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Mental Telegraphy – What Would Mark Twain Say?

February 29, 2024 | McAvoy Lane

Have you ever thought that maybe you had special powers but did not know how to tap into them? Well you do. We all do, some to a greater extent than others, and Mark Twain was one of the most gifted of all vision-seers. He was in tune to the possibility of two or more people transmitting the same idea back and forth…

“The world was without an electric telegraph for several thousand years; then Professor Henry, the American, Wheatstone in England, Morse on the sea, and a German in Munich, all invented it at the same time.” 

And now, Elon Musk says Neuralink’s first human patient is able to control a computer’s mouse through thinking. 

The strangest thing that has ever befallen me took place inside the Clemens home in Hartford. We were shooting a documentary, and while they were setting up the lighting in the billiards room I wandered aimlessly through the rest of that beautiful domicile.

As I was about to enter a downstairs bedroom, and was reaching for the doorknob, my hand instinctively withdrew, without my knowing why. I would learn, that was the room where Susy died, his daughter of 24 years of age, his light that went out. My hand knew I did not want to enter that room, when my head hadn’t a clue. I attribute that phenomenon to his guiding hand, not mine.

Mark Twain examined the ephemeral science of mental telegraphy in an essay he published in 1878…

“When it was three in the morning in Nevada it was six in Hartford, where I lay awake thinking about nothing in particular; and just about that time his ideas came pouring into my head from across the continent, and I got up and put them on paper, under the impression that they were my own original thoughts. I am forced to believe that one human mind can communicate with another, over any sort of distance.” 

According to Twain, there are no coincidences, merely instances of mental telegraphy that go unexplained. And so we often hear the common expression, “I was just thinking about you!”

Twain goes on to extrapolate, “The telegraph and telephone are going to become too slow for our needs. We must have the thought itself shot into our minds from a distance. Doubtless the thing which conveys our thoughts through the air from brain to brain is a finer and subtler form of electricity, and all we need do is find out how to capture it.” 

So yes, there are gifted vision-seers. I’m not one, but I believe Mark Twain was one.

As is our custom, we shall leave the last word to Mr. Twain…

“Thirty yoke of oxen could not have pulled the belief out of me that I was one of the favored ones of the earth, and had seen a vision while wide awake.”

Audio: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Fhv4PrH1UuwlhbnTT23zO

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Winter Weather Preparations from NLTFPD

February 29, 2024 | Member Submitted

Submitted by North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, written by Tia Rancourt

US NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE RENO ISSUES BLIZZARD WARNING

US National Weather Service Reno has issued a Blizzard Warning in effect from 10 a.m. Thursday, February 29 through 10 a.m. Sunday, March 3, 2024 for the greater Lake Tahoe area.

A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds are likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions, making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay in your vehicle.

Additionally, the Sierra Avalanche Center has issued a Backcountry Avalanche Watch in effect from 7 a.m. Friday, March 1st through 5 p.m. Sunday, March 3, 2024 for high to extreme avalanche danger for the Greater Lake Tahoe area.

Reminder Winter Preparedness Tips:

