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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (April 24, 2015)
THE DAILY ASTORIAN • FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015 COMMUNITY 1B POSITIVELY PINNIPED Y es, sea lions can be upstanding citizens. NavyTimes.com re- cently featured a story about how sea lions and dolphins are helping Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams detect and re- cover mines, and are playing a role in port security (http://tinyurl. com/navyhelpers). One of the 50 sea lions on the team is pictured in a photo by Kathleen Gorby/Navy. According to Mike Rothe, the marine mammal program direc- tor at Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command in San Diego, during the Iraq invasion, dolphins and sea lions tagged mines on the ERWWRPRIWKH3HUVLDQ*XOIIRUGLYHUVWR¿QGDQGGLVDEOH6HDOLRQV are also used in mine-dropping training in San Diego. “In Kings Bay, Georgia, that water’s like coffee with cream in it,” Rothe noted. “It’s nearly impossible to see anything, yet our sea lions are able to do a bang-up job in detecting swimmers” who are spying or trying to sabotage a ship. The marine program is going strong “until there’s other hardware or technology that can do what they do,” Rothe said. But, he added, “so far there’s nothing that can catch a rogue swimmer like a Cali- fornia sea lion.” MYSTERY BUOY UP FROM THE ASHES ‘O n April 11, our father, David ‘Big Chief’ Magnuson, lost his KRXVHVKRSDQGDOORIKLVSRVVHVVLRQVLQDGHYDVWDWLQJ¿UH´ son David Magnuson wrote. “He made it out unharmed along with his dog, Tyson.” Big Chief and Tyson are pictured in Naselle, Wash., DIWHUWKH¿UH “Unfortunately he only recently received disability, and was still in the process of applying for insurance, meaning he was completely uncovered,” David explained. “He has lost everything including his house, shop, two Harley-Davidsons, boat, all-terrain vehicle, Cama- ro Z28, and riding lawn mower.” ey Dude: Dust off your bowling shoes. Jeff Daly tells the Ear As if that weren’t bad enough, “he was recently forced out of his that fans of The Dude (Jeff Bridges) and the cult bowling mov- career as a truck driver when he began to suffer from glaucoma,” LH³7KH%LJ/HERZVNL´DUHLQIRUDWUHDW²WKH¿UVWDQQXDO,W¶V/HE- David recalled. “He has been unable to work for over two years due owski Time Festival, May 1, starting at the Astoria Event Center, to his failing eyesight, and has gone through all of his savings over this time.” ZKHUHKLJKOLJKWVRIWKH¿OPDUHEHLQJVKRZQIURPSP David has set up an account to help his father out. “We are start- Lower Columbia Bowl will have open lane bowling (and danc- ing) from 8 to 10 p.m., and nifty prizes (like a Cannery Pier Hotel ing this fund to try to get him started. We need to rebuild his life VWD\DQGUHVWDXUDQWFHUWL¿FDWHVZLOOEHJLYHQDWDQGSPIRU from the ground up. This will take much more money and time than we could ever ask for but, we are hoping that we can get him on his best/worst Lebowski character costumes. A ticket price of $20 gives access to all events. Buy your ticket in feet.” You can donate at www.gofundme.com/bigchief. “Please help spread the word for our father and Tyson,” David advance at Frite & Scoop, and receive a free ice cream. Of course, :KLWH5XVVLDQVZLOOEHVHUYHGGXULQJWKHIHVWLYDOWRKRQRUWKH¿OP requests. “Thank you all so much for your support. This has been an and the Glam Tram will be available to transport Lebowski-ites to overwhelming experience, and everyone has been so kind.” other businesses celebrating the festival with their own White Rus- sian presentations. The Dude abides. Love fest: The Oregonian was practically swooning over Asto- ria with “$VWRULDWKLQJVZHORYHDERXW2UHJRQ¶V¿UVWFLW\” (http://tinyurl.com/20Astoria), a slide show with commentary by Terry Richard, who wrote several travel posts about Astoria last year (http://tinyurl.com/14Astoria). The Astoria Bridge is mentioned (of course), and the Astoria Col- umn, Sunday Market, the sea lions, the Riverfront Trolley, several lo- cal businesses — well, you get the idea. However, tacked on the end, after No. 20, he also mentions Seaside, Cannon Beach, and Long Beach, Wash., which made the Ear a little huffy. Hey, it’s supposed to be about loving Astoria, for heaven’s sake. No way: Overheard at the Astoria Column by Jennifer Lind- strom: A tourist dad asked his daughter if she’s ready to climb to the top. Daughter, eyeing the engraved paver stones around the column, said “No way, Dad. Look at the names of all the people who died trying to get up there!” H EYE TO EYE WITH NESSIE ‘A pril 12, my friend Karen Hoyt and I found this bad boy just south of Silver Point in Cannon Beach,” Pam Chater wrote to the Ear about her photos of the buoy, which are shown. “As di- rected we called the police, and they responded immediately.” They put tape around it, but they didn’t remove it. Where did the buoy come from? A call to the U.S. Coast Guard revealed it is not one