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CLOUDCROFT ONLINE NEWSLETTER #242
November 26, 2004
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Dear Subscriber:

I'm not a big basketball fan and I'll tell you why.

It's not because of the pro basketbrawl game this past week
making the news, although I think the negative metamorphosis
basketball has undergone in the past decade or so ultimately
resulted in that brouhaha.

The original idea behind basketball was five players on one side
bouncing a round ball down the court against five players from
the other side without running with the ball and trying to throw
it into a basket at the other end. The bouncing (or
"dribbling") part of the game was to keep it from being like
football, where a player runs with the ball until somebody
knocks him down. The whole idea was to have a sport of finesse
containing all the aspects of team play but avoiding the bodily
contact.

It is my understanding that in the beginning, they actually
used peach baskets nailed to the walls at opposing ends of the
building. When someone put the ball in the basket, somebody had
to climb up on a ladder and take the ball out. It wasn't long
before some guy (probably from the school's physics department)
said, "Hey, look. The focal point of the basket target is the
rim. Make it rigid. After that, we can hang a bunch of webbed
rope on it and the ball can drop out of the bottom and we don't
have to wait on the guy with the ladder."

Careers were destroyed. There was no longer the need for a
basketball retriever.

The game of basketball evolved with lightning speed after that.
Basketball courts moved from dirt to varnished wood. They
introduced back-boards so players wouldn't smash into walls that
much. Basketball fans got hungry during the game so they
invented nachos. Basketball became one of the most popular
games at high schools and colleges all over the country.

So, where did the game of basketball go wrong?

It was designed as a non-contact sport. Now, that's a joke. In
my life I've seen more broken bones, contusions, concussions,
black eyes and broken noses on basketball courts than I've seen
at NASCAR races.

Today, when you go to a basketball game, you're struck by the
artistry. Not of the way the ball is passed to the basket, but
of the design of the player's tattoos.

A tattoo used to be something your daddy got when he was in the
Navy (and he wasn't particularly proud of it when he got home).
Now, I defy you to point out one member of a pro basketball team
that doesn't have some kind of tattoo on him. What's worse...
tattoos are showing up on college players and high school
players...girls AND boys. I'll belay this argument if you can
explain to me what bodily markings have to do with basketball.
Long after a kid's basketball days are over, that tattoo is
still there.

"So, what are your qualifications for this job?"

"Well, when I was in high school, I scored 10 points in
a basketball game once. Wanna see my tattoo?"

As I said, I don't like basketball. No matter what size the
building the game is played in, it's always too crowded and
always too loud. Unless it's an Eagles concert, I don't care
that much for loud.

However, I'm not one to complain about something without a
proposed solution to the problem. The game of basketball can be
saved with a few minor adjustments.

I think basketball should be played outdoors like football. If
it's raining or snowing or the wind is blowing, the teams should
have to adjust to the elements. Players should learn how to
dribble the ball around the water puddles and snow drifts. That
will give the players more to think about than going into the
stands and fighting with the fans. It works in football. In
inclement weather the players will have to wear more clothes.
That negates the need for those stupid tattoos.

If the basketball players have to play outside in all kinds of
weather, only the most dedicated fans will come to watch, like
football. The most dedicated fans will bundle up and root for
their team. The bums that just go to games to raise cane will
stay home or go to a tag team wrestling match. Fewer courtside
brawls.

Raise the basket. I'm thinking about 18 inches. Take the slam-
dunk out of the game (at least until evolution creates 9 foot
tall players). That will return the game to what it was meant
to be...move the ball and shoot it. The best movers and the
best shooters win. That's the way ladies basketball is played
today and to me it's a lot more fun to watch.

If players (and this goes for any sport at any level) get into
fights, treat them the same way the rest of us are treated when
we indulge in such behavior. Arrest them. Charge them with a
crime. It's against the law to punch somebody else in the face.

Coming next week...I'll solve the problem of world hunger.

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving.

