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Hit It and Quit It! - The world is your oyster...or maybe not

Paragraphs by Paul Miller

The two Marin farmed oysters in the cartoon above are talking the night away.  What follows is some of their conversation:

A different kind of brewski

Timed to coincide with the Chinese New Year is the debut of "ES Chi Tonic Herbal Ale", a new beer formulated for "better internal balance."

The sudsy concoction is the collaboration of Marin Master Herbalist, Dr Yen-Wei Choong and Marin Brewing Company's Brewmaster, Arne Johnson. Together the two have created an ale "using a synergistic blend of wild Chinese herbs." The proprietary blend of ten herbs are cooked for several hours, blended and then the whole thing ferments for for two weeks.  

According to Dr. Choong, "regular beer is cold in nature, or too Yin, which slows the metabolism. By brewing ale with these specially selected herbs, which gently warm-up the Yang energy, there is a better internal balance."

Doesn't that sound so Marin?

The beer is available now at Marin Brewing Company and at Bay Area beer fests in the upcoming months.

Video of the Day - Superbowl's Most Valuable Player takes a shower

Dig it (good stuff is a minute-and-a-half in...)

Marin News Roundup

	Boys beat Marin City merchant to steal iPhone: The sheriff's department is investigating the case of a Marin City shopkeeper who was beaten by a swarm of youths and robbed of his iPhone. (Read more)
	West Marin market plundered in burglary: An outraged West Marin merchant offered a $1,000 reward Monday for help convicting the burglars who ransacked his shop and stole $3,000 in lunch meat, cheese, beer, cigarettes, cash and other items. (Read more)
	San Rafael raid yields guns, drugs in two counties: Investigators found an indoor marijuana grow containing 1,065 marijuana plants, about 2.5 pounds of cocaine, 75 pounds of processed marijuana, several ounces of hallucinogenic mushrooms, three doses of LSD, five handguns and $3,245 in cash... (Read more)
	Plans to relocate cell equipment to private property moves forward in Kentfield: "I believe it is a new facility," neighbor Craig Lind said. "It will create noise and it will encourage the addition of other carriers." (Read more)
	Large Marin energy users face choice: PG&E or more renewable energy: They account for 20 percent of the total energy load in the area, which includes unincorporated Marin and seven of Marin's 11 municipalities... (Read more)
	San Anselmo family traumatized when puppy killed by another dog: A 4-month-old English bulldog was attacked and later died when another dog being walked past a San Anselmo home lunged for the puppy's throat. (Read more)
	Novato considers closing schools due to state cuts: "We'll be asking the district to pick and choose what they think they can do, asking the question: can the school district survive without this?" (Read more)
	San Rafael police release sketch of assault suspect: San Rafael police have produced a composite sketch of a man suspected of sexual assault last week. (Read more)
	Residents to be sent $422,000 bill for Hamilton levee leaks unless city can recover funds: The construction bill for several seepage collection systems at five sites is 6-1/2 times the original contract awarded in September... (Read more)
	Co-working office space opens in Terra Linda: Hila Beit-Or equated BZHive to a kibbutz, the Israeli phenomenon of a collective community that stresses mutual aid and social justice. (Read more)
	San Anselmo Teen Girl Hit While Riding Bicycle: A 16-year-old girl was injured but is expected to survive after being struck by a car while riding her bicycle in San Anselmo Sunday morning, police said. (Read more)
	Highest Property Taxes: Other affluent counties on the list include Marin County, Calif., whose $5,233 average property tax bill is the highest in the west. (Read more)
	From Senator Leno's website: Senator Leno, Assemblymember Monning Introduce Resolutions Urging Disclosure of Inert Pesticide Ingredients (Read more)
	Geek Deal: 25% Off Skywalker Ranch Wine: The coupon Code is “THEFORCE” and is valid until February 15th 2010. (Read more)
	Big push to save historic The Plant Studios: Carlos Santana recorded his smash album "Supernatural" there. (Read more)

Woodlands Market expands to purchase Ross Grocery

Woodlands Market has agreed to buy Ross Grocery, a business that has been family-owned and operated for over 80 years. Ross Grocery's current owner, Don Ahrens, has decided to retire.

