Deja Two - St. Petersburg

Our travels across the Baltic Sea resume...
           The reader may dismiss everything previously learned on arrival at other ports-of-call.  Russian immigration is an entirely different ballgame, sports fans.  Authorities there roll up the welcome mat, and figuratively slap you about your backside with it.  Do the math: 2,000 passengers divided by 3 passport inspection booths equals 80 minutes of weight-shifting; from left foot to right, and back again.  It's within The View margin of error to declare that more muttered expletives were uttered  per/passenger between the hours of 9:00 am and 10:30 am on that day than in all of greater St. Petersburg.  It's as if the Ruskies were sending the message, "You're on our turf- now, play by our rules, and smile; even if it has to be through personal discomfort and clenched teeth.   We did.
Once outside the passport-immigration "botique", the traveller must, at all times, remain in the presence of a licensed tour guide.  Under the circumstances, how could anyone feel less than a media celebrity?         
                   Our guide, Juliana, and her driver, Edward, greeted us in their big, black Mercedes van, for visits to Pushkin, and the palace of Queen Catherine, then to Peterhof; the summer palace of Peter the Great.  But the day's journey began with a dock-side stop along the Neva River, where we rubbed the tooth of a brass griffin while whispering a wish in his ear; an old St. Petersburg tradition.  Juliana has first-hand knowledge that this quaint little practice has brought good luck  to some of her friends.  Time will tell if it does the same for her and us. 
              The river and adjoining docks along the promenade appeared surprisingly clean, and the walls were totally free of graffiti.  It was a great feeling to walk amongst the common people in a land that had made itself virtually inaccessible to casual, foreign travellers.

Even though Hungary and the former Yugoslavia were still communist satellites when we visited there,  restrictions weren't nearly so tight.

        It's all too obvious: In her "summer cottage", Catherine,  wife of Peter the Great, surrounded her-self with all the opulence befitting a queen of state. Gold leaf embellishes every wall and ceiling; murals included. 

            Virtually every room in the palace has a monumental heating "fixture" in a corner, covered by blue Delft china.  For the House of Romanoff, money was not an object.  Small wonder that the monarchy was ultimately overthrown.  Their daughter, Elizabeth, had no appreciation for the ornate tastes of her mother.  Her section of rooms were finished in subdued tones of light green with white wood and stucco trim.

 

          Peterhof, the summer home of Peter the Great,  graces the top of this month's entry.  It displays his fascination with water, which ventures far beyond ship-building and navigation.  He loved fountains; fountains of all shapes and sizes. 
          His most elaborate design showed him to be the king-turned-practical joker.  There is a grotto, excavated from a hillside in one section of his sprawling garden.  Over its entrance cascades a waterfall.  Guests and visitors were invited to inspect the grotto's interior after their host had shut off the flow.  Once inside, he would turn the water on again, sending a goodly amount through jets concealed in the rockery,  leaving all "captives" thoroughly drenched.   Only heads of  royal families could be above retaliation for such a stunt.  This man would have been a joy for any sixth grade teacher to have in his classroom. 
           Springs and reservoirs provided the estate, "Peterhof", with an endless supply of water for "The Great's" fetes of aquatic engineering.  Once spent, it was diverted out to the Baltic,  which Peter could see from virtually every room in his summer abode.  The Baltic played an important part in Peter's perception of his role in Russia's place in world affairs. Because of his and it's proximity to that sea, he became a navigator and shipwright of no mean skills.

              Even though one cannot see and enjoy all of Catherine's palace in one day, and even though Peter's haunt is a second-place finisher in most itineraries,  no one can give St. Petersburg a been-there-done-that if they haven't seen the tribute to the working man, which lies many meters deep below its streets.  That would be its well-conceived  and wondrous subway stations.   
         Completed in 1955, which was a very, very good year for those of us of a certain vintage, every arrival/departure point is like walking through an art museum.  For openers, the citizens of this fair city hold these places in the highest regard.  As in other venues, there is not a single speck of graffiti to be found, anywhere.  One might argue that the unblemished surfaces owe to the looming presence of the law and its enforcers. But still others might say that those who built these tributes to the working class command respect and admiration.
                  Brocaded columns abound. Beneath each is a bas-relief of a laborer, engaged in his daily work. Crystal chandeliers line the ceilings of every station. Where are the white ties and tails? When the Oregon Symphony has a night in town, their concert hall looks almost....but not quite as good.
                One cannot do justice to St. Petersburg in a couple of days, which for those visa-deprived and guide-dependent among us is all that's available. Still it might well be worth a place on a bucket list.   HLR

