I am the program chair for the Las Vegas Writers Group and this week’s wild Pacific storm afforded me a perfect chance to brush up on my web sleuthing skills as I sought to keep myself apprised of road conditions between Orange County and Clark County. The scheduled speaker for the January event was Chris Epting and he was planning on driving from his home in Huntington Beach to Las Vegas on Thursday in time for his speaking engagement and then drive home on Friday. The wild weather brought by the ferocious Pacific winter storm threatened to derail those carefully laid plans. I’ll cut to the chase here and confirm that, alas, Chris was unable to travel to Las Vegas this time.

One of those spectacular tornadoes seen on the TV news touched down very close to his house and flooding issues effectively prevented him from even beginning the drive.

But as we worked together to formulate a reasonable driving plan, I used a number of public web resources and I thought you might find this list helpful the next time you’re planning a road trip along I-15 and the weather is looking threatening.

WUnderground.com For a quick overview of the various weather forecasting services, I use WUnderground and look at key sections of the route between Las Vegas and LA and in particular look at both the current local radar and predictions for wind speed and storm development at various points in a day.

Marshall Space Flight Center Earth Science Office. I use the formidable resources of the NASA Earth Science Office for looking at variety of satellite mapping images — when I am trying to figure out where a storm is going and what is likely to happen.

State Police Incident Reports. Both the Nevada Highway Patrol and California Highway Patrol post incident reports, on the public web, in the jurisdictions and one can drill down to get up to the moment reports of road conditions. So this morning I was able to find when the CHP began to shepard the snow plows working the Blue Cut area of the Cajon Pass. For instance if you go to this page, you can look up any of the current conditions for several of the CHP commands around the state. The Barstow region covers Primm to Barstow and the San Bernardino command covers the rest of the route.

Both the Nevada and California state highway departments also post road trip condition reports — but those are often not very specific.

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it can provide useful and timely clues when making guesses about road conditions.

Pretty little spider greeted me when I went to adjust the sprinkler clock tonight. A perfect little hour-glass as well…

She’s been in more-or-less the same position since 7:00 pm — I guess she’s found the best place to go hunting for other little buggies. Here’s another view of her domain…

Surprisingly, the Nevada Test Site is responsible for some of the most-mouth-watering catfish to be found west of the Mississippi River. In the 1960s, Charles and Virginia Ghormley moved to Las Vegas from Texarkana, Arkansas when Charles was hired as a lineman and electrician. They lived in the northern part of valley, and Virginia became the USPS Postmaster at Indian Springs.

In 1975, they purchased a five-acre parcel out in the howling desert, miles from the paved roads of the Strip, and started the Hush Puppy Restaurant.

I’ve lived in Las Vegas for about decade, and I’ve driven by the restaurant on West Charleston dozens of times. I’ve always wondered why the property looked so nice, but the parking lot was always deserted during the daytime. Obviously, I’ve grown accustomed to the Nevada-style tavern – where excellent food and brews are available 24/7. Last night on the way back from a book launch party for Jack Sheehan’s latest book, Quiet Kingmaker of Las Vegas, I noticed that the parking lot was full of cars. I decided it was high time to check out this establishment.

Wow! What a place! It turns out that this very popular restaurant opens daily at 5:00 pm. It’s been expanded a few times over the years and now seats about 250 people in the rambling 7,700 square feet of space. The interior surfaces of the restaurant are covered with board lumber and brick from Louisiana. The art work on the walls is all by southern artists, and much of it was purchased on shopping trips by the owners.

There are now two locations of the Hush Puppy Restaurants – the original on W. Charleston and one opened at 1820 N. Nellis Blvd in 1986. Hush Puppies, a deep fat fried delicacy made of corn meal, salt and seasonings, are served with every meal and they are pretty dang wonderful. But the main entrees are pretty darn awesome as well. I ate way, way more than I expected, but I can tell you that the “Peel “n” Eat Shrimp cocktail comes with one of the freshest-tasting cocktail sauces I’ve ever eaten.

The Iron Skillet Louisiana Shrimp and Fried Green Tomatoes will wake you up and the Alligator tail and Louisiana Frog Legs are some of the best I’ve ever tasted. I am not really fond of fried food, per se, but it was sinfully good last night! But the piece de resistance was the catfish – it literally melted in my mouth.

The next time I go back, I’m going to try the “Cajun Fantasy” with a blackened catfish fillet and some stuffed oysters. Or maybe, I’ll have to force myself to settle for a full pound of snow crab. The restaurant runs all sorts of specials and the house was full of a mix of regulars and tourists – lots of families enjoying some extraordinary southern cuisine.

