Two veteran acts of the Harveys Outdoor Summer Concert Series are returning this summer — Slightly Stoopid and the Steve Miller Band.
Slightly Stoopid will take the stage July 2 at 6pm. Tickets for the general admission show are $37.50.
The Steve Miller Band plays Aug. 18 at 7pm. Tickets range from $39.50 to $139.50.
The Lexus NX-200 is full of power. Photos/Larry Weitzman
By Larry Weitzman
It is not unusual for Lexus to go parts bin shopping in the Toyota factory when it develops new product, as the new Lexus NX200t is an example. It doesn’t mean the result is a gussied up Toyota RAV4 upon which chassis the NX is based. About the only shared parts in the NX’s case is the basic chassis demonstrated by their shared wheelbase of 104.7 inches. At that point all similarities end.
Even the new twin scroll turbocharged inline 2.0L four-cylinder engine is all new. Of course it’s a 16 valve DOHC unit that knocks down 235 horses between 4,800-5,600 rpm while pounding out 258 pounds of twist between 1,650 to 4,000 rpm. Actually, even at 4,800 rpm which is peak hp, the engine is still making 257 pounds of twist, so the torque curve is basically flat to peak hp which continues for another 800 rpm. That is a beautiful power curve, perfectly linear, although in reality you can feel the boost come on strong. A six-speed torque converter automatic does the cog swapping, that sometimes seemed a little too eager to hunt for gears.
Specifications
Price $34,480 to about $45,000 plus $925 for destination
Engine
2.0L DOHC 16 Valve turbocharged inline four 235 hp @ 4,800-5,600 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,650-4,000 rpm
Transmission
Six speed torque converter automatic
Configuration
Transverse front engine/ FWD/AWD
Dimensions
Wheelbase 104.7 inches
Length 182.3 inches
Width 73.6 inches
Height 64.8 inches
Track (f/r) 62.2/62.2 inches
Ground Clearance 6.9 inches
Weight (fwd/awd) 3,940/4,050 pounds
GVWR (fwd/awd) 5,090/5,200 pounds
Tow capacity 2,000 pounds
Fuel Capacity 15.9 gallons
Cargo capacity (second row up/down) 17.7/54.6 cubic feet
Wheels (std/F Sport) 17X7/18X7.5 inches
Tires (std/F Sport) 225/65X17; 225/60X18; 235/55X18 (summer tire)
Steering lock to lock
2.68 turns
Turning circle 37.4 feet
Co-efficient of drag 0.34
Performance
0-60 mph 7.33 seconds
50-70 mph 3.96 seconds
50-70 mph uphill 5.46 seconds
Fuel economy EPA rated 22/28/25 mpg city/highway/combined. Expect 29-30 mpg on the highway at legal speeds and 26 mpg in suburban driving.
Outside is a slick body done in the L’finesse theme that is well proportioned and edgy. And it is slick with a low 0.34 co-efficient of drag. Not being a fan of the Lexus themed grill, that is the only negative with respect to the overall design, but that’s just one man’s opinion. I still like its overall appearance and is quite trendsetting as you will see in its competition from Infiniti.
As a compact crossover utility vehicle length is just 182 inches but it stands with a muscular width of 74 inches which masks its tall 65 inches of height. Ground clearance good at 7 inches.
Performance is very good for this FWD version notwithstanding its 3,940 pounds of curb weight. Zero to 60 mph requires just 7.33 seconds. Passing performance is also very good with a 50-70 mph run took just 3.96 seconds while the same run up a 6-7 percent grade only slows that time by exactly 1.5 seconds to 5.46 seconds. Throttle response has just a bit of turbo lag, but once at full boost (perhaps a delay of a tenth of a second or two), the acceleration hits pretty hard. The overall (performance) driving experience is very good. Torque is well controlled to the point of not being an issue.
For a crossover CUV fuel economy is near excellent. While the EPA rates this FWD version at 22/28/25 mpg city/highway/combined, the NX does at least 10 percent better. On the highway at 70 mph the NX averaged 32 mpg. On a two way Placerville to South Lake Tahoe run the NX averaged 28.3 mpg and overall mpg was 26. No guilt here.