of theirs. The answer? Judging from photos, it’s a Canadian submarine indicator distress buoy (http://tinyurl.com/ AFTind). Apparently, each of the four Victoria Class submarines is RXW¿WWHGZLWKWZRRIWKHPRQHIRUHDQGRQHDIW7KLVRQHLVPDUNHG “AFT.” So how did the buoy wind up on the Oregon Coast? Emails to the Fisheries and Oceans Canada have produced no answers. Pam QRWHGWKDWD&RDVW*XDUGKHOLFRSWHUZDVÀ\LQJORZDQGVORZRYHU the beach near the buoy on Saturday (did they pick it up?). There was also a king tide Saturday. All we know is, at the end of the day the buoy was gone — disappearing as mysteriously as it appeared. THE SMILE MEISTER T he Ear has just the perfect thing for armchair monster hunters and Loch Ness Monster (Nessie) fans. According to the Huff- ington Post (http://tinyurl.com/eyenessie), you can thank Mr. Google for mounting a Street View camera on a boat that gives people a 360-degree view of the loch and its surroundings, and even takes a peek under the notoriously murky surface of the water now and then. Pictured, a few screenshots from the camera. Intrigued? You can start stalking Nessie here: http://tinyurl.com/eye2nessie Now all we need is a Street View camera to watch our very own Columbia River sea monster, Colossal Claude. BEYOND MEASURE? PACE YOURSELF I n an April 17 In One Ear story, Cyndi Mudge was tickled to re- ceive a Smile Award from a stranger in an electric cart at Fred Meyer’s. “Who was he?” she asked. The smile meister is Richard Ortez, pictured left. He and his wife, Diane, run Sabra J’s Attic in Cannon Beach. Some time ago, Richard fractured his skull, and it’s been a long recovery, Diane told the Ear. “He still has a balance problem, but he’s OK mentally. Some get a little bitter, he just went the other way. After his fall, his mission is to make people laugh and smile.” Then, more recently, there was a cancer diagnosis. That’s when he started taking his Smile Awards with him when they go shopping, Di- ane recalled, along with their beloved blind dog, Chloe, pictured right. He gives out the awards because he knows “how a little compliment just changes somebody.” So who gets an award? Well, people who everal media sources recently ran a story about a new study with a “smile with their whole face” — but then, you might also get one if headline similar to this one, from ABC News: “More People Could you look like you could use a smile. After all, who needs it more? Survive Tsunami If They Walk Faster” (http://tinyurl.com/fastwalk). Richard’s not only keeping people smiling, either. “Sometimes The Ear’s third-grade bratty alter ego said, “Well, duh! Really?” it gets a little hard on the budget, but it’s dog country at Cannon Yes, really. When a Cascadia Subduction Zone tsunami is on its Beach,” Diane said. “He gets a big bag of treats, so when he sees way, you’ll only have about 15 or 20 minutes to get to higher ground a couple with their dog go by, he’ll offer to give the dog a treat. (or inland) before the water rolls in after the earthquake. Chances are New neighbors came in a few weeks ago, and they have a collie the roads will be too damaged to get away by car, meaning you’ll named Buddy. When he sees my husband coming down the street, have to walk. Briskly. he bounds out to wait for him to get his treat. It’s the cutest thing. All 7KH¿JXUHVIURPWKHVWXG\VSHOOLWRXW³*HRJUDSKHUVHVWLPDWHG the dogs know.” 21,562 residents (of Oregon, Washington and California) would not On the phone, Diane sounds every bit as upbeat as Richard is. make it to safety if they walk slowly — at about 2.5 mph. But if they “It’s been an unbelievable journey, and we hope to retire soon,” she walk faster, at about 3.5 mph, the death toll drops to 15,970.” mused. “Life is good. It just makes you a little stronger if you have So, now tsunami preparedness has also become about getting faith, and we have faith. We’re going to be married 59 years in July.” healthy to walk faster. Better lace up those walking shoes and get “Sometimes I want to be ‘poor me’ today,” she added, laughing, moving. “and he just won’t let us.” S I n June, the U.S. Ocean Observatories Initiative and other ob- servatories in the Arctic and Canada (between all of them, they cover every ocean) will start measuring “physical, chem- ical, geological and biological phenomena from the seabed to the surface,” according to The Economist (http://tinyurl.com/ measuresea). One of the areas of concentration will be the Cascadia Sub- duction Zone, using the Cabled Array (pictured in an Econo- mist.com graphic), a more than 550-mile-long submarine pow- er and data connection off Oregon and Washington, which will measure the tectonic plates’ volcanic and seismological activity and hydrothermal vents’ output. 