                                             

              

            

Pay It Forward

The Delta journey started like all do; the airport equivalent of the Chicago stockyards.  After negotiating the lines awaiting flight confirmation, and luggage handling, one trudges  through the boarding pass inspection chutes,  the full-frontal search,  provided by the x-ray scanner, and then, ah yes,  the video review of all your carry-ons.  Having  been thus far stamped and certified, the traveller secretly prays that he won't be shunted out of the herd by Transport Security, and dispatched to one of those stainless steel inspection tables where even dirty underwear passes in review.  Of course, if you have "bionic knees", laden with metal parts, as the Bride has, there are additional complications.  

                      It could have been much, much worse. We both passed muster with hardly any prolonging.  That turned out to be the easy part of the process.  Next came the thumb-twiddling exercise in the boarding area; C-5 of Portland Airport, as I recall.  It was to be a 1:00 pm departure, which was extended to 1:20, then adjusted to Limbo Standard Time.  Owing to a plane crash on the tarmac of our destination, San Francisco International airport, our flight was indefinitely delayed.  Personnel didn't know quite what to say...except that they wouldn't be saying much.  Not with certainty, that is, until the braintrust of corporate headquarters,  crew, and flight control could weigh in.  As we all know, big wheels turn slowly.  Two hours/worth of slowly.

               During a lull such as this,  your fearless spectator finds it interesting to observe how people engage themselves.  Some remained absorbed in their laptops, Kindles, and other screen-oriented stuff.  Others, in obviously dizzying heights of corporate heirarchy, engage in "vital" conversations with colleagues and underlings at headquarters.  Still others use the time to participate in a fast-food feeding frenzy.  Amazing to note how many love those Cinnabons. Surprisingly, a precious few still read hard-bound books.
              While sitting victim of this time-stretch, people become very insular.  Gazes are averted, smiles ignored.  It is a rare passenger who is willing to engage in any kind of conversation that extends beyond "small talk". Naturally, we are on the lookout for such an individual.  Enter "Greg."

             A long-time resident of the City That Knows How, Greg  occupied the seat next to us in our C-5 holding pen.  (Sorry, the urge to continue the livestock imagery was just overpowering)  He is a businessman, world traveller, and over the course of the next few hours,  proved himself to be a gracious, classy ambassador of my town;  San Francisco, that is.  
         During the time the desk attendants were issuing guarded declarations about progress toward un-postponing our flight, "We're still waiting to hear from corporate about an alternate destination".....  cotton-candy stuff that defies digestion,  Greg kept us briefed with his trusty I-phone.
                         Between late-breaking, non-developments from HQ, we shared some personal history.   He lives south of Market Street in the Mission district, and regularly flies hither and yon for business reasons.  He knows Frankfurt well, and has seen St Petersburg;  cities to which we can relate.   His dress was subdued,  but tasteful;  befitting a gentleman.  By contrast,  our garb for the trip was better than grunge, but a distant hollar from fashionable.  

                        Once delivered to our plane, we lost sight of our waiting-room neighbor.  Greg was seated in first class, and we, being the last to receive a pair of adjoining seats, were assigned to "the back of the bus." Our teeth were gritted, but only for a short while.  The flight lasted less than an hour and a half.
                        Now comes the dilema for which Greg came to the rescue. In San Francisco Airport, the logistics of the game enable one to board a BART train and resorting, if need be, to plastic payment for fare.  However, this was Oakland.  As San Francisco native Gertrude Stein once put it, ever so succinctly, "There is no there, over there."  The bottom line was cash on the barrel-head for transit from the airport to a BART station; $3 per rider, exact change only.  Under normal circumstances, this isn't a beastly sum....even if it is just a reasonably short walk from the airport to BART in SAN FRANCISCO.  What was off-putting was the stipulation that payment had to be the exact fare.