Since my tester was the upgraded FWD F Sport it came with F Sport tuned sport suspension and one inch bigger 18X7.5 inch wheels and F Sport summer tires (235/55 series). Basic suspension is already a state of the art MacPherson strut affair up front plus a trailing link, double wishbone set up in the rear. Good stuff. There is a premium cost of $2,100 for the F Sport, but it does give the NX sharp handling, especially if you compare it to a RAV4. Sure it may not be the epitome of performance and handling, it is the epitome of polish and I am not talking about the paint finish, which by the way also happens to be exquisite. Steering is extremely quick with just 2.68 turns lock to lock and its turning circle is reasonably tight at 37 feet. In the twisties, the NX is perfectly at home with good steering accuracy, well controlled body roll and oodles of cornering power. It is a sporty drive.
Ride quality is very smooth and on the firmer side. About the only intrusion is the summer tires on coarse roads, otherwise it is Lexus quiet. Some drivers might find the NX a bit firm, but for those drivers who like driving the ride quality is thoroughly enjoyable. The engine spins a slow 2,000 rpm at 70 mph.
With its four-wheel disc brakes (front ventilated) it stops from 40 mph in 41 feet which puts it in the benchmark class. Eight air bags, standard backup camera, ABS, traction control, VSC and more come standard. About the only major items missing from my test ride were the options of blind spot warning and lane departure warning.
Now to perhaps the best part, the interior. Seat design was trick, beautiful and comfortable. Opening the door should be an impressive experience and with the NX, it is. Materials are all of Lexus quality, even the seats were done in NuLuxe (their name) that was so good, I assumed it was leather. It was that good. Real leather is an option.
Full instrumentation (tach and speedo) is laid out in a sporty fashion just enhancing the whole package. About the only interior issue is the Lexus mouse system, it makes simple things too complicated. Rear seating for two is roomy, less roomy for three. There is still almost 18 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the rear seat and when folded flat your Home Depot space grows by almost 40 cubes to about 55.
The price of admission is under $35 large. Add 2,100 for the F Sport and its “F” badges plus $925 for the boat ride from Japan. Standard equipment includes even a power driver’s and passenger seats, dual zone A/C. In other words, the base car comes extremely well equipped as it is a Lexus. My ride had about nine options like a Q-Compatible wireless charger for $220. Buy it as it eliminates wires. Two of the major items were an $1,100 tilt and moonroof and a $2,140 Nav Package which includes an improved audio system. I have never been in a Lexus that even with the standard audio didn’t sound like Carnegie Hall. Total for my tester was $43,230 all in.
Larry Weitzman has been into cars since he was 5 years old. At 8 he could recite from memory the hp of every car made in the U.S. He has put in thousands of laps on racetracks all over the Western United States.
Max
Max is an 8-year-old Dachshund with loads of personality.
This guy has a nice, soft, super deep bark for being so little. It’s pretty funny the first time you hear it.
Very sweet boy, and beautiful fur. He walks nicely on the leash, and does well with other dogs and children. He qualifies for our senior for seniors discount. He needs a secure fenced yard or to be on a runner when outside.
Max is neutered, microchipped, tested for heart worm, and vaccinated. He is at the El Dorado County Animal Services shelter in Meyers, along with many other dogs and cats who are waiting for their new homes. Go to the Tahoe animal shelter’s Facebook page to see photos and descriptions of all pets at the shelter.
Call 530.573.7925 for directions, hours, and other information on adopting a pet.
For spay-neuter assistance for South Tahoe residents, go online.
— Karen Kuentz
Soroptimist winners from left, Bonnie Driscoll, Tatiana Esposito, Abby Abel, Hunter Turney, Annie Buchser, Allyson Swain, Tatum Whatford, Mireya Ortega, and Jordawn Amthauer. Not pictured, Sabrina Green. Photo/Provided
By Kathryn Reed
STATELINE – “It’s what you do that counts.”
That is what Lydia Rogers said before the recipients of the Violet Richardson Awards were announced last week.
Rogers, president of Soroptimist International of Tahoe Sierra, and Brenda Knox, president of Soroptimist International of South Lake Tahoe, hosted the annual awards dinner at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe.
This particular award recognizes girls age 14-17 who have taken volunteerism to a new heights. It is named after the first president of Soroptimist “who was committed to creating opportunities for girls and young women through her affiliations with Soroptimist, the Girls Scout Council and the American Association of University Women.”
