Dixie Fix

It's a Big Tent: Dust Up in the Blogosphere

I have some friends who only want to associate with liberal Democrats. Frankly, that reminds me of only eating the same thing day after day, or only reading what you agree with. That sounds boring to me! I like the diversity of opinions and ideas -- heck, I might even learn something.

But there is a little controversy right now about the Union publisher/editor inviting 2 conservative bloggers to write monthly for the Sunday Express. One of them has been very critical of the newspaper, in fact. But I think it's a brilliant move.

I like Russ Steel and George Rebane. I would call them friends. Do I agree with either of them politically? No. But, so what? They have a viewpoint that is different than mine and I appreciate that. I read both their blogs daily, but I also read other blogs. It's all "grist for the mill" in my opinion.

People always accuse the newspaper of being too liberal -- well, this brings in another voice.

Also, I want to give a shout out to Zuri Berry, the union's online community manager (and great sports reporter/columnist) Zuri does a great job and "gets" the online notion. (He has a Web site, a blog and he Twitters. In fact he and Aaron Klein were the ones who convinced me to Tweet.) I think Zuri brings a lot to the paper and its online presence and Nevada County is richer for having him here.

BTW, you can see all Nevada County blogs at www.ncvoices.us as well as news from YubaNet, KNCO,and  The Union.

Are There Any News Junkies Under 40?

As I was reading The Union, The Chronicle and the Sac Bee this morning, I was reflecting on how I love to hear what's going on. I like seeing the difference in how all 3 papers handled the story of the moment -- in this case, the Huckaby murder/rape case. That story interests me because it's so odd and mysterious. I like figuring out a good mystery. But I also noticed how I only read the first 3 paragraphs of most of the other stories. It has to be fascinating for me to read to the end of a long story -- and, sadly, there are not that many fascinating stories in the newspapers I read.

I wish there were more stories about how people are coping in this economic downturn. I'd like to hear from people -- like me -- who are forgoing health insurance because the COBRA payment is just too high. (More than $700 a month in my case.) How are people saving money? Cutting corners? There are lots of "tricks" out there; we could all share them. I know that even people with jobs and money are curtailing spending because the future looks scary out there!

But how about coverage of government meetings? Do you feel you get enough of what's going on at the city halls and supervisors chambers? Do you care?

What is the Future of 'News'?

Spent some time with friends from the Los Angeles Times (the few who are still working!) and they didn't paint a very rosy picture. They're being told that the only hope is that someone buys the paper, otherwise it's bye-bye. That's unbelievable to me, one of the country's great newspapers, in this dire situation.

I was "Facebooking" with my daughter in Kauai, and she said she will probably drop her newspaper subscription because there is the Internet, news radio and TV news and she finds when she opens the paper that she already knows most everything in it.

I can understand that argument, but I wonder: Who will do the big exposes, like the Walter Reed Hospital story the Washington Post exposed? TV rarely does "investigations" so that leaves a big void.

Will the New York Times become the nation's newspaper?

I think society needs a Watchdog and I'm not convinced that bloggers fill that role.

Online, though, is definitely where it is happening. Even Twitter is breaking news nowadays.

When I was in Huntington Beach, that daughter got all her news from her beloved iPhone.

Everything is changing so fast it's hard to keep up.

Where do you get your news? If at all?

And what does the future hold for traditional media?

Entertainment News? Business? Send it Along!

I'm now covering those topics for YubaNet...so send me any news you have on those 2 subjects and how to contact you and we'll get your event some publicity! Artists, musicians, writers, dancers, singers ... there is a lot going on here that isn't being covered and now we're gonna cover it on YubaNet!

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Longs Drugs is in the process of converting to CVS -- here's an interesting story. Bob Longs founded the chain and he married a Hawaiian. That's why all the islands have Longs Drug Stores. When they were built, each store was blessed by a Hawaiian Priest or Priestess. This is a BIG deal in Hawaii -- everyone has their home and business blessed and it is a sacred thing. But Longs decided, since the Hawaiian people are very superstitious, that they would not shop in a CVS. So, for Hawaii only, the stores will remain Longs to not upset the gods. And when the Longs brand merchandise all gets pulled to put in the CVS brand, they will send everything to Hawaii.

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My 2 cents on Grass Valley City Administrator Dan Holler being up for an up to 5% merit raise? He's worth it.

Would an Online Newspaper Be a Good Thing Here?

I've been kicking this idea around for awhile now...I am interested in the "news" of Nevada County, and I don't feel any one source provides it completely. I am thinking of an online news and entertainment product. My question is, are people wanting to read that?

I would envision covering the 3 government meetings, but writing the stories in a more breezy, and maybe slightly opinionated way. Not looong stories, either, but the meat of what is going on in Nevada County. I would write quirky "over the back fence" stuff, too and people could submit stories as well.

I'm thinking the entertainment news could be grouped by venue...maybe a week out with an "upcoming" list if you want to look ahead.

Please give me some feedback on this idea. Since you are reading this blog online, would you be interesting in reading some news as well?