                          To complete the perfect transit storm, neither the Bride nor your scribe had anything in our wallets smaller than a ten-dollar bill.  Up steps Greg, just short of the steps to the bus.  He confides that he will cover our bus fare, whereupon I promise to repay his kindness, once we arrive at the BART station.  His reply will remain forever embedded in my consciousness:  "Don't do that, just pay it forward".

                          In all my years, I've never heard that phrase before, and I asked our benefactor to explain.  He replied, "Somewhere down the road, you're going to meet someone in need.  Just do the same for him that I have done for you; that's all."

                         That charge led me to think of the number of times angels have come into our lives for the very briefest of times, do their good deed, then vanish as quickly as they appear.....never to be seen again.  It's all very reminiscent of listenting to the radio version of the "Lone Ranger" before the advent of tv.  At the conclusion of each episode the eternal question was posed, "Who was that masked man?"  No one ever had an answer, as the doer of good deeds rode off on his white horse, "Silver", into the sunset.

                       Greg and the Lone Ranger seem like good role models to emulate.

                

                      

                                                                                           

Deja View

The Hub is a Pub

In Paris, it's the Champs-Elysees.  In New York City, it's Times Square.  In beautiful, downtown Boring, it's the intersection of State Highway 212 and Wally Road.  In their own way, each of these locales is a focal point of activity in their respective corners of the globe.  Each is where the pulse of life beats the strongest.
               Many has been the day, in the late afternoon when the God-fearing and faint of heart dare not go to make a left-hand turn onto the highway.  It's better to wait for five minutes, work a crossword puzzle, or read an advice column, and hope to heaven that the line of traffic starts to show breathing space.   This may not be the "crossroads of America", but for those who live and work here, "Crossroads of Clackamas County" feels like almost too tight a fit.
        The vintage Cadillac, parked next the building to the left fronts the main artery through town, highway 212.  It is home to a sign company, a real estate office, an antique shop, and several apartments.  Once upon its time, the building housed the post office and the town hall.   As readers of this blog are very much aware, Boring has never reached city status.
              To the right, and across the highway is the buff-colored two-story known as McCalls General Store.  This establishment was spotlighted in a previous issue of The View.  The owner/operator, Ben, still holds forth; wishing this intrepid patron "a nice day" as he leaves, toting his one gallon jug of low-fat milk.
             And to the left, directly across from McCalls and Wally Road is the place where locals-in-the-know go to hob-knob,  quaff a stein of Boring IPA, and munch on the specialty of the house; the "Not-So-Boring" burger.

             Constructed originally in the early 1920's, the building which houses the Not-So first served a dual purpose as post and electric company offices.  It is one of the three oldest buildings in the village.
             Following those early days, the Hub of downtown saw a succession of taverns.  Some were reputable establishments, and some were not. The last of the latter appeared just before its current proprietors.  Called the "FullMoon", every intention was expressed by management to keep it a "family tavern"...one of the greatest oxymorons of all time.
            That noble effort continued until the cash drawer told the tale of
shrinking patronage.  The owner then decided to spice up the venue by appealing to the lowest common denominator of society.  A bevy of dancers was hired who, literally and figuratively, had nothing to hide.  The results were predictable.  Following a spike in business came the sparring amongst the clientele.  There is a suburban legend that the local fire department was dispatched to "the Moon", armed with fire hoses to break up brawls.  Thus far, nary a denizen disputes the legend.  In the aftermath, the owners liquor license was revoked. Ultimately, the Full Moon was eclipsed.
             Six months or so later, the Hub that is a Pub rose, like a phoenix from the ashes; under the new ownership of Mike and Vickie.  Their friendliness and goodwill have been the principle factors in the restoration of their business.  Of course, time, a fresh coat of paint, and a sign declaring, "No More Nude Dancers", have done their part to restore the trust of the local constituency.