  • Make sure you have working smoke alarms installed in every bedroom and outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Test them monthly.
  • Make sure you have working CO alarms installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Test them monthly. If your utility vents are located on the side of your home, make sure to keep them clear as snow accumulation can cause carbon monoxide to back up into the house.
  • Plan two ways out of the home in case of an emergency.
  • Clear driveway and front walk of ice and snow. This will provide easy access to your home.
  • Make sure your house number can be seen from the street. If you need help, first responders will be able to find you.
  • Be ready in case the power goes out. Have flashlights on hand. Also have battery-powered lighting and fresh batteries.
  • If you have a portable generator, it should be used outdoors in a well-ventilated area, away from all doors, windows, and vents. Do not run a generator inside your garage, even if the door is open. Do not use a generator in a wet area. This can cause shock or electrocution. Connect appliances to the generator with heavy-duty extension cords. Do not fuel your generator when it is running. Spilling gas on a hot engine can cause a fire. 
  • Stay away from downed wires. Report any downed wires to authorities.
  • Be ready if the heat stops working. Use extra layers of clothes and blankets to stay warm. If you use an emergency heat source, follow manufacturer’s guidelines, and keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away.
  • Turn portable heaters off when you leave the room and turn them off when you go to bed.
  • Know where your gas meter shed is located and keep it clear.
  • Have your furnace inspected and serviced by a qualified professional.
  • Have your chimney cleaned and inspected by a qualified professional. Not cleaning your chimney is the leading cause of chimney fires from built up creosote. 
  • Have a covered metal container to dispose of cooled ashes. To obtain a free ash can, residents may fill out an application, available at the Fire District Administration Office, 866 Oriole Way, Incline Village. If the required criteria are met, an ash can will be provided. Please visit our website for more information on our Ash Can program.
  • Snow accumulations can fall and harm/kill you, depending on their size. Clear roofs of excessive snow and ice buildup, being careful not to damage vents and electrical supplies to the building. Clearing the roof can be dangerous so residents are advised to leave this work to professionals.
  • Keep all chimneys and vents clear to prevent carbon monoxide from backing up into the building. Some vents, such as pellet stove vents, may exit the building through a wall and are susceptible to being blocked by excessive snow buildup.
  • Be aware that a roof may collapse with little or no warning. The following warning signs could indicate that you have a danger of roof collapse. You should immediately evacuate the building and notify your local building official, fire department, or contact a structural engineer to determine if the building is safe if you observe the following:
  • severe or new roof leaks.
  • cracked or split wood members.
  • bends or ripples in metal supports
  • recent cracks in walls, gypboard or masonry.
  • cracks in welds of steel construction.
  • sprinkler heads pushed down below ceiling tiles.
  • doors that pop open.
  • doors or windows that are difficult to open.
  • bowed utility pipes or conduits attached to the ceiling; or creaking, cracking, or popping sounds.
  • Keep all exits clear of snow, so that occupants can escape quickly if a fire, or other emergencies, should occur. Keep in mind that windows should be cleared to allow a secondary means of escape in case the primary means of escape is blocked by fire. Keeping exits clear also allows emergency workers to gain access to your building.

Travel Tips (if you must travel):

  • Store emergency supplies in your car (blanket, change of clothes, flashlight, food, water).
  • Carry a charged cell phone.
  • Keep ice scraper/snow brush.
  • Keep the gas tank full.
  • Check national weather service, state department of transportation or local media prior to travel.
  • Allow extra time and expect delays, road closures or detours.

If you are caught in winter storm and/or stranded:

  • Stay with your vehicle and wait for help.
  • Display a sign of trouble to let people know you need help.
  • Occasionally run the engine to keep it warm. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow to prevent deadly carbon monoxide fumes from entering the car.
  • If more than one person is in the car, take turns sleeping.
  • Layer clothing to trap body heat to keep warm.

Helpful Contact Phone Numbers/Websites:

IN AN EMERGENCY, CALL 911

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In The News – Tahoe’s most scenic SkiMo race returns March 23 

February 29, 2024 | Member Submitted

Originally Published in The Tahoe Daily Tribune on 2/25/24, Submitted

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – The Lake Tahoe region’s most fun and scenic SkiMo competition – the Luggi Foeger Uphill/Downhill Festival – returns to Diamond Peak Ski Resort on March 23 & 24, 2024 for another weekend of human-powered adventure and friendly competition.

Named in honor of Luggi Foeger – the founder and original general manager of Diamond Peak ski resort when it opened in 1966 – the Uphill/Downhill Festival is a family-friendly event that celebrates human-powered sports, mountain culture, local craft beer and springtime in the Lake Tahoe region.

Competitors race up the mountain using whatever human-powered method they prefer – skins, snowshoes, running shoes, etc. – then ski, snowboard, snowshoe or run back down to the finish line. 

READ MORE >

Photo credit Diamond Peak

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In The News – Season’s heaviest snowfall potentially coming later this week

February 28, 2024 | Member Submitted

Originally Published in The Tahoe Daily Tribune on 2/27/24, Written by Katelyn Welsh

GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA, Nev./Calif. – The National Weather Service has high confidence an encroaching multi-day storm will bring very heavy snow and potentially damaging winds. They say blizzard conditions are likely and could bring this season’s heaviest snowfall.

A Winter Storm Watch begins late Wednesday night through Sunday morning. The storm is expected to produce between 2-4 feet of snow in Lake Tahoe communities. At elevations above 7,000 feet, potentially 4-8 feet are possible. 

Wind gusts up to 60 miles per hour in lower elevations and 100 at Sierra ridges could damage trees and power lines. 