Don Vanlandingham
Cloudcroft.com

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IN THIS ISSUE
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1. LOOKING AT THE WEATHER
2. THIS WEEK'S PICTURE -- A CLOUDCROFT GROUP PICTURE
3. SPECIAL -- TOPOGRAPHIC ALTITUDE MAPS
4. VILLAGE NEWS
5. INSIDE THE SHOP -- CLOUDCROFT HOTEL AND GIFT SHOP
6. CLOUDCROFT ONLINE SPOTLIGHT -- SNOW STATS
7. Q AND A -- BECAUSE CLOUDCROFT ONLINE READERS WANT TO KNOW
8. COMING EVENTS
9. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
10. CONTACT INFORMATION
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LOOKING AT THE WEATHER
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Snow and more snow. The most white stuff in November in most
memories. An estimated 14 inches in the reporting period (since
November 20). About 1 inch of actual moisture, bringing the
total precip for the year to 23.83 inches.

High for the reporting period was 43.9 at 9:49am November 19.
Low was 25.3 at 5:59am on November 23.

For up to the minute weather conditions for Cloudcroft, go to
Cloudcroft.com.
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THIS WEEK'S PICTURE -- A CLOUDCROFT GROUP SHOT
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Most of Cloudcroft was at the state championship football game
in Cloudcroft Saturday. The bears lost the game, 35 to 7.

http://www.cloudcroft.com/pics/cloudcroft6.jpg

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SPECIAL -- TOPOGRAPHIC ALTITUDE MAPS
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In response to a question asked in a previous Newsletter as to
when going to Cloudcroft can be considered going up and when 
down, Kit Richards provides a set of topographic altitude maps 
that answer the question rather definitively. These maps were 
made by Delorme's Topo program.

The 4 maps provide elevation views in the 4 compass directions
from Cloudcroft, North, East, West, and South.

Here's the view North, toward Ruidoso, which is almost 1800
feet lower than Cloudcroft:

http://www.cloudcroft.com/pics/ruidoso_cloudcroft.jpg

Here's the view East, toward Artesia, which is about 5300 feet
lower than Cloudcroft (it's actually off this map):

http://www.cloudcroft.com/pics/artesia_cloudcroft.jpg

Here's the view South, toward Sunspot, which is about 500 feet
higher than Cloudcroft:

http://www.cloudcroft.com/pics/sunspot_cloudcroft.jpg

Here's the view West, toward Alamogordo, which is over 4300
feet lower:

http://www.cloudcroft.com/pics/alamogordo_cloudcroft.jpg

For reference purposes, here are the elevations of a selection
of New Mexico cities:

Alamogordo---4,350
Albuquerque---5,311
Anthony---3,881
Artesia---3,380
Bayard---5,890
Carlsbad---3,110
Carrizozo---5,438
Cimarron---6,540
Clayton---5,050
Cloudcroft---8,700
Clovis---4,280
Deming---4,335
Española---5,585
Farmington---5,395
Fort Sumner---4,030
Gallup---6,600
Grants---6,460
Hobbs---3,650
Las Cruces---3,896
Las Vegas---6,470
Los Alamos---7,410
Portales---4,000
Raton---6,666
Red River---8,676
Roswell---3,570
Ruidoso---6,911
Santa Fe---7,000
Santa Rosa---4,620
Silver City---5,895
Socorro---4,620
Sunspot---9,200
Taos---6,950
T or C---4,240
Tucumcari---4,096
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VILLAGE NEWS
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The opening of Ski Cloudcroft is set for December 13th.
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INSIDE THE SHOP -- CLOUDCROFT HOTEL AND GIFT SHOP
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Cloudcroft Hotel & Gift Shop--Historic hotel in downtown
Cloudcroft. Newly remodeled, 9 rooms with kitchenettes and
balconies overlooking Burro Avenue available. Sits above the
Cloudcroft Mall with gift shops, candy shop, restaurant and
coffee house. For more information please call (505) 682-3414
or email us at cloudcrofthotel@zianet.com.
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CLOUDCROFT ONLINE SPOTLIGHT -- SNOW STATS
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Ski conditions from all over North America.

http://www.snowstats.com/

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Q AND A -- BECAUSE CLOUDCROFT ONLINE READERS WANT TO KNOW
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Q - With the recent heavy snows in the Cloudcroft area, are the
roads passable?

