The Conventions

Ok pholks, I must admit that I did watch part of the recent convention despite what I said last time around.

It wasn't intentional it just happened. I knew I would watch a few minutes of the convention, what with my roving fingers and a fully charged remote control.

Of the three or four days of the Demos National concave 60 to 90 minutes exposure really wasn't that bad. Normally I spend that much time watching the National Dog Finals, the World Series of Poker or Championship Bull Riding.

Of course, those 60 to 90 minutes are much more than I spend on any of the "reality" shows which have been all the rage over the last several years. At least the Convention is real, despite all the hoopla, B.S. and glitter associated with all political rallies.

And no matter what I probably will end up spending the same amount of viewing time when the Republicans hold their shindig in a couple of weeks. Unfortunately, Jeopardy is liable to be superceded and Vanna won't be turning any letters while the politicians, celebrities and whomever do their thing.

I have considered adding more channels to our cable programming during the convention period but as my wife said it would be better just to stock up with some more good novels and give the dog and cat some extra time.

And, as I mentioned before, with the Olympics losing some luster amid threats of terrorism, drug and doping controversies and the general state of world affairs, the thrill of the Olympics just isn't there. Of course I've got my small American flags ready for waving and I've already started gathering a few of my favorite snacks.

Reflecting on the Demo Convention I learned little that I really wanted to know and even more that I didn't care about. At least I don't know who is going to win the gold, silver and bronze medals. At least there will be some suspense.

SPEAKING OF SUSPENSE AND MYSTERY Woodlake area residents seem to be caught up in a new construction project at the edge of town.

U.S. Towers a Visalia based firm is moving to a new site southwest of the current city limits. The company builds towers and has a government contract. However, word is that the government uses these towers for mounting "super fantastic cameras" which can read a license plate from up to 25 miles away.

According to the rumors going around coffee shops, donut huts and restaurants and maybe a bar or two. As the story goes "they" whomever "they" are, is building this tower for surveillance purposes. When I asked anyone who is discussing this "story" why anyone would want to spy on Woodlake or its area residents no one has an answer.

City Manager Bill Lewis who has been working with getting the company to move to Woodlake responded with "why Woodlake" when I mentioned the rumor to him. He assured me that the new business is manufacturing and fabricating towers under a government contract but there is no "super tower" "they" are building. The other good news is that a number of jobs will be filled when the company completes its move . Applications are available at City Hall.

ANOTHER WOODLAKE STORY IS NOT A RUMOR. Woodlake High School will be dedicating it's football field to the memory of the late Leo Robinson whose coaching career is legend in the San Joaquin Valley. The newly named Leo Robinson Field will be dedicated September the 10th. Robinson was the teacher and coach for 40 years at the school and despite it's relatively small enrollment it has produced many championship caliber teams and a number of outstanding football players.

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