemisphere, and September 22 in the Southern Hemisphere), and lasts until the summer solstice (usually June 21 in the Northern Hemisphere and December 21 in the Southern Hemisphere). In 2009, Spring fell on March 20th in the Northern Hemisphere. According to this definition, therefore, the day called Midsummer’s Day in some traditions is the first day of Summer. Meteorologists generally define the beginning of spring as March 21 in the Northern Hemisphere and September 21 in the Southern Hemisphere.” read more from Wikipedia…
“Vernal Equinox 2009: Facts on the First Day of Spring” John Roach for National Geographic News Updated March 19, 2009.
“In the Northern Hemisphere spring officially begins at 7:44 a.m. ET on Friday, March 20, 2009—the vernal equinox, or spring equinox [ (see vernal equinox pictures). ]
“But don’t be fooled by the old rumor that on the vernal equinox the length of day is exactly equal to the length of night.” read more from NationalGeographic.Com
Beef and Guinness Pie
BEEF AND GUINNESS PIE
This recipe originates from County Tipperary, Ireland (according to SAVEUR’S, Food for the Holidays issue – Winter, 2004.) A hearty Snow/Rainy-day-comfort-food-treat, this savory beef-pie will beckon you back to the fridge at 1:00 AM, and again at breakfast time. Purchase, at least, two 6-packs of Guinness Stout for 6-8 guests. [Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day] Access the LVBC Recipe page for the complete recipe…
Our spy says that Frank Marino may have already acquired financing for a new Drag Show at the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas. The award-winning La Cage [Female Impersonator Show] at the Riviera closed last month after a nearly 24 year run.
So what’s in the cards for Marino and the Riviera Hotel? Stay tuned for the updates. Perhaps it’l be four Queens…
Our Moon will be 100% full March 10, 2009
Rise 5:33 P.M. Set 6:02 A.M. – Las Vegas Time
“Historically the Native Americans who lived in the area that is now the northern and eastern United States kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to the recurring full Moons. Each full Moon name was applied to the entire month in which it occurred. These names, and some variations, were used by the Algonquin tribes from New England to Lake Superior.”
“The Full Worm Moon”
“At the time of this spring Moon, the ground begins to soften and earthworm casts reappear, inviting the return of robins. This is also known as the Sap Moon, as it marks the time when maple sap begins to flow and the annual tapping of maple trees begins” more from The Old Farmer’s Almanac…
March 6, 2009 – 11:53 PM
“Dear Wild Horse friends;”
“I apologize for not being in touch with you sooner, but we wanted to have a clearer idea of what is really happening with the new Administration, BLM, and the wild horse program before reporting to you.”
“A Bill to Amend the Wild Horse and Burro Act of 1971:
Perhaps the single most important development so far this year is the recent introduction of HR 1018 by Congressmen Rahall (D-WV) and Grijalva (D-AZ). This legislation would amend the Wild Horse and Burro Act in numerous ways. You can read the bill by clicking here. The intent of the Bill is to strengthen protections for both wild horses on the range and in captivity. You can read my comments to the Congressmen here.”
“HR 1018 would allow for the expansion of wild horse habitat. We hope that this would support our arguments regarding the legal expansion of Cloud’s herd on the Pryor Mountains. Range expansion would eliminate BLM’s stated reason (lack of forage in the designated range) for reducing the herd to genetically non-viable levels, thereby destroying this genetically unique herd of Spanish mustangs.”
“I would encourage you to get involved by thanking the Congressmen for their efforts with HR 1018 and encouraging them to specifically support the Pryor Wild Horses by preventing the planned destruction of the herd in August. Click here to contact them.”
“Range Expansion: Please communicate directly with the new Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack [AgSec@usda.gov] and the new Supervisor of the Gallatin and Custer National Forests, Mary Erickson requesting that that the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range be expanded to reflect the historic and current use areas of the rare Pryor wild horses.”