           For a thirty-one year old, Vickie has logged a lot of miles.  Born and raised in LaGrande, Oregon, she had a promising future as a professional basketball player until she blew out a knee in her junior year, playing AAU ball.  Upon graduating from high school, she "hit the road", gaining experience on the highway of life while earning a living in  locales like Las Vegas, Alabama and Utah, before returning to Baker City in eastern Oregon.  Since the age of fourteen, she has acccumulated seventeen years of experience in the food and beverage industry.  Mightily she tried to talk her betrothed, Mike, out of ever venturing into this business.
                       However, Mike was of a different mindset.  Twenty-five years as a general contractor, specializing in window and door installation had taken a heavy physical toll on him.  He needed to find a way out of the demands of his day job.  When the opportunity to buy the Full Moon surfaced, his vote outweighed Vickie's...by just enough....despite the understanding that he had no previous experience in this line of work.
                    "Not-So's" demands do not deter Vickie in the pursuit of her own ambition.  Having already received a certificate as a certified nurses' assistant, she is now actively studying to earn a credential as a certified surgical technician.  While straddling these two entirely different worlds, she avers, "I love helping people, not serving people."  Until the days come when her hopes can be realized, she is satisfied while being the"Mom of the Bar".  When it comes to resolving disuputes which occasionally erupt, she is the terminator; reasoning rightly that guys respond more readily to a woman in authority in those situations.  Moms seemingly always have the last word.

                The co-owners agree that the most satisfying aspect of this new vocation is the support of the clientele.  Bit by bit, and little by little, the base of patronage has been restored to the point where Mike can now look longingly at a second establishment.
                 The downside, for the both of them has been the constant effort to retain good, reliable help; especially on the grill-side of the operation.  At present, they are looking for another replacement in a very transient profession.
                  Meanwhile, both remain quite optimistic about their own futures, and that of the Not-So-Boring Bar & Grill.  That's something we can all drink to.  Cheers!
                                      

Bullet Points - Part II

        This month's issue of the View features the second of two interviews with former law enforcement personnel.  The topic once again is gun-control legislation in the United States.  The subject of this interview is "Terri".  The questions she will be asked are the same that were asked of "Mark" in last month's issue.
         Terri was involved in law enforcement for close to twenty years, serving first as a patrolman, then as a detective.  Prior to that, she was in the Oregon Army National Guard for nine and a half years; leaving with the rank of Sergeant.

The View: What is your overall attitude towards current proposed national legislation regarding gun-control, ie: background checks, assault weapons, limited capacity clips, etc.?

Terri: I think they are a good idea, but like all things that the government is involved in, there will be too many loop holes and exceptions.  Currently, we do background checks for buying a new gun, but allow anyone to buy at a gun show.  The laws have to be very black and white.  I don't see this happening.

The View:  Many changes have taken place since the days of muskets, militias, and the drafting of the second amendment to the constitution.

Terri: This is true, however, the second amendment is still in effect, and we are obligated to protect and uphold it. I know that is a short answer, but really, as police officers and government officials, we take an oath.  So, until that changes, we have to stand by it.

The View: Do you believe that all "qualified" citizens are still obliged to bear arms for the sake of self-protection?

Terri: Absolutely! If I were a bad guy, I would think twice about burglarizing or robbing someone who could "potentially" have a gun.  We would be in a world of hurt if only the "dirt bags" had the guns.  It is kind of like saying, "The guy with the most gold makes the rules."  I take some comfort in knowing that my neighbors and friends, and family have guns.

The View: Do arms-bearing citizens help or hinder the cause of law enforcement?

Terri: Help. There are not enough cops out there to take care of everyone and every situation.  We need to police ourselves more and more.  I have never had a problem with an armed citizen.  (Only bad guys)  I worked swing-shift on Mt. Hood by myself for 7 years.  I had a good relationship with all the local truck drivers, and I know that a few of them carried guns.  I also know that they would cover my back if the (expletive) hit the fans.

The View: Can you conceive of a justifiable reason for anyone not employed by the military or law enforcement to own an AR-15, AK-47, or any other type of assault weapon?