A - County road maintenance crews work around the clock if need
be to keep the paved roads clear. There can be delays in the
case of unusually heavy snows, but the effort to keep the roads
safe for travel is a constant effort.

Off the pavement, there can be problem spots. If you are not
equipped with 4-wheel drive it is strongly suggested you have
tire chains just in case. A cellular phone can also come in very
handy if you get stuck. It might also be a good idea to keep a
box of essentials in the trunk. Canned goods, extra blankets, a
flashlight, etc. Chances are you won't need them, but they're
worth their weight in gold if you do.
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COMING EVENTS
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November 26 -- Diamonds for Christmas. Spencer Theater. Alto.

November 27 -- Beginning of Christmas in Cloudcroft and Santa
Land.

November 29 -- 'Twas The Night Before Christmas. USA Ballet.
Flickenger Center. Alamogordo.

December 1 -- Flu Shot Clinics, sponsored by Otero County
Public Health and Sacramento Mountains Senior Services. Two
locations:

High Rolls Senior Center
11:30am - 12:30pm
56 Cottage Row (Lion's Hut)

Cloudcroft Senior Center
1:30pm - 3:30pm
212 Glorieta Ave.

First come first serve. Must be 65 or over or have chronic
illness. Children with chronic conditions must have doctor's
note to receive the vaccine. All seniors are welcome to join
us for lunch that day but reservations are required.

December 2 -- Art reception for Boys and Girls Club. Flickenger
Center. Alamogordo.

December 4 -- Skywatch program. Museum of Space History.
Alamogordo.

December 4 -- Christmas Parade. Alamogordo. Arrival of Santa
Clause.

December 4 -- ULLR-fest.

December 11 -- Pet Parade on Burro Street. Cloudcroft.

February 4, 5, 6, 7 -- Mardi Gras celebration. Cloudcroft

Cloudcroft Art Society meets the first Sunday of each month,
2:30pm, in the Old Red Brick School House. Visitors are always
welcome. Refreshments usually served.

Would you like to help deliver meals to the homebound around
Cloudcroft? Monday through Friday deliveries. Call the
Cloudcroft Senior Center at (505)-682-3022. For information on
other Senior Center services, see their web site, listed on the
Cloudcroft.com Links button.

http://www.cloudcroft.com/links.htm

Mountain Garden Club meets every third Monday of each month.
Call (505) 682-2910 for more information.

Senior Van from Timberon to Alamogordo leaves the Timberon
Lodge promptly at 8:30 every Wednesday morning.

Free Vitals Clinic. Cloudcroft Senior Citizens Center, every
Wednesday. High Rolls Senior Citizens Center, first Thursday
of each month.
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
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Dear Newsletter:

I wish I could shake the hand of every veteran in the country
and tell each one "thank you." Since that isn't possible, I'll
say it to all the veterans reading this wonderful newsletter. 
 
With all my heart, thank you!
 
Elaine James
Nowata,OK

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Dear Newsletter:

We enjoy your newsletter very much as it keeps us in touch
with the Cloudcroft area when we cannot be there. We have a
home in a beautiful canyon and are usually in Cloudcroft a
couple week-ends each month. 

Being from El Paso, it's close and such a delightful change
from the desert. Last Sunday we had a beautiful view of the
fog resting above the treetops. I was able to snap a good
picture and have attached it to this letter so I could share
it with you. Keep up the good work.

Phyllis Watters

http://www.cloudcroft.com/pics/fog-and-snow.jpg

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Dear Newsletter:

Wonderful news about the CC Bears! As a high school grad with
a football championship legacy - think FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, 
think Odessa TX, think Permian High School (circa 1968-70), I
look forward to cheering on the Bears.

As a relatively new resident of Cloudcroft (arrived 04-27-04),
I'll be cheering on the home team on Saturday - "Go Bears!"
(mo--JO...mo--JO...sorry, couldn't help myself!)

J. Dalton
Cloudcroft NM
(Formerly, FW, TX via Waco, TX via Odessa, TX)

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Dear Newsletter:

Just had to offer congratulations to the Cloudcroft Bears and
their fans.
 