“BLM Advisory Board Meeting: We CANNOT allow the herd to be destroyed and we CANNOT allow Cloud and his family and the other wonderful families of wild horses on this spectacular mountain to be ripped apart. I delivered this message to the BLM Advisory Board at their meeting this Monday in Reno. Thanks to Sally Summers and Horse Power in Reno, you can view that meeting by clicking here . The bias of this Advisory Board boggles the imagination. It is stacked with vested special interest members, but there is hope. Three new positions will be opening up. I was nominated but have less than no chance of being appointed as I am too outspoken on behalf of the horses. But, we hope at least one new member speak on behalf of the public and our wishes to always have wild horses on our wide western landscapes. You can read my comment letter to the Board here.”
“Planned Trip: On a lighter note, we plan on visiting the Pryors in two weeks to see how everyone is doing. We know that Cloud is doing well but will report back to you, hopefully with photos if we can reach the bands. Winter is always a difficult time but we will do our best to access them. I will send them your regards. On some level, I know they feel your love for them.”
“Thanks so much for your continued support. You are so great. If you can donate for the cause, please do so by going online at www.thecloudfoundation.org or sending us something via mail. Please help if you can.”
Happy Trails!
Ginger
“P.S. Both the air date (now November 2009) and name (now Cloud: Challenge of the Stallions ) of the new Cloud program have changed. My new book, Cloud: Challenge of the Stallions, will be out in June and we’ll let you know when it is available. If you do not have the first two Cloud programs and books, you can order them on our website and be up to speed when the new story is published and aired. There is more story in the books than the DVDs, of course, and lots of photographs. I can autograph them however you like.”
Several years ago the LVBC BLOG received a “BLOG Comment” from the Denver Mayor’s Office.
I did a post on a Mexican restaurant in Denver and the Mayor “loved what I had to say about the restaurant.” It was more about the design/look of the restaurant, although the food definately “worked.” Anyway the mayor was going to mention my post/review at the Mayor’s Design Awards ceremony, as well as invite me to attend an Awards’ reception.
Well I drove by the restaurant the other day and found that the entire look of the place had been changed.
The vibrant colors that the Mayor and I agreed upon were gone, the style was gone. I think they even changed the name (I drove by quickly and just caught a glimpse.)
That’s the way it goes goes!
Here’s a copy of the e-mail that the Mayor’s Office sent:
9:44 PM 12/17/2006
“We loved what you had to say about Tacotlan on South Federal, and agree that it should win a design award. Please join us on November 14th for the Mayor’s Design Awards. Tacotlan will be receiving an award from the Mayor for their small scale contribution to good design as a building that beckons. The Mayor will mention your review, and we’d love for you to join in the celebration. The event will be held on East Colfax at the Master’s Bible Church at East Colfax and Columbine (across from East High) followed by a reception with the Mayor at the Rockbar at 3015 East Colfax. Let me know if you need more information or see www.denvergov.org/MDA” Comment by [KC] – November 2, 2006 @ 10:55 am That’s a nice thing!
The restarant’s former name was TACOTLAN.
1130 S. Federal Blvd.
Denver, CO 80204
phone: (303) 934-9303
I’ll post an update here when I have more information about the restaurant. Guess I’ll have to stop by for a taco.
Amendment 50 was approved by Colorado voters on Nov. 4, 2008, giving the electorate in Black Hawk, Central City and Cripple Creek the option to approve raising the maximum wager limit up to $100, add the games of craps and/or roulette, and allow 24-hour gaming effective July 2, 2009. Voters in those towns can approve all or a portion of those options for their communities. The amendment earmarks additional State revenues generated by the changes to community colleges and to the gaming towns and counties. It also requires voter approval for any increase in gaming tax rates.
As of January 20, 2009, voters in all three towns have approved the changes for casinos in their communities read more from Colorado.Gov…
SOME OPINIONS BEFORE THE VOTE: Bipartisan opposition targets Amend. 50 – Old Denver Post Article from 10/19/2008
“Politicians from both parties are voicing opposition to Amendment 50, which would give casinos in Colorado’s three gambling towns the chance to raise maximum bets, extend hours and add new games.”
“Colorado Attorney General John Suthers said Friday that he opposes the measure because of law enforcement concerns. Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper and former Colorado Gov. Bill Owens also are opposed” read more from The Denver Post…
Soup's On... Pasta Jay’s
1001 Pearl St
Boulder, CO 80302
(303) 444-5800
Pasta Jay’s Italian restaurant on the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder, Colorado literally shines with energy. If they doused all the lights, the place would still be as bright as a 300 watt bulb. It must be culled energy from all those bright CU students, faculty members and other assorted Boulder residents.