The six young women who were singled out have spent countless hours volunteering at school and in the community. They are: Abby Abel, Allyson Swain, Hunter Turney, Annie Buchser, Sabina Green and Tatum Whatford. Each received $100 from Soroptimist.
The Women’s Opportunity Award has been renamed Live Your Dream Award to more aptly reflect what it is. The clubs each select a woman who has overcome obstacles that no one should have to face. They each received $3,000 — $1,000 of which came from an outside donor. The money is to be used to further their education.
“Still today single mothers trying to go to school and better their lives and their employment opportunities is still a very difficult experience. Very few women have the luxury of being able to stay at home and be supported to achieve all of their goals and interests in life,” Nancy Kerry told Lake Tahoe News. Although not a Soroptimist, Kerry is the one who increased this year’s allocation. “I was one of those women. I didn’t know about any resources really available. But I never wanted to give up on the idea that the current job situation could be improved. I really saw myself in those young girls.”
For Jordawn Amthauer, she is a single mom, goes to Lake Tahoe Community College and works at the college. She was raised by a single mom. She’s been working since she was 13. She is the first member of her family to go to college.
Tatiana Esposito, the other recipient, said, “I was a victim of domestic violence. I didn’t think I could do anything on my own.”
She grew up in Russia in an abusive household, came to the United States seven years ago, got married, and the abuse continued. She finally left with her two daughters and is on a quest to become a teacher.
The Ruby Award, honoring women who have worked to improve women and girls through their work or volunteerism, went to Bonnie Driscoll and Mireya Ortega. Driscoll is said to have volunteering in her DNA based on the number of organizations she has been affiliated with, while Ortega for years has been providing free or reduced dental care to youth who otherwise would never have their teeth cared for.
“The women tonight should inspire all of us,” Rogers said as the evening came to a close.
Stein Eriksen Lodge is just above the Sterling lift at Deer Valley. Photo/Kathryn Reed
Publisher’s note: This is one in a series of stories about Park City, Utah.
By Kathryn Reed
PARK CITY, Utah – Anticipating a guest’s needs and fulfilling them are what sets Deer Valley ski resort and Stein Eriksen Lodge apart from their competitors.
They are the leaders in their respective industries when it comes to guest services. Employees provide the little touches with ease, as though it is normal. The attitude they bring makes it appear they really enjoy their jobs. The kindness seems sincere, not forced or rehearsed. They may be acting, and if they are, then they should be receiving an Oscar tonight.
Deer Valley workers seem to do everything for skiers – except the actual skiing. And they are doing it just for skiers. Snowboarders still aren’t allowed at this resort, which makes a fantastic difference.
A cadre of employees dressed in green and yellow are at the curb of Snow Park Lodge eagerly opening doors, getting equipment out for people.
Valet service at Deer Valley includes multiple people helping unload a vehicle. Photo/Kathryn Reed
Workers don’t hole up in the liftie booth, they aren’t chatting with co-workers and ignoring the guests, they don’t act annoyed when asked a question from an out-of-towner. They seem to recognize a puzzled look and are quick to offer help. Employees were stationed on the mountain at most of the large maps, giving tips for where to go.
The mountain is known for it’s perfect corduroy. In some ways this makes it the ideal place to be on a powder day because most people here want to stick to the groomers so the untouched stashes of that fluffy Utah powder lasts a while. At many of the nearby hotels the daily grooming report is available at the front desk in the form of a mini resort trail map.
Don’t get the wrong idea about this mountain that has multi-million dollar houses slopeside. It’s not for the faint of heart. There are plenty of steeps, some moguls and blue (intermediate) runs that would pass for black (advanced) in Lake Tahoe.
In 2002, Deer Valley was the host resort for the Alpine slalom, freestyle aerial and freestyle mogul Olympic events. More than 20,000 people attended each competition.
And in January the U.S. Ski Team was training for the Visa Freestyle International that was Feb. 4-6. This was the biggest stop on the World Cup tour. The events were staged at the same locations where the Olympians skied. This was the 14th time Deer Valley hosted a World Cup event. It also was home to the FIS Freestyle World Ski Championships in 2003 and 2011.
While the base area can get congested, the rest of the mountain isn’t because the resort limits the number of skiers. Photo/Kathryn Reed
Inside the various lodges that are scattered about the ski hill the workers are courteous, answer questions about local beers and keep the venues spotless – or as close to it as possible. Food ranges from burgers to grilled venison to slices of cheesecake.