Being in the play-offs is great fun for the fans. I am sure
the players enjoy it too, but it is lots of extra work for
them.
 
In 1996, Iraan, Texas, population about 1200 at the time won
the Class A State Championship. The team went undefeated that
year. It was tremendous fun.
 
Iraan is located about 80 miles due south of Odessa and 
Midland. It is an oilfield town and was named after Ira and
Ann Yates, the owners of the land the discovery well was on.
 
Anyway enjoy all the fun and good luck, Bears.
 
We are great fans of Cloudcroft. We have a family reunion up
in that area every year.
 
A brave fan from Iraan, now a resident of San Angelo, Texas,

Jean McMahon

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Dear Newsletter:

Interesting newsletter this week. 

My daughter Gaby was up there last weekend when the snow hit.
I processed the pictures from her camera and the snow covered
landscapes (along with my snow covered daughter) were beautiful.

I'll try and send you some pics. I think your football team is
going to win 28 to 14 because the other team is going to be
sucking oxygen by half-time. Someone from your town once told
me it takes about three days for your lungs to get used to the
altitude. I believe him. 

I too have never been in a home town (El Paso) with a state
championship football team. If you read Friday Night Lights
about the Odessa team, we don't know how to play football in
El Paso. That might change this year because we still have
four teams left after area and regional playoffs with records
of 11-0, 11-0. 10-1, and 9-1 respectively. 

We did win one state championship in Basketball way back in
1976 with Eastwood High School and an NCAA Championship in
1966 by Texas Western (now UTEP). They are filming a Disney
movie about that '66 team and Don Haskin for release next
summer. 

Last but not least, I would say that your driving "down" to
Cloudcroft from Northern New Mexico. Best of Luck to your
"Already Winners" Football team and for a "White December". 

Ray Fourzan,
El Paso, TX 

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Dear Newsletter:

Ah, yes. Snow. I remember it well. Which is why we chose
Alamogordo for our retirement home instead of becoming
mountaineers.

Frankly, my hat's off to you for putting up with all the
frizzen noses & toeses. And grubby footprints on the floorses
(well iced with whatever snow stuck to the pine needles &
other forest floor flora, and yes, pieces of occasional fauna
as well--mostly bird feathers). Always on the entry hall
floor. Never on the door mat. It's not an easy life you've
chosen. Hail to the Hearty!

One thing I learned when we lived up north (Los Alamos) was
to stay abreast of the new fallen snow when shoveling time
came. It was always a lot easier to shovel it out in small
doses than fighting those back breaking chunks after the snow
had finished its course. 

Of course, when Mr. Friendly SnowPlow Driver Man came by he
would almost invariably leave what my mountain dwelling friend
calls a "berm" of freshly plowed snow in front of the driveway.

Friend Barbara in Alto thinks those guys take great delight in
making a perfect berm to celebrate the occasion. No matter how
hard I tried to stay ahead of the mounting snow, there was
always that icy snow berm to deal with.

Arrghhhh. Ah, those were the days, my friend, I thought they'd
never end. Now it's your turn. Enjoy.

Now, for your "Readers Want to Know" column I have a question.
What hour of the day is the Pet Parade scheduled for? Got the
Dec 11th part down cold (literally, most likely), but what time
to show up is a big question--especially for us flatlanders who
left our snow boots & parkas up north and therefore will be
inappropriately clothed if we have to stay outside too long to
await the parade's beginnings. Worse, if we miss it because we
got there too late. So if you could shed some light on start
time, I would be most appreciative, kind sir. 

BTW, for your readers who haven't made plans to attend, they may
wish to reconsider. This is definitely one of the high points
of the Cloudcroft year! A not to be missed event fersure,
fersure.

Thanks again for a rollicking good read! You've brought another
smile to brighten the day. And keep that walkie talkie close at
hand, young man--you never know when a big one will come in and
you won't even be able to find your way to the house from the
woodpile, let alone Dusty's driveway.

Happy winter,
Bobbie in Alamogordo

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