It’s really hard for me to pass on pecan pie – and last night’s indulgence is certainly in the top 5 of any I’ve ever enjoyed. Our server tried to entice me with their signature homemade sweet potato pie – but that will have to be saved for next time.

So, the next time you hanker for some tasty collard greens and melt-in-your-mouth catfish, you can thank the Nevada Test site as you head over to the Hush Puppy Restaurant. If you are in a hurry, just about everything on the main menu is available for take-out as well.

Hush Puppy Restaurant
7185 W. Charleston Blvd.
Las Vegas, Nevada 89117

One of the unifying threads found on all of the Living-Las-Vegas.com blogs is an appreciation for what it takes to be a competent and effective writer. This morning I learned about a published writer whom I’ve known since she was about five or so.

Claire Epting is a TFK Kid Reporter for the “TIME for Kids Magazine” which is distributed on a weekly basis to classrooms all around the country. Her dad, Chris Epting, is an accomplished roadtripper, cultural historian, and the author of ten books so perhaps at least some of her literary expertise could be genetic.

Actually I am very jealous of one of her recent article subjects, for the longest time, I’ve wanted to go for a ride in a Goodyear blimp and in the process of researching this article, Claire actually got fly one for a while!

In this video clip, Claire provides insider tips about covering a major tennis event as a member of the registered press pool.

Now, we just have to convince her parents that it’s time for Claire to come here and report on what’s new in Las Vegas.

LLV Blogger Mike Dickman sent me a link to an incredible web site a few moments ago. The site, Heavens Above, was created and is maintained by Chris Peat who is a physicist with the German Space Operations Center. Two nights ago, I saw a fast moving object in the sky that appeared to have two light beam-like projections and now I know that I was seeing an “Iridium Flare.”

Currently there are about 3000 satellites & space craft cruising around the earth, and about a hundred of these are the Iridium communications satellites which “fly” at the top of our atmosphere, in the exosphere. The orbits of these Iridium birds are very consistent and most past directly over the North and South poles. What makes this appealing to star-gazers, or at least satellite-watchers, are the three shiny, door-sized antenna arrays found on each satellite. These antennas periodically reflect sunlight towards the ground, resulting in brilliant flares (that can last several seconds) and they out-shine natural orbitals like the planet Venus. The one I saw on Sunday night appeared in the sky above the “M” Resort and I was able to see it all the way past the Apex area north of the racetrack (which from my vantage point was pretty much horizon to horizon).

The Heavens Above site enables users to enter their GPS coordinates (I used Google Earth to get mine) and then the site plots the next likely place to see an Iridium flare from the entered location. For, instance I know that I should be able to see one tonight from my house at 9:44 pm.

Even cooler, to me, is that the site provides star maps and other tools for spotting the International Space Station and hundreds of other orbiting spacecraft. The site uses some form of a persistent cookie so that every application page remembers “your” location and provides data specific to wherever you are. When you go — check out the “What Time is It” link and the section that is tracking those spacecraft that are “exiting” our solar system!

I recommend you check out this site — really quite amazing all of the kinds of data you can discover here. Now, I have to find a way to take a photo of one of these flares and post it here!

Scores of press releases cross my desktop daily, and they rarely get this level of fast response — But I thought this was pretty special…

Eight local high school students received financial aid awards from the Epicurean Charitable Foundation earlier today. Founded in May 2001, the Epicurean Charitable Foundation of Las Vegas is comprised of more than 40 top food and beverage executives who provide financial assistance to Las Vegas high school graduates who are planning to major in hospitality or food and beverage programs at university programs around the country.

“It is more important now – than ever – to continue creating an interest at the high school level for a future in the hospitality industry,” said David McIntyre, president of the Epicurean Charitable Foundation. “We are committed to supporting students not just financially, but also with internships, mentors and eventually work opportunities.”

In addition to receiving up to $10,000 per year to help pay for tuition, books and college fees, many of the students receive a mentor from the Foundation’s ranks as well as internship opportunities and constant guidance and support throughout their college career. The Foundation’s goal with its scholarship program is to create a pipeline of extraordinarily talented people who will serve as the next generation of hospitality executives in Las Vegas.

This year’s scholarship recipients come from diverse backgrounds, but all are dedicated to pursuing a career in the hospitality industry. This year’s recipients include: Alexia Betts, Andrea Castillo, Cindy Ureno, Jennifer Lee, Karina Saucedo, Malek Sardi, Nachely Martinez and Vedna Boskovic. All will be attending the University of Nevada Las Vegas this fall.