Please comment your thoughts, suggestions, ideas, etc. Thanks! And f you think it's a stupid idea, tell me that, too. This would be a free product.

Nevada City Treasurer George Foster Resigns

George says its because the City Council cut the "finance oversight committee" and there is no oversight. Ex councilwoman Sheila Stein was with Foster ( and others) TONIGHT --  Friday -- and would have a statement tomorrow, before she goes back to the UK. What does this mean? Is it significant? Weigh in...

OK, I Finally 'Get' Twitter...

On Twitter.com you can find me as dixiefix. Over the weekend a local meterologist (spelled wrong) was giving updates frequently...Zuri Berry was flying back from Brazil...Aaron Klein was giving up to the minute comments on the state budget impasse...and Ashton Kutcher was walking his 3 dogs with Demi. The updates are only 140 characters so it's short and sweet when you Tweet!

About the fact we STILL don't have a budget in California...isn't that what these people were elected to do??? Does that make you mad? It makes me mad..that and Madoff sitting in his zillion dollar apartment on "house arrest." If that were you or I, we'd be in Rikers in a heartbeat.

You can watch Tuesday night's planning commission meeting on NCTV if you have Comcast. See what they do with the "work stoppage" of the Walgreens building. I think that's a pretty arrogant stance the builder is taking -- that and hiring outside contractors to do all the work. Walgreens is a HUGE corporation...is it going to hurt them to build 2 800 sq. foot buildings?

The Mess at East Main & Sierra College Drive

I wish you could have been where I was, watching the whole debacle from the deck at KNCO! What a cluster. People --- if snow is predicted and you have 2-wheel drive, you are going to be in trouble. And if you see 10,000 cars stopped in the road, chill out, have some coffee and wait for the road crew to do its job. The roundabout became a stopabout...people were putting on chains in the middle of the road...cars would just stop with hazard lights..in the road. It was unbelievable. Our phones rang off the hook with road closures, accidents and cancelled events -- remember this info will be posted on www.knco.com as soon as we get it, as well as announcing it on the radio. Anyway, there I am on the deck and this large figure is walking across the road..it looked like a mystical dream, this person coming out of nowhere...as he got closer I saw it was Howard Levine. He'd parked in a lot and was walking to KNCO. Ralph who has the 6 p.m. show also walked. It was a front row seat to disaster, but by 6:30 it had largely calmed down.

Beta Test of Unique Nevada County Social Networking Web Site

You can look at it now, but the techies are just starting their work, so the finished product won't look the same. Go to www.nevadacountyunites.com. It will be revealed March 13 at the Vets Hall in GV...how wee can form groups, barter, network, give or get micro loans, buy a chicken coop and much more. This is going to be exciting and a way to connect us all that is FREE and easy. This is very exciting and has so many possibilities. Forget the rotten economy -- we can all take care of one another. Stay tuned.

About 6 inches of snow in Cascade Shores right now. Jackson the wonder dog loves making snow angels!

Did you see the Grammys? I finally figured out Chris Martin's appeal. Did you know Gwenyth has a blog? It's called GOOP. Why did Jennifer Hudson look like she was wearing a napkin on her chest? Good news for Adele and Duffy.

Delightful Hollywood Sweets Story, Yuba Net ....

This comes from Ken Newton....

Knowing how you like these little slices of the community, here's a great story about 'Hollywood Sweets' the bakery/deli by Long's.  With Mardi Gras coming up, it's timely for those who want a little slice of heaven from 

New Orleans

.

 

The bakery was recently purchased by a lovely young couple; Valentina is the owner I have met, a very delightful lady.  As you may remember, I'm from 

New Orleans

, home of the amazing muffeletta Italian sandwich.  The muffeletta was originated decades ago at Central Grocery in the French Quarter and is a genuine one-of-a-kind, not to be found anywhere else in the country due to the very unique bread used in its making.  Since moving to 

California

 in 1987, I have shared the disappointment of many N'awlins expatriates of never being able to find just the right bread when making my muffeletta.  So, this year I was determined to get it right.  I searched the internet and, sure enough, found a recipe on NOLAcuisine.  I asked Valentina at Hollywood Sweets if she would make me a couple of loafs for my NFL championship playoff party.  What a gal!  She not only made them to perfection but delivered them to my door!  So, for anyone wanting the original, just-like-you-get-at-Central-Grocery muffeletta, Hollywood Sweets may the only bakery outside of 

New Orleans

 to make it happen for you.  For the recipe and instructions on how to make the sandwich:http://www.nolacuisine.com/2005/08/21/muffuletta-bread-recipe/

Ken isn't the only fan of the new ownership of Hollywood Sweets...they are building a strong connection in the community.And, get this: they greet you when you walk in, smile, and say "be right with you" if they're with a customer. When you leave, same thing!

Pascale will kill me for this, but she and Susan were honored by the Board of Supervisors yesterday for their 10 years of exceptional work on Yuba Net. I say kudos for a job well done! If you see either of this Dynamic Duo, congratulate them -- but run fast because Pascale probably has a mean left hook. She doesn't take praise well.