Even little things like the racks holding skis outside the restaurants look nicer than at most resorts. Instead of ordinary metal, they are aesthetically pleasing wood devices that fit in more with the natural environment.
Deer Valley limits the number of skiers to 7,500 a day on its 2,000-acre resort. Lift tickets are $120 a day; comparable to Vail Resorts’ properties.
Stein Eriksen’s presence is scattered throughout the property. Photo/Kathryn Reed
Sitting above Silver Lake Lodge is a hotel named after Stein Eriksen, a 1952 Olympic gold and silver medalist from Norway who died in December at age 88. From 1956-58, he was director of Heavenly Mountain Resort’s ski school.
While Stein Eriksen Lodge is named after the man known as the father of freestyle skiing, he didn’t have an ownership stake in the lodge nor did he make any money off of the use of his name. A trophy case, though, shows off his hardware from his racing days. And there was a time he was like an ambassador for the hotel, mingling with guests and telling stories.
A hotel spokesman said owners are wrestling with how to stay relevant when multiple generations no longer recognize the Stein Eriksen name. They are working on how to keep the name meaningful. And while the service and location are outstanding, I was left with the feeling that the price of the room had more to do with the name and history of the property than the overall experience.
Views from the deck of Stein Eriksen look out to the slopes of Deer Valley. Photo/Kathryn Reed
This Forbes five-star hotel definitely earned that rating when it came to guest services.
At the end of the day Stein employees are there to assist with the removal of ski boots. What a wonderful luxury that I didn’t know I was missing until that moment. This was after a couple guys hustled down the hill to grab our skis as we were walking up from the ski lodge.
From the valet to the doormen to the restaurant staff – impeccable service, and only worthy of praise. Even the guy who had to come service the television was at the top of the chart for guest services.
Rooms at the Stein Eriksen are comfortable. Photo/Kathryn Reed
What makes this property less than ideal is how it is laid out. The original lodge is where the restaurants are. Through the years it has expanded outward. We were staying about as far away as one could be from the outdoor heated pool, spa, weight room and restaurants. If there weren’t a private hot tub on the balcony of our room (which is the exception, rather than the rule), the communal hot tub across the property would have been inconvenient to get to.
Evening temperatures were in the single digits. This made for a brisk walk to dinner as well as to breakfast.
Casual and more formal restaurants are on property. The scallops are outrageously good, the choices for vegetarians limited, the breakfast good and hearty. The window seats looking out onto all that corduroy are wonderful. A huge wrap-around deck looks like it would be inviting to sit on when the temps are above freezing.
To get to where our skis were stored the front desk staff said the fastest, most convenient route was to walk through the garage. They were correct. But it seemed odd at a five-star hotel to be walking this way. It was another sign that the layout is lacking.
The trophy case belonging to the late Stein Eriksen. Photo/Kathryn Reed
For a luxury hotel that can fetch more than $1,000 a night for a room in winter – four times the amount compared to summer – there is a relaxed, mountain vibe. The wood and rock décor, along with muted lighting in common spaces even makes it feel a bit rustic – in a good way.
The room itself is spacious and comfortable. But it, too, is laid out a bit odd. A long entranceway is wasted space. While overall the bathroom is almost sprawling, the toilet is tucked into what is like a closet that would seem hard to maneuver in for someone larger than I am. The towels are ordinary – not even as nice as the Park City Marriott, though the robes are the best hotel robes I’ve worn – beyond plush – like being wrapped in a cocoon.
Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Granite Bay, is looking for high school students in his district to participate in the Congressional Art Competition. The 2016 theme is American Exceptionalism.
Contest guidelines and release forms are available online. Artwork and student entry forms are due April 1 at 5pm.
A panel of artists and local officials will judge the artwork.
First-place entries from each congressional district will be displayed for one year in the Cannon Tunnel, leading to the U.S. Capitol. Each winning student will be invited, along with one guest, to the unveiling of the exhibit and a reception for all winners in June.
By Brian Handwerk, National Geographic
It’s that time again: This Monday, Feb. 29, is a leap day, the calendar oddity that occurs (almost) every four years.
For centuries, trying to sync calendars with the length of the natural year caused confusion—until the concept of leap year provided a way to make up for lost time.