Woodlands Market owner Don Santa (photo at right) has indicated he'll maintain the historic integrity of the market-

"The Ross Grocery is an important community institution," said Santa, "And we are focused on providing a seamless ownership transition for our neighbors in the Ross Valley and continuing the homey style of the store."

No word on the financial terms and the deal is expected to be finalized within two months.

Santa who has owned Woodlands Market in Kentfield since the mid-80s, is in an expansion mode having recently opened Woodlands Cafe just next to the Market.  He also has plans to open a second Woodlands Market sometime next year in Tiburon.

Heartfelt ideas to celebrate Valentines Day in Marin

Despite the fact that Valentines Day is named after Saint Valentine, a Christian saint who was martyred, the day has come to represent the expression of love and romance.

Valentines Day, February 14, is this coming Sunday and we've got a few ideas to help you "get in the mood" ranging from racy to romantic.

Video of the Day - Weathercasters losing it on air

You would think this guy has never, ever seen snow from this epic on-air freak out. Come to think of it, weathercasters seem to be losing it on air a lot lately. Witness this, and this. 

But meanwhile, back to the snow...

Marin News Roundup

	Apiarists hope to breed a better bee: "The shift in population has been staggeringly negative," said M.E.A. McNeil, a San Anselmo beekeeper. "We need to be more vigilant about what we're doing, in less chemical ways." (Read more)
	Cosco Busan owners lose ruling on spill damage: The oil reached the bay shoreline and ocean beaches in Marin and San Mateo counties and killed more than 2,400 birds. (Read more)
	Marin real estate: A decade under the influence: Some people are grateful they stayed on the sidelines for the feeding frenzy. (Read more)
	BioMarin acquires LEAD Therapeutics: BioMarin (link) expects the deal to report $11 million to $13 million in operating expenses and acquisition charges this fiscal year. (Read more)
	Tamalpais High School advances to state mock trial competition: "I love teaching them and learning from them. I'm a mock trial junkie. (Read more)
	Injured Sea Lion Returns To Ocean Off Of Marin: Cheers erupted as the animal splashed into the Marin County surf. (Read more)
	Gunneras - plants from the days of dinosaurs: G. tinctoria has naturalized in San Francisco and Marin County, but so far, the California Invasive Plant Council hasn't listed it as a problem species. (Read more)
	Master Gardener: New books offer a wealth of gardening information: Ah, so much to read and so little time. Happy reading. (Read more)
	The party's over for Party America: I'm guessing it's more likely a victim of the success brought by it's busy new neighbor: Trader Joe's. (Read more)
	Kentfield neighbors protest plans for wireless phone equipment: It's not just the noise, the stigma and the worry about health effects, neighbors said, arguing that, among other things, what they fear most is setting a precedent. (Read more)
	The West Marin Report: West Marin's audio news report (Read more)
	Planners to consider height limits on houses: 10 a.m. meeting Monday in Room 328 of the Civic Center in San Rafael. (Read more)
	Marin County Looks To Break Ties With PG&E: Marin County officials say they are moving toward green energy. (Read more)
	A reality check on autism and vaccines: A law that allows parents to opt out of school-required shots has raised the worry level. This so-called exemption rate statewide is 2 percent, but it was 6.3 percent in Marin County... (Read more)
	Sausalito- Bridgeway South: Below are a few more photos from my tour of Sausalito. (Read more)
	Super Bowl XLIV: 'Aints no more - Buck Institute's Kovach has seen New Orleans come long way since his playing days: "Basically I'm on the sideline and I look over and see a person with a bag on their head," Kovach said this week. (Read more)

Erging for a Cause

Marin Rowing Junior Program is having its annual Erg-A-Thon fund raiser.  From noon Saturday until noon Sunday at Bon Air Center in Greenbrae they will be rowing on a rowing machine (also known as an erg) to raise money for the junior program.  The way it works is that the kids take turns for an hour or so at a time rotating with each rower on the erg for 1 minute and about 5 minutes off.  Each time a rower switches a pit crew helps them get in and out of the shoes.  They will be rowing through the night.