Terri: Well, yes.  I think all guns are the same.  It is the person holding it that makes the difference.  I can inflict as much, if not more damage with a shot-gun.  The magazines for most guns can be altered and jerry rigged
to hold a lot of bullets.  I can take my Glock 40, which is a semi-automatic, the same as an AR-15, and rig the magazine to hold 30 bullets.  So it is now what is referred to as an assault weapon.  It really is just a label.

(Ed. note: The opinions expressed in this interview are not necessarily those held by the editorial staff of The View.  HLR)

Bullet Points

Prologue: With this post, The View will take a two-month hiatus from its usual form and substance to address a serious topic.  Aside from matters of government finance, there is no more controversial or divisive issue in the United States today than gun control legislation.  The View has invited two former law enforcement officers to express their opinions on five identical questions relating to the subject.  The first interview with "Mark" will be posted this month.  The second, with "Terri" will follow in the April posting.  Now, the disclaimer: The opinions expressed therein are not necessarily those of this editorial staff.
                  Mark was a sworn police officer for 33 years; serving as a patrolman, detective, court enforcement (civil law). and state certified crime prevention specialist.  He also spent twenty-seven years in the US Army and National Guard as a Military Police officer and Investigator.

View: What is your overall attitude towards current proposed national legislation regarding gun-control, ie: background checks, assault weapons, limited capacity clips, etc.?

Mark: I believe that any legislation that makes it harder for convicted criminals and the mentally ill to get guns is a huge step forward.  Combine that with mandatory gun safety classes before gun ownership, and education efforts regarding the effect of entertainment violence, and we'd be on our way.  This would also include a little talked about part of the federal legislation that would make it a federal felony crime to "traffic"in both legal and illegal weapons and sales.  This impacts people stealing guns, and selling/trading them for drugs or cash.  Also, it should be a crime to leave a weapon unsecured, and a felony if it falls into the hands of a child.  Gun owners need to be held accountable.  Last, we cut off the flow of illegal gun sales at "gun shows" - everyone gets a background check, and applicable waiting periods.

View: Many changes in weaponry have taken place since the days of muskets, militias, and the drafting of the second ammendment to the constitution.

Mark: Militias are organized groups established to protect citizens and the country.  Our US military forces and state National Guards are examples of organized militias.  Militias protect people from other people that threaten them with realistic ability to kill.  In today's world, there are weapons of mass destruction that exceed even the wildest imaginaiton.  When England's first protestant king passed a law to disarm the civilian populace in 1698, he was not well received, and it is still as issue there.  That laid the groundwork for many folks who fled England for the New World.
              The U.S. Supreme Court does its best to interpret the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, according to the original intent, but tempered against current mores.  It does not have an obligation to protect the US.  That falls to the Executive Branch (of government).  The last major decision by the Supreme Court was in 2008. when it ruled that the states must follow the same guidance regarding gun ownership as the federal government. We saw the restrictions on concealed handgun licensing in Oregon, for example, cut back to allow any citizen with a clean record to get one.

View: Do you believe that all "qualified" citizens are still obliged to bear arms for the sake of self-protection?

Mark: Yes, with a good definition of "qualified" (as previously talked about).  I honestly believe that the rest of the world is totally terrified of the concept of invading our country, mostly because of our constitutional right to own guns - and a lot of Hollywood!  They can pinpoint where our military strengths and weaknesses are, but our entire population being armed is a huge deterrent.  An invading force would have extensive supply lines, and a challenge to replace losses in its ranks.  If every American had the ability to get a gun, and shoot one invader, attrition would decide the conflict in our favor.  Sadly, I think that if some country feels that it is strong enough to take us on, we won't have a chance to use our guns in the face of a nuclear war.  Also, remember that in today's wars, you can win by destroying the economic ability of a nation to care for itself.   That's one of the reasons that the World Trade Center (09.11.2001) was specifically attacked. 

View: Do arms-bearing citizens help or hinder the cause of law-enforcement?

Mark: This is a tough one.  Guns have only one purpose - to take life - human or animal.  Target shooters and gun collectors take issue with that, saying they are for fun and hobby. That's crap. A gun is a gun is a gun. Because of their lethality, guns can dissuade others from hurting someone, but they are still guns. I've talked to true "bad guys" who are terrified of being shot during a home burglary.  Not many burglars do get shot during a home break-in, but the chance they might, I believe, does cause a lot of bad guys to find less dangerous ways to get property or money for drugs.