“It all comes down to the fact that the number of Earth’s revolutions about its own axis, or days, is not equal to or connected in any way to how long it takes for the Earth to get around the sun,” says John Lowe, leader of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)’s Time & Frequency Division.
By Diane Rolfs
Often, individuals misdiagnose themselves while having a stroke and do not get the proper treatment due to the fact they do not visit a hospital. This can lead to severe permanent damage to a person’s brain. Care Flight would like to remind people of some important facts about stroke.
It is never too late or too early to adopt a healthy lifestyle. You can reduce stroke risk factors by not smoking, staying physically active and drinking alcohol only in moderation. Additionally, seeing your physician on a regular basis can change stroke risk factors by controlling high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Recognize the early warning signs and symptoms that are very common with a stroke:
There are four easy steps to identify a stroke using the pneumonic F.A.S.T.
By familiarizing yourself with this one-minute, four-step test, you can recognize the early warning signs and symptoms that are common with a stroke and Act F.A.S.T. Acting fast helps improve the treatment and the outcome for stroke victims. This test is so simple that even a child can use it. Teach it to your child, as many children do save others by learning life-saving techniques such as CPR. If you do believe someone exhibits the symptoms of a stroke, act fast and dial 911.
Rapid diagnosis, rapid response and rapid treatment of strokes is especially important because the clot-busting drugs that can reverse or limit brain damage can be used only in the first three hours after strokes occur.
Strokes are caused by the sudden loss of blood flow to the brain or bleeding inside the head. When this blood flow stops, brain cells stop functioning or die. As a result, the activities of the body controlled by dying brain cells can lose their ability to function.
When stroke occurs, the potential for brain damage increases with each moment that passes.
Diane Rolfs is a registered nurse and director of Education, Training & CQI for REMSA.
By Associated Press
YPSILANTI, Mich. — Earl Johnston was 12 when he got his first job, a paper route that he quickly expanded by “buying out” additional routes from other, less industrious boys.
After high school, he enrolled in a program to become an industrial electrician.
“With that journeyman’s card in my back pocket, I had never had trouble finding work — ever,” he said.
Like many people in the prime of their working life Johnston, now 56, always thought he would have plenty set aside for retirement, and if he didn’t, he could always work a little longer. “At least up to 65,” he thought.
What Johnston didn’t plan for was the degenerative spinal condition that made being on his feet for a 12-hour shift all but impossible.
“I could be making lots and lots of money right now, but nobody in manufacturing is going to hire a 50-something guy who can’t stay on his feet,” he said.
On its face, Johnston’s story might be chalked up to simple bad luck. But it serves as an example of the rapidly changing expectations that seniors have for being able to work well past traditional retirement age, and in some cases, dismissing the idea of retirement altogether.
According to the 2015 Employment Benefit Research Institute Confidence Survey, the percentage of workers aged 25 and over who planned on working past 65 has increased steadily from 11 percent in 1991 to 36 percent in 2015.
But those expectations aren’t always achievable.
The University of Michigan Health and Retirement Study found that 37 percent of respondents didn’t reach the retirement age they had set when they were 58.
“The first, and maybe the most obvious explanation people give for early retirement is health,” said Boston College research economist Geoff Sanzenbacher, co-author of a working paper investigating causes for this mismatch between retirement expectations and reality.
“People don’t fully grasp how big an impact health has on your ability to work. You may be 58 and have some arthritis, but you don’t fully appreciate how much that could affect you going forward.”
The second most common reason was layoffs or business closings, followed by familial factors, such as a spouse retiring, he said.
The average retirement age has been inching up for years now. People are living longer, tend to be more educated and have better access to white-collar jobs that don’t require a lot of manual labor. Women are also reaching older age with more skills and longer work histories than their mothers and grandmothers.
Even as roughly two-thirds of workers do make it to the age they planned to retire, a report by the Hamilton Project at Brookings Institution suggests that a growing percentage of them are entering retirement on shaky financial footing.
Borrowed & Blue, an source for locally inspired weddings, has named the Lake Tahoe winners of the Best of B&B Awards, the industry’s only awards voted on by the wedding vendors.
Borrowed & Blue works with more than 400 Lake Tahoe-area wedding vendors.
The Best of B&B Awards covers 18 different categories. Vendors picked gold, silver, and bronze awards in each category. Below is a list of the Gold winners in some of the categories:
The entire list of Lake Tahoe’s winners may be found online.