Our local daily newspaper has an excellent story on a new class of unhappy Americans: the involutarily retired. Kim Lamb Gregory introduces the idea with a study, and then grounds it in Ventura County reality: "We are witnessing the birth of a new class — the involuntarily retired," said a report called "The Shattered American Dream."Continue reading “A new American class: the involuntarily retired”
Category Archives: Ventura County
La Niña dry winter prediction fails in 2010, experts agree
This fall experts, including the Forest Service, were predicting a strong La Niña condition likely to produce a dry winter, with heat and Santa Ana winds. The oceanic pattern developed, but the prediction? Bzzzttt! Wrong. Here in Ventura County, we're at roughtly 150% of normal, and got pounded by about six inches of rain over theContinue reading “La Niña dry winter prediction fails in 2010, experts agree”
Why the Bering Sea is chilling as the world warms
The Pacific Decadal Oscillation, or PDO, a vast pool of cold water sloshing around the northern Pacific ocean, was first discovered just fourteen years ago. It's existence has yet to make an imprint in public consciousness, in part because its effects are so varied. But Wendee Holtcamp, an excellent freelance science reporter, helps us understandContinue reading “Why the Bering Sea is chilling as the world warms”
How to understand the unemployment numbers
A slight fall in the number of new jobless claims has thrilled Wall Street. This is great news, and as I wrote in a long economic story a couple of weeks ago, there is reason to think a recovery is on the way. But for perspective, lets look at the unemployment numbers geographically, courtesy ofContinue reading “How to understand the unemployment numbers”
The Millenials: An abused generation?
So argued economist Ed Leamer in a piece I wrote that the Reporter ran last week: “I see a lot of kids who are really struggling, and it’s very troubling to me,” he said. “I think we’re looking at an abused generation. A lot of kids are graduating from college with a huge amount ofContinue reading “The Millenials: An abused generation?”
Why a farmer’s market is better for you than a Trader’s Joe
A couple of years back I did a story on a new local farmer's market, and, in interviewing the founder, learned something. To his way of thinking, a Trader Joe's – despite its cool reputation among the hipster clan — was as much of a rival as a Safeway. Turns out that for a local community, hisContinue reading “Why a farmer’s market is better for you than a Trader’s Joe”
How to muck up a great view
A million examples could be cited, no doubt, but here's one in my little town of Upper Ojai. Bring in a ginormous bulldozer. Scrape flat a pad. Add one ginormous RV. Drive away. Easy! From Drop Box But, to be fair, the same owners installed a lovely bench, for sunset viewings… From 6-21-2010
How to send a camera soaring
Colin Rich demonstrates, right here in Ventura County. Somehow he makes sending single-handedly a camera halfway to space look absurdly easy, all the while revealing the astonishing beauty of this little corner of the universe. Wow. http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=12421661&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1 Pacific Star II from Colin Rich on Vimeo.
Spring! Once again, but still inspiring
Sorry, I just can't seem to concentrate on all the recriminations (oil spill) and fears (climate bill) this week.We've had too many interesting and unexpected visitors. Everyone's out enjoying the sun.
Theme song for the drought-averse in SoCal
It's raining, slightly, and yes, I'm happy…we're now at about 110% of normal, which is pretty much right on the button of what Terry Schaeffer, forecaster extraordinaire, predicted for Ventura County in January. http://www.lala.com/external/flash/SingleSongWidget.swf Only Happy When It Rains – Gar…
Kit Stolz 