3OXVWKHFDEOHZLOOEHFRQQHFWHGWR³SUR¿OHUPRRULQJV´WKDW let instruments go back and forth to the surface to take measure- ments; and, a propeller-driven autonomous underwater vehicle, Endurance, will also be gathering information off Oregon’s coast. More good news: Since it’s taxpayer funded, the data gener- ated by the project will be open access and free. COMMUNITY NOTES SATURDAY Seaside AAUW — 10 a.m., at the home of Jane McGeehan, Gearhart. Seaside Branch of American Association of University Women monthly meeting. Program is “Pay Equity.” Refreshments will be served. For address information and directions, call Karin Webb at 503-735-5919. Columbia Northwestern Mod- el Railroading Club — 1 p.m., in Hammond. Group runs trains on HO-scale layout. For information, call Don Carter at 503-325-0757. SUNDAY National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Support Group — 2 to 3:30 p.m., Seaside Public Library, 1131 Broadway. Family to Family Support Group, for anyone with friend or loved one suffering from a serious brain (mental) illness. For information, contact Myra Kero at 503-738-6165, or k7erowood@q. com, or go to www.nami.org Line Dancing — 5:30 to 8 p.m., Seaside American Legion, 1315 Broadway. For information, call 503-738-5111. No cost; suggested $5 tip to the instructor. MONDAY Senior Lunch — 11:30 a.m., Bob Chisholm Senior Center, 1225 Avenue A, Seaside. Suggested do- nation $3 for those older than 60; $6.75 for those younger than 60. For information, call Michelle Lew- is at 503-861-4200. second Àoor of the Astoria Elks Lodge, 453 11th St. Guests always welcome. For information, go to www.AstoriaRotary.org Warrenton Kiwanis Club — noon to 1 p.m., Doogers Seafood and Grill, 103 U.S. Highway 101, Warrenton. For information, call Darlene Warren at 503-861-2672. to 7:30 p.m., Astoria Senior Center, temporarily located at 1555 W. Ma- rine Drive in the old Astoria Yacht Club. For information, call 503-325- 3231. Clatsop County Democrats — 6:30 to 9 p.m., Astoria Yacht Club, 300 Industry St., Suite 201 (at the West End Mooring Basin, above Tiki Charters). For information, call 503-717-1614 or go to http://clat- sopdemocrats.org Columbia Senior Diners — 11:30 a.m., Peace Lutheran Church (lower level), 565 12th St. Cost is $5. For information, or to have a meal delivered, call 503-325-9693. Knochlers Pinochle Group — 1 p.m., Bob Chisholm Community Center, 1225 Avenue A, Seaside. Cost is $1 per regular session per person. Players with highest and second highest scores split the prize. Game is designed for play- ers 55 and older, but all ages are welcome. Warrenton Senior Lunch Pro- gram — noon, Warrenton Commu- nity Center, 170 S.W. Third St. Sug- gested donation of $5 for seniors and $7 for those younger than 60. For information, or to volunteer, call 503-861-3502 Monday or Thursday. Diabetes Class — 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Providence Seaside Hospital, 725 S. Wahanna Road, Seaside. Free help managing diabetes. All are welcome. For information, go to www.providence.org/diabetes or call 503-717-7301. Senior Lunch — 11:30 a.m., Bob Chisholm Senior Center, 1225 Avenue A, Seaside. Suggested do- nation of $3 for those older than 60; $6.75 for those younger than 60. For information, call Michelle Lew- is at 503-861-4200. Astoria Rotary Club — noon, Line Dancing for Seniors — 6 Columbia Senior Diners — TUESDAY Do Nothing Club — 10 a.m. to noon, 24002 U St., Ocean Park, Wash. Men’s group. For informa- tion, call Jack McBride at 360-665- 2721. 11:30 a.m., Peace Lutheran Church (lower level), 565 12th St. The cost is $5. For information, or to have a meal delivered, call 503-325-9693. Astoria Lions Club — noon, Astoria Elks Lodge, 453 11th St. Prospective members welcome. For information, contact Charlene Larsen at 503-325-0590. Line Dancing for Seniors — 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Astoria Senior Center, temporarily located at 1555 W. Marine Drive in the old Astoria Yacht Club. For information, call 503-325-3231. Spinning Circle — 3 to 5 p.m., Astoria Fiber Arts Academy, 1296 Duane St. Bring a spinning wheel. For information, call 503-325-5598 or go to http://astoria¿berarts.com WEDNESDAY Open Sewing Gathering — 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Homespun Quilts, 108 10th St. For information, call 503-325-3300 or 800-298-3177 or go to http://homespunquilt.com Wickiup Senior Lunches — 11:30 a.m., Wickiup Grange Hall, 92683 Svensen Market Road. Free for those older than 60 ($3 suggest- ed donation), $6.75 for those young- er than age 60. For information, call Michelle Lewis at 503-861-4200. Senior Lunch — 11:30 a.m., Bob Chisholm Senior Center, 1225 Avenue A, Seaside. Suggested do- nation of $3 for those older than 60; $6.75 for those younger than 60. For information, call Michelle Lew- is at 503-861-4200. Columbia Senior Diners — 11:30 a.m., Peace Lutheran Church (lower level), 565 12th St. The cost is $5. For information, or to have a meal delivered, call 503-325-9693. Blood Pressure Checks — noon to 2 p.m., Astoria Senior Center, temporarily located at 1555 W. Marine Drive in the old Astoria Yacht Club. For information, call 503-325-3231. See NOTES, Page 2B