READ MORE >

Photo Credit: Kristin Derrin

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The Local Lens – Get Ready for the Storm – North Lake Tahoe Fire Community Update

February 28, 2024 | Member Submitted

Submitted by North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District on 02/27/2024, Written by Tia Rancourt

Emergency Preparedness & Evacuation

Remember the Community Evacuation Drill and Forum from last summer?
We are excited to share a new resource from Washoe County Emergency Management (WCEM) to help you be prepared for any emergency: What to Expect in an Evacuation.

This informative video takes you through the steps of an evacuation, from receiving the initial alert to arriving at a shelter. It is a valuable tool for anyone who wants to understand the process and feel more confident in the event of an emergency.

Why is this video important?

  • Stay informed: Knowing what to expect can reduce stress and ensure you make informed decisions during an evacuation.
  • Be prepared: The video highlights key steps like gathering supplies, creating a communication plan, and knowing your evacuation zone.
  • Protect your loved ones: By understanding the evacuation process, you can better ensure the safety of yourself and your family.
  • WCEM Preparedness Page: https://www.washoecounty.gov/em/preparedness/index.php Please take time and become well-versed with our ‘Are you ready?’ tri-fold that talks about making an emergency plan, assembling a kit, and staying informed. We also have a Spanish version.

Share the knowledge!

Together, we can build a more prepared and resilient community.

This guide covers the necessary steps to make a family emergency plan, an evacuation plan, and how to prepare a disaster supplies kit. Review your evacuation checklist to make sure you have everything you need for your supplies kit and ensure your home preparations are addressed so if you have to evacuate, everything is in order. Part of home preparations is having Defensible Space. The Fire Adapted Communities: The Next Step in Wildfire Preparedness booklet is a great resource to help you create yours. You can also visit Tahoe Living With Fire for helpful tips on emergency preparedness. Document your home inventory and important papers here.
You can also visit Ready Washoe to learn how to:

  1. Make a plan
  2. Assemble a kit
  3. Stay informed

Your Heart, Your Community – Be a Lifesaver This Heart Month

Knowing CPR could mean the difference between life and death for someone experiencing cardiac arrest. The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) offers monthly CPR classes to empower you to save lives. Sign up today www.nltfpd.org. Be the “link in the chain of survival”!

You can also download the PulsePoint app. This innovative 911-connected app informs you of nearby emergencies and empowers you to help. When someone close by needs CPR, PulsePoint alerts you and guides you to their location. With over 1300 active users in our community, you can follow us, stay connected and if CPR is needed, lend a hand, “Get the app. Save a life.”

As the first Heart Safe Community since 2014 in the state of Nevada, we celebrate our community and continue striving to provide the best possible care to our community members.

Coming up in March: Daylight Savings/Set Your Clocks Forward One Hour & Change Your Smoke Alarm Batteries

Daylight Savings will be March 10th, remember to set your clocks forward one hour and if you still have battery operated smoke alarms, change the batteries, and consider replacing them with a 10-year sealed smoke alarm. Smoke alarms have a limited lifespan. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends every smoke detector be replaced after 10 years and that regular batteries be replaced every six months. With 10-year sealed battery alarms, battery replacements and late-night battery chirps are eliminated for a decade.

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ALIBI – Celebrating the Love Shared in 2023

February 27, 2024 | Member Submitted

Beer has been bringing people together and building community (and even civilizations!) for thousands of years, and Team Alibi is proud to carry that torch. From providing our beer to events around the region, offering our venues for fundraisers, to raising money through clothing swaps and concerts and creatively collaborating with non-profits whenever possible, we supported 35+ organizations in 2023!⁠

We are so proud to be a staple in our North Tahoe/Truckee community. We’d like to express a huge and heart-felt THANK YOU to YOU – our community – for supporting us so we can, in turn, support the many local organizations that make our world a better place.

At a time when our world is feeling increasingly divided, let’s remember that we are ONE interconnected and interdependent community. When you choose to support local non-profits and locally-owned businesses, you are helping to build a more resilient community. It’s that simple, and it’s more important than ever. And that’s something we can all raise a pint to. Cheers!

Submitted online from Alibi

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Travel North Tahoe Nevada Strategic Plan Survey

February 27, 2024 | Member Submitted

Introduction

Travel North Tahoe Nevada (formerly known as the Incline Village Crystal Bay Visitors Bureau) has begun the process of creating a Strategic Plan to guide our next few years. To facilitate the process, we have retained Whereabout, a destination strategy consulting firm. This 15-minute survey is the first step in collecting the information they need to assess our current state and prepare for an informed strategic planning process. We want to hear from key stakeholders who are part of our region’s tourism industry, and appreciate you taking the time to answer these questions.