We watched Lela McCrea, a senior at Redwood, take her turn on the erg.

Each year the Erg-A-Thon raises thousands of dollars for equipment for the junior program of 125 kids. This helps them compete up and down the state.  For the last two years the girls varsity were National Champions and two girls helped the US womans youth team to win gold at the World Championships last summer in France.

If you have got time before noon Sunday, stop by and cheer them on.

The Pit crew helps Lela tie in.

Watch Abagnale, the wayward sea lion return to the ocean (Video)

If you don't want to watch the whole thing, the actual beach release part starts around 4:00 on the tape-

Bonne Bouche - Super shrimp recipe for Superbowl

Bonne Bouche with Chef Elizabeth Howes

This is a favorite among my clients and is probably one of the easiest dishes to whip together.  Not only that, but is also brings some decent heat to the table from the chipotle peppers (a smoke- dried jalapeño).  Even if the game is a bust this Sunday, these will definitely be worth talking about.

Another plus, they go very well with beer.  Really, what could be better?

To get the recipe, go to MoreEats.

Video of the Day - Friday's Music Video

Actually, this is a video about the making of a new music video to benefit Haiti quake victims. It's a remake of "We Are The World" the 1980s video/song for famine relief in Africa. The new version has singers ranging from Celine Dion to Pink performing, and the video will debut at the opening ceremonies of the Vancouver Winter Olympics on February 12.

Marin Clean Energy another step closer to reality

The upstart renewable energy organization, Marin Energy Authority, voted unanimously last night to a five-year deal with Shell Oil to provide energy in direct competition with Pacific, Gas and Electric.

According to the IJ, that means Shell will be able to provide MEA with alternatively-sourced energy under the Marin Clean Energy initiative which MEA can then offer to Marin residents at comparable prices to PG&E. Customers can get energy, 25% of which is obtained from renewable sources, for the same cost as PG&E charges. Or for a few more dollars a month, MEA can provide 100% of the energy from renewable sources. PG&E currently gets about 12% of its energy from renewable sources and failed to meet the state-mandated requirement to provide 20% by 2010. The energy would still be delivered over PG&E's power lines.

Some Marin residents could get notices with the option to join the new energy authority as soon as next week. Residents will then have to 'opt out' of PG&E to receive MEA's electricity.

PG&E has fought the project tooth and nail, even going so far as to threaten lawsuits. In addition, PG&E is spending tons of money trying to get an initiative on the ballot which would make it much tougher for municipalities and counties to start an alternative energy authority like MEA.

Absent more challenges from PG&E, the MEA could begin providing energy as early as May.