Alexia Betts will graduate Valley High School this month and plans to attend the University of Nevada Las Vegas to obtain a degree in hotel management. Betts aspires to become a successful president of a major hotel. Betts is involved in AP Society, Varsity Track & Field, Runner’s Club, Black Student Union and the hospitality and tourism magnet program.

Andrea Castillo will graduate Eldorado High School and the Area Technical Center (ATTC) this month. Castillo plans to attend the University of Nevada Las Vegas to obtain a degree in hotel management. Castillo volunteers at the Orchard Club, where she assists in planning and coordinating senior activities. She is also a member of DECA, the association of marketing students.

Cindy Ureno will also graduate from Valley High School this month. Ureno plans to attend the University of Nevada Las Vegas to obtain a degree in hotel management with a minor in food service management. Ureno is a member of DECA, the association of marketing students and is active in the Your Body Rocks Club, an organization dedicated to eating disorder awareness, and Habitat for Humanity.

Vesna Boskovic will also graduate Valley High School this month and plans to attend the University of Nevada Las Vegas to obtain a degree in hotel management. Boskovic is active in the community and has volunteered at the Greek Church festival and Abandoned Children Foundation.

Jennifer Lee will graduate Advance Technologies Academy (ATA) this month and plans to attend the University of Nevada Las Vegas to obtain a degree in hotel management. Lee served as the vice president of the National Honor Society organization, secretary of R.E.S.P.E.C.T Club and is a member of Key Club, Future Business Leaders of America and the College Preparation Club.

Karina Saucedo will graduate Valley High School this month and plans to attend the University of Nevada Las Vegas to obtain a degree in hotel management. She aspires to work in the food and beverage industry. Saucedo is involved in AP Society, Smart Grad, dance and St. Anne Catholic Church Choir.

Nachely Martinez will graduate Durango High School this month and plans to attend the University of Nevada Las Vegas to obtain a degree in hotel management with a minor in Spanish. Martinez is involved in Student Council, Student Organization of Latinos, Dance Divaz Team, Blazer Crazies, Principal Advisory Committee, National Honor Society and Theater Thespian.

Malek Sadri will graduate Coronado High School this month and plans to attend the University of Nevada Las Vegas to obtain a degree in hotel management. He aspires to become a vice president of food and beverage or director of hotel operations for a major hotel property. Sadri is a member of National Honor Society and enjoys sports, working out, coin and stamp, cooking, Persian crafts and classic movies.

Congratulations to the eight students and to their families!

I have some misgivings about publishing such a post when I know so little about the topic, but I decided that providing some resources for others might be helpful at this point.

The current outbreak of the swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses that have been observed in Mexico, the United States, Canada and other places around the world is troubling because the flu shots that many of us partook of last winter will have no effect on this strain. In fact, two of the four most used pharmaceutical products used to treat flu viruses aren’t working either. No one can predict if this strain of flu will go away like most flu bugs are transform itself into a major world pandemic. But I think being aware and doing some preparation might make sense at this point.

Here are some resources for your own fact-finding:
1. Nevada’s Official Response Planning site
2. Federal Government Site (part of the one above)
3. CDC’s Site about Antiviral Drugs and Swine Influenza
4. One of two products that seems to work on this strain is the inhaler containing Relenza.
5. The other product is Tamiflu One of the interesting pages on this site is this “flu tracking” page (it sorta seems like marketing hype to me — hence my concern above).
6. An Emergency Call for Weed.… Thanks to Las Vegas City Life for this breaking news advisory….

7. And now for a real “scary” site – I don’t know how accurate it is, but it should generate some discussion…

If the flu comes, be sure to wash your hands a little more often and avoid going to doctor’s offices or the local emergency clinics where the possibility of encountering the virus will be much heightened.

What, if anything, are you doing to prepare?

We didn’t find any on this trip, but in past years, we often found small worked stones, arrowheads, and spear points together with just about every form of shell casing you can imagine at this “secret” getaway less than an hour south of Henderson. This place has been a favorite place for kids of many generations, it would appear, to go and shoot stuff.

Its only a few miles south of the El Dorado mining district and there are still several mine shafts in the area. Gravel roads in the area provide access to some of the less-traveled sections of the Lower Black Canyon of the Colorado River. Knob Hill can be reached from US-95. [Map].