Please complete your response by close of business on March 6th.

READ MORE & TAKE SURVEY >

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Community Book Club for Families: A Page-Turning Success!

February 27, 2024 | Member Submitted

Submitted by Allie Sacci – Lake Tahoe School

This week, a new chapter opened in our community with the first meet-up of the Inclined 2 Read Community Book Club for Families. Inclined 2 Read was created by Lake Tahoe School’s librarian, Aly Nugent, along with librarians from Incline Elementary School and the Incline Village Public Library, in an effort to bring our Incline Village community together with a singular goal – to get families excited about reading!

“The One and Only Ivan,” a poignant tale by Katherine Applegate about a silverback gorilla yearning for freedom, served as our inaugural read. Families enjoyed reading the book together, sparking conversations around animal welfare, friendship, and the importance of home. The culmination of this shared journey came at the first meet-up at Incline Village Library, where a vibrant energy filled the air with over 40 families coming together to join in fun activities, read together, and share pizza and refreshments provided through the Incline Education Fund. Some fun and interactive stations at the event included still-life painting, a STEM activity, and a Spanish vocabulary lesson from LTS middle-school students who read the Spanish translation of the book.

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In The News – Incline High’s “We the People” team earns national competition spot

February 26, 2024 | Member Submitted

Originally Published in The Tahoe Daily Tribune on 2/26/24, Written by Brenna O’Boyle

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – Incline High School’s “We the People” team will head to in Leesburg, Virginia, in April to take part in the national competition. The team just learned it received a coveted “wild card” spot, one of only a handful in the country.

“Many thanks, and congratulations to our team from Incline High School,” said Victoria Campbell, public information officer for the Washoe County School District. “We are proud of their hard work, and look forward to hearing the results of the competition.”

Reno High School’s “We the People” team took first place in the state competition earlier this year. Because of that, Reno’s team will also go to the national championship.

READ MORE >

Photo Provided to Tahoe Daily Tribune

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Incline Village Crystal Bay Restaurant Week

February 26, 2024 | Julie Malkin-Manning

IVCBA proudly presents the inaugural Incline Village Crystal Bay Restaurant Week. This week-long extravaganza, taking place from April 15 to 21, promises to be an immersive and celebratory event, shining a spotlight on the unique talents that define our vibrant food and beverage community.

Incline Village Crystal Bay Restaurant Week is not just an event; it’s a celebration that invites locals, businesses, and visitors to come together and experience the diverse flavors and vibrant spirit of our community. From delectable dishes to refreshing beverages, this event promises to showcase the very best of Incline Village Crystal Bay’s culinary scene.

One of the main highlights of the event is the opportunity to indulge in the culinary expertise of our local restaurants, cafes, and food vendors. Throughout the week, these establishments will offer special fixed-price menus featuring signature dishes, innovative creations, and specialty food and drink items that are exclusive to IVCB Restaurant Week. It’s a chance for our community to showcase its culinary prowess and for food enthusiasts to explore a myriad of flavors unique to our region.

In addition to delectable dishes, IVCB Restaurant Week puts a spotlight on the excellence of our local beverages. From craft brews and artisanal cocktails to delicious wines, coffee, and tea, the event offers an array of tastings, pairings, and exclusive offerings. Local restaurants, cafes, and bars will feature beverage specials, not just limited to alcoholic beverages.

Incline Village Crystal Bay Restaurant Week is more than just a week-long event; it’s an invitation to join a culinary extravaganza that celebrates the heart and soul of our community. Mark your calendars for April 15 to 21 and get ready to create lasting memories.

Visit and bookmark IVCB Restaurant Week online to learn more including participating venues and their specials. Alibi Ale, The Soule Domain, Happy Tiers Bakery, Sunshine Deli & Catering, Big Water Grille, Bowl Incline, Gus’ Open Pit Barbecue, Crystal Bay Steak & Lobster House, Osteria Sierra (Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe), Rookies Sports Bar & Grill, and Glasses Wine Bar have signed on. The site is a work in progress, so keep checking back to view special menus and plan your restaurant week itinerary!

IVCB Restaurant Week is presented by IVCBA and supported by Inside Incline

If you are a restaurant, bar, or coffee shop interested in participating in IVCB Restaurant Week please email Julie.

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