Marin News Roundup

	Yacht catches fire at Sausalito marina: "We saw smoke, and then the whole thing went up in flames." (Read more)
	Get texts from the Sausalito police: Now Sausalito residents can get public safety alerts sent directly to their cell phones via texting. (Read more)
	MMC start seal study: “I’m pleased as a scientist because it looks like Marine Mammal Commission is going to do the right thing, and not take on a political agenda,” said biologist and Marshall resident Dr. Corey Goodman. (Read more)
	Large piece added to Novato's Hamilton wetlands project: That will create habitat for fish, California clapper rail, brown pelicans, California black rail and salt marsh harvest mice, among other species. (Read more)
	Towns consider green building requirements: “We’re really changing the way we look at buildings,” said Brown. (Read more)
	Marin County to provide power, oust PG&E: Marin County is poised to jump into the public power business, despite fierce opposition from Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (Read more)
	Grazing limits help creeks: “Over the past 40 years, a lot of restoration projects have been conducted, but there hadn’t been much of a follow up to see what worked and what didn’t,” Lennox said. (Read more)
	Mill Valley lawyer jailed in yogurt theft case: "She did have evidence of yogurt on her nose," said Mill Valley police Capt. Jim Wickham. (Read more)
	West Marin has a retail sector too: Think of West Marin and you think of rolling hills and wild beaches, with some farmland, a few small villages and a lot of national parkland. And while West Marin contains more than half of Marin County's land, it is home to just 3% of the county's population. (Read more)
	Documentary follows students restoring ecosystems: “In 1992,” Rogers said, “I was teaching fourth grade in Brookside School in San Anselmo, and I showed my kids a video about endangered species. They got very depressed..." (Read more)
	Roots of Peace of San Rafael receives $30.4 million grant: "We're very, very excited," she said of the USAID grant. "It's amazing. I'm humbled. We're facing this war on terrorism from the bottom up, not the top down." (Read more)
	The West Marin Report: Audio reports and more (Read more)
	Ex-Cop and Accomplice Face Trial for North Bay Armored Car Guard Robberies : A former Santa Rosa police officer and his alleged accomplice were ordered to stand trial in Sonoma County Superior Court Wednesday afternoon for the robberies of armored car guards in Marin and Sonoma counties. (Read more)
	Chinese students visit Larkspur school: East met West over organic chili dogs Monday at a Larkspur middle school. (Read more)
	Trails policy seeks balance: The Board of Supervisors met on Monday to hear recommendations for a proposed trails plan that would re-route the hiking trail through the Hetfield property and build a new mountain bike park at Stafford Lake in Novato. (Read more)
	California million-dollar home sales plummet: The communities where virtually all home sales were in the million-dollar category were Portola Valley and Atherton in San Mateo County, Newport Beach in Orange County, Ross in Marin County... (Read more)
	Weekend Family Events for February 6 & 7: Here are our picks for great events and activities for children and families this weekend. (Read more)
	Armed robber hits two Novato hotels: Police are investigating a possible connection between the two Novato incidents and a robbery of the Best Western Corte Madera Inn that occurred at 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, McCarthy said. (Read more)
	League of Women Voters to celebrate anniversary: The 73-year-old League of Women Voters of Marin County will celebrate the 90th anniversary of its national organization at a reception Feb. 11 in Greenbrae. (Read more)
	Retailer openings continue at remodeled Northgate mall: New and returning retailers continue to open at the newly reinvented Northgate mall in Terra Linda. (Read more)
	Remembering Olompali’s hippie past: Olompoli is also famous for being the site of the “Battle of Olompoli” by Californians against the Mexican government in 1846. (Read more)
	Weekend events : Everything musical in Marin (Read more)

A few more Coho salmon spotted (video)

Great video report on the Coho salmon situation in West Marin, which remains dire even though a few more were spotted this year-

Marin History Museum takes possession of new Music Center space

Smiles all around despite the gloomy weather on Thursday morning, as the Marin History Museum took official possession of the new 7,200 square-foot space that is to become the Marin History Music Center this fall. Building owner David Pugatch presented museum Executive Director Merry Alberigi with a ceremonial key while San Rafael Mayor Al Boro and project partners looked on.

The spacious, empty former discount clothing store will be completely transformed over the next several months into a state-of-the-art music exhibition, performance and educational space with the long-anticipated Marin Rocks as the kick-off exhibit.

It hasn't been an easy process getting here, and there is still a lot to do before Marin Rocks opens to the public next Fall.

"It took us awhile to find the right space and so we had some stops and starts," says Chief Curator Dawn Laurant, "But we wanted to make sure it was something we were happy with and serves the exhibits and programs. We're thrilled to be in San Rafael on 4th Street!," she adds.

The museum will rent the space which will be converted to house interactive displays and archival items.

"We'll be renovating the space so that it is all [up to] archival and American Association of Museums standards," continues Laurant.