Pasta Jay’s Boulder is a World-Class People-Waching-Meeting-Place.
Besides all the energy, Pasta Jay’s has red and white checkered tablecloths, floor to ceiling windows that open on to the Pearl Street Mall (weather permitting,) patio/indoor/(lively) bar dining and a vortex-opening to the Boulder Vibe. Pasta Jay’s serves excellent Italian entrees’ / nightly specials, sandwiches, pizza and more.
For example, we savored the Sunday Night Special: “Plati’s Steak Bracciole (a classic Sunday Italian dish) 14.50
ribeye steak stuffed with fresh garlic, sweet basil, imported romano cheese and portabello mushrooms, seared in olive oil, simmered in marinara sauce, and served over a bed of linguini”
We also ordered the “Dinner Salad 3.99 (with gorgonzola cheese add 1.50”) read more from the Boulder Menu…
Full bar, house wines ($5.50) and beer are available.
M Resort Pool
“Located in Henderson on the southeast corner of Las Vegas Boulevard South and St. Rose Parkway, M RESORT is scheduled to open March 1, 2009.
M RESORT is eight miles south of Mandalay Bay on So. Las Vegas Blvd.” M Resort
12300 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Henderson, Nevada 89044
M Resort Phase One:
-Shopping mall consisting of 1,000,000 square feet
-400 room hotel
-Casino containing almost 100,000 square feet of space
-9 Restaurants
…..Baby Cakes
…..Marinelli’s
…..Red Cup Cafe
…..Studio B
…..Terzetto
…..Veloce Cibo
…..Vig Deli
-5 Bars
-Pool
-Spa
-Meeting and Convention Space
More Information From [By Jeff Pope] LasVegasSun.Com
Sat, Feb 28, 2009 (2 a.m.)
“M Resort banking on reasonable prices in tough economy.”
“As of Sunday, residents will have a new place to eat, rest and play south of the Strip.”
“M Resort opens its doors with all nine of the property-owned restaurants and five bars serving guests, a full-service spa and 92,000 square feet of indoor and poolside gaming.”
“Opening night festivities include a poolside musical show with fireworks beginning at 9:50 p.m.”
“Designed with an Italian theme and natural materials, the resort’s wood, stone, warm color palette and abundance of natural light — including skylights in the casino — are intended to create a different environment from a traditional casino, said chairman and Chief Executive Anthony Marnell III” read more…
From The Library of Congress’ Official Website:
“Celebrating a Beloved American Musician”
“An evening of celebration with President and Mrs. Obama at the White House in honor of musician Stevie Wonder’s [born Stevland Hardaway Judkins on May 13, 1950] receipt of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song takes place February 25, 2009. The concert will include performances by Wonder with a cavalcade of popular musicians, [including Diana Krall, Tony Bennett, Will.I.Am, India. Arie and Paul Simon] performing a selection of Wonder’s hit songs. The sixty-minute program airs Thursday, February 26, 2009, at 8 p.m. ET on PBS stations nationwide.” (check local listings)
“The Gershwin Prize for Popular Song”
“The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song is named in honor of the legendary George and Ira Gershwin. This award recognizes the profound and positive effect of popular music on the world’s culture. The prize is given annually to a composer or performer whose lifetime contributions exemplify the standard of excellence associated with the Gershwins. The first Gershwin Prize was awarded to Paul Simon in May 2007.” more from the LOC…
“Obamas praise Stevie Wonder at White House”
“I think it’s fair to say that had I not been a Stevie Wonder fan, Michelle might not have dated me. We might not have married,” Obama said Wednesday as he and the first lady hosted a concert and award ceremony for Wonder. “The fact that we agreed on Stevie was part of the essence of our courtship.”
“Wonder was presented with a Gershwin Award for lifetime achievement during the event, which is scheduled to air on PBS Thursday.” read more from CNN.Com
This is personal for me since I witnessed a Stevie Wonder rehersal – in the penthouse of the Hollywood (CA) Hyatt House in the late 60s. My producer/bassist was part of Wonder’s NO CA touring band. There were only about six of us in the room. Pretty Cool…
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