View: Can you conceive of a justifiable reason for anyone not employed by the military or law-enforcement to own an AR-15, AK-47, or any other type of assault weapon?

Mark: Yes, it they are sane, and undergo proper gun-safety classes and background checks, and go to jail on a federal charge if they sell or give the gun to someone else without the same background checks.  Magazines (clips) should be limited to whatever is the standard issue for that weapon.  Even the military does not use magazines with huge amounts of bullets, for many reasons.  The shooter at Clackamas Town Center (12.11.2012). and others who had illegally purchased high capacity magazines, had a serious weapons-jam because that type of gun and magazine are not designed for shooting large amounts of bullets.
         In the same way that I've said "a gun is a gun is a gun", I apply that to assault weapons, as well.  Yes, citizens should be entitled to own an "assault weapon", but the magazines should be restricted to no more than eight (8) rounds, which is less than many semi-auto handguns, and the same as most pump shotguns.
                                              ~         ~         ~        ~       ~


                        

Cosmic Questions

Premise:  At some time in our lives, each of us has posed at least one question for which we have never received a satisfactory reply.  Typically, the answers have been: a) inadequate, b) oblique, or c) totally non-existent.  Choice c) likely is due to the fact that it would be a waste of breath to pose the question to anyone in the first place.  So, we press on with our lives, abiding with a mild form of frustration, for want of finding that which has to be out there....somewhere in the cosmos.   A litany of the most hackneyed, or threadbare of questions would begin with offerings such as, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" Conversely, "Why do good things happen to bad people?"  Then, there is always the elementary school standby, "How high is up?"

            What follows are the contributions to this pursuit of the unanswered; as offered by our steadfast, loyal readership.  Last names have been withheld to protect the innocent.

            If the pen is mightier than the sword,  then why do actions speak louder than words?               
                                                        ~ Ben, Portland ~

            Why are Americans so obsessed with dying healthy?
                                                        ~ Peter, The Netherlands ~

            Is this all there is?
                                                        ~ Gary, Hood River, OR ~

            Why, if I am standing in the store, and change checkout lines, does it always take longer than if I had never moved?

                              ~ Tyler, Battle Ground, WA ~

             Will we ever see the transcripts?
                              ~Ben, Springfield, MO

             Why are we, as a human race, improving on obtaining and dispersing information, yet failing to meaningfully translate it into "knowledge", let alone consistently discern amid it all, truth vs. falsehood?
                                                        ~Alice, Richmond, VA ~

             When is dinner?
                                                        ~ Rees, Portland ~

             If simplifying the tax structure would save huge amounts of money, hassle, and mean reduced monitoring of the government in our lives, then why can't we have a simple flat tax?
                                                        ~ Ken, Portland ~

             Is it only a coincidence that the cars which are crowding my tailpipe, or which pass on the right at slightly under the speed of light, that such cars are red?
                                                       ~ Susan H., Portland ~

           What is Atlas kneeling on when he lifts the world?
                                                       ~ Margaret, Danville, CA ~

Do all husbands leave small change in every room of the house?
                            ~ Sarah, Fort Collins, CO ~

Astronomically speaking, what happens to missing matter?
                                                       ~ Larry, Reno NV ~

Vye is it der is so many more horses aziz in da vorld den der is horses?
                                                       ~ Al, Boise, ID ~

How did the ancient mariners know that one nautical mile would exactly equal one minute of a degree?
                                                       ~ Gaylord, Spokane, WA ~

As a train passes cows standing in a field, why are the cows always facing the train?
                                                       ~ Chuck, Portland ~

What's the big deal about thumb-sucking, anway?

                                                       ~ Cyndi, Portland ~   

Why is it that no one likes any governement except when they want something?
                                                        ~Joe, Surrey, ME ~

Now what do I do?
                                                       ~ Pat, Portland ~       

Is there life after birth?
                                                        ~ Charles, Columbia, MD