The museum is still accepting historical and archival donations from the community for the Marin Rocks Exhibit, and Laurant says that more items will allow them to recycle exhibits and "keep things fresh." 

In fact, getting to this point in the process, has been a community effort. The museum has held various fundraising events, and those along with a multi-million dollar benefit concert from Metallica have been a big boost for the project. But Laurant concedes fundraising is still a necessity and "we really need the community to continue to support us."

(Pictured at top left to right - President of MHM Board of Directors Carleton Prince; Mayor Al Boro; MHM Exec Director Merry Alberigi; Tom Renshaw-nephew of David Pugatch and building manager; MHM Chief Curator Dawn Laurant; building owner David Pugatch; Jerry Suyderhoud- Broker,Orion Partners, Ltd.)

Musings from Dr. Michelle - 4 favorite tips from "The Happiness Project" book

Musings by Dr. Michelle Gannon: Psychologist, Wife and Mother

When I take care of my personal happiness and wellness, I am definitely a better wife, mother, psychologist and friend. I have long believed that when we attend to our emotional and physical health, we can be more productive, take care of others, achieve success and happiness, and have more fulfilling relationships.

I recently read a new book, The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. Apparently, the author was on a New York City bus one day, and asked herself, "What do I want from life, anyway...well, I want to be happy." She also noticed that "she wasn't as happy as she could be" and she dedicated a year to make behavioral changes to increase her happiness.

Hit It and Quit It! - Marin Clean Energy high wire act

Paragraphs by Paul Miller

Celebrate the "Stuperbowl" (minus the TV and annoying football game...)

One of our favorite Marin vintners, Paul Kreider of Ross Valley Winery, is hosting a "Stupor Bowl Widows'/Widowers' Sanctuary" event this Sunday at, oh, around, 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Paul and his amazing side-kick Kerry, will be serving wine and munchies at the winery tasting room in San Anselmo for anyone who, as his email says, "considers the TV advertisements the best part of the experience." All glasses of wine (except reserve Cab) will be just five bucks a glass. Kerry will bring her "truffle sea-salted popcorn drizzled with artisan Napa Valley olive oil" and everyone is encouraged to bring a wine-friendly snack to share.

Paul's the vintner that came up with Recession Red wine and then followed that up with Recovery Red (we know, we're still in recovery). He's a total hoot, and he makes great wine.

Oh, and to kick things off, the first five people to arrive at the Stuperbowl party, get a free glass of wine. 

Details-

• Stuperbowl Party on Sunday, February 7
• 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Ross Valley Winery
• 343 San Anselmo Avenue in San Anselmo

Video of the Day - Lazy cat

This is how we felt this morning

Marin News Roundup

	Cavallo Point Lodge Honored With LEED Gold Certification for Its Sustainable Design: Cavallo Point Is the First National Park Lodge and the First on the National Register of Historic Places to Gain LEED Certification (Read more)
	Tamalpais Commons nears completion: A pioneering new mixed-use housing development at 505 Miller Ave. is nearing its scheduled March completion date ... (Read more)
	Panel: Drake High's tall palm trees should not be cut down: They understand the palms are a community asset," he said. "I'm glad I didn't have to go crazy (and chain myself)." (Read more)
	Novato Chase, Crash Yields Counterfeit Money Bust: He also had outstanding warrants for DUI, driving on a suspended license and armed robbery, spousal abuse and burglary charges, McCarthy said. (Read more)
	San Rafael man jailed in sexual assault case: A San Rafael man was arrested on allegations he sexually assaulted a family friend after inviting her to his home to discuss "something important," authorities said. (Read more)
	Residents divided along town lines: Kristin Nash, whose daughter attends Wade Thomas, spoke passionately about the fact that her daughter isn’t able to play at recess because of the lack of space. (Read more)
	SMART rail official: Consider San Rafael-to-Santa Rosa train as first phase: "What I vehemently want to avoid is a north-south controversy where the north feels it is getting ripped off by the south." (Read more)
	Rotaries install solar-powered clock: “We believe the clock is an attractive anchor for this key intersection..." (Read more)
	Corte Madera recreation center patio gets grassroots facelift: Volunteers have secured $46,000 in commitments - $20,000 from the Corte Madera Community Foundation, $5,000 from the beautification committee and $5,000 from the women's club. (Read more)
	Eating: Bivalve curious?: Marin's a great place to calcify your taste for oysters... (Read more)
	Last living ‘Bonanza’ star had Novato home: An extremely private man, Roberts’ Novato residence was known to few. (Read more)
	Sutter Health buys more land in San Rafael, will expand outpatient services: At the end of June, Sutter is returning control of Marin General Hospital to the Marin Healthcare District. (Read more)
	Quake survivor returns, pleads for aid: It was 5 p.m. when former San Rafael teacher Barbara Wander felt the earth shaking in Haiti. (Read more)
	Vows: That was Zen, this is vow…: Turn your 'I do' to an 'I Tao' with beautiful Buddhism-style weddings (Read more)
	Council hung up on parking booth: Council members uneasy about ‘ugly’ temporary booth option. (Read more)
	Gunman robs Corte Madera hotel: The clerk turned over an undisclosed amount of cash and the robber fled on foot. The robber was described as Hispanic, 25 to 30 years old, 5-foot-8 and "husky," said Twin Cities police Sgt. Michael Norton. (Read more)
	Tesla Motors courts Mill Valley drivers: While Detroit limps along and Toyota falters, Tesla, which recently produced its 1,000th car, is well poised to undergo a considerable expansion... (Read more)
	West Marin ranchers hope to turn pasture pollution into cow power: "The bottom line is that you get manure on your farm 24 hours a day, 365 days a year," said Point Reyes rancher Bob Giacomini, who uses a methane digester to turn his cattle's by-products into power... (Read more)
	Fairfax fire forum success: Mark Squire said he regretted encouraging his girlfriend to apply for a second unit because it had cost her thousands of dollars. (Read more)

Video of the Day - Stupid is as stupid does

Ummm, karma?

Injured sea lion will be released on Friday

The injured sea lion who became famous when he managed to evade capture for nearly a month, has apparently made a quick recovery. He's going to be released back to the ocean on Friday.

"Abagnale" so named after the main character in "Catch Me If You Can" had fishing line wrapped around his neck and nose. After spotting the injured mammal on January 1st, the Marine Mammal Center (TMMC) officials made several attempts during January to capture him for treatment, but Abagnale evaded them until he was finally caught in Monterey Bay on January 24.

Abagnale was treated for severe malnutrition and dehydration after the fishing line was removed. Jim Oswald from TMMC says they will release him on Friday near the Marine Mammal Center location in the Marin Headlands area of Sausalito. Here is ABC7 video of Abagnale in the Center during treatment.

SubUrban Legend - Marin's groundhog

So we don't have a local Punxsutawney Phil to give us our own definitive winter weather report. (Those poor Pennsylvanians and the rest of the Union--six more weeks of winter!) Here in Marin (remember, we have a bubble over us), we have Godfrey the Gopher, subterranean citizen of Greenbrae. And his forecast is...snort, snore, zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. (What can we say, our collective conscience didn't have the heart to wake him from his sound snooze.)

Local NPS head on the move

Just like his former boss Jon Jarvis, Don Neubacher is on his way up the National Park Service career ladder.

Neubacher just got picked to be the top dog for Yosemite National Park.

It's a big move for Neubacher who was the Point Reyes National Seashore superintendent for the past 15 years. Both men became embroiled in controversy over the last few years with their opposition to the Drakes Bay Oyster Company's request for a lease extension in Drakes Estero. Now Neubacher won't have to concern himself with DBOC's fate.

DBOC owner Kevin Lunny enjoys the support of Senator Dianne Feinstein, among others, but the final decision to extend the lease rests with the Interior Department which may delegate that decision to the National Park Service, and Mr. Jarvis.