 BEACH BADMINTON FINALS ATTRACT
THOUSANDS - The Northern California 12th Annual Beach Badminton Tournament
was held on Carmel Beach in perfect, windless weather conditions over the
past three days, attracting competitors and fans from as far away as Mendocino
in the north to Morro Bay in the South. Eight teams participated in the
event, representing Mendocino, Bodega Bay, Stinson Beach, San Francisco,
Pacifica, Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Morro Bay. Each team was comprised
of four players on the male team and four players on the female team. In
a departure from previous years, the governing committee decided that all
games would be confined to singles play (best of three games) after last
year's unfortunate accident when Carmel Team Captain, Freddie ("Longlegs")
Piernas, playing forward in a doubles semi-finals game, was hit over the
head with this teammate's racket, busting the strings and lodging the racket
around Piernas' neck. Piernas was rushed to the first aid tent where a nursebear
removed the obstruction; the on-site seamstress applied twenty-two stitches
to Piernas's injuries. Sadly, the two bears had to forfeit the game, effectively
eliminating the Carmel team from title contention last year.
The Carmel-by-the-Sea male team this year included Team Captain, Ernest
Wild (Editor of this publication), Cyril Baker (Maestro of the local symphony),
Basil Baker (the town's amateur sleuth) and Albeart Montcrief (Master Pastry
Chef and owner of Le Crest-Alons Bakery on Ocean Avenue). Carmel's female
team members were Team Captain, Pandora Xing (our newly elected Mayor),
town Councilmember Spivey Bleete, Faolina Schwartz (of the CPA firm Schwartz,
Katz and Perros) and Rosebeary (Advice Columnist for this publication).
Although supporters of the local team outnumbered those of the other
teams, the cheerleading contingent from Monterey was very strong. Arch-rivals
since the tournament event saw its first play twelve years ago, Monterey
has won the cup three times to Carmel's four victories. However, neither
team has made it to the finals in the past three years; and neither township
has produced winners for both the male and female teams in the same year.
The only team to accomplish that noteworthy feat was San Francisco, six
years ago, in decisive straight set victories in First Round, Semi-Final
and Finals play against all comers, in both doubles and singles play. Inexplicably,
to this reporter who witnessed that extraordinary tournament, the San Francisco
team has not been nearly as strong in recent years, making it to the Finals
just once in the last five competitions.
However, this year saw some exciting singles play as the eight teams,
representing sixty-four competitors played singles games in a random ladder
draw. The leading contenders were the teams from Stinson Beach and Pacifica,
both finalists for the last two years, with Stinson Beach winning in the
female category last year. The year prior saw a reverse split result, with
the Pacifica male bear team winning the trophy, while the Stinson Beach
female team took home the cup for their township for the second straight
year. This year began with two surprising upsets in the first round of play
on Day One of the competition. Three of the
four players from the Stinson Beach male team were handily defeated in straight
sets by Morro Bay. Tournament rules state that when three of the four members
of a team are eliminated in competition, that team cannot continue with
its remaining player. This disappointed the Stinson Beach supporters, since
their remaining player was also their star player, Victor Vega, who has
been winning singles tournaments up and down the West Coast over the past
six months. When asked to comment, Vega simply shrugged his shoulders, rolled
his eyes and said, "Ningún comentario." The second upset,
perhaps the more dramatic to this reporter, came when all four female team
members from the Pacifica team lost to the Carmel players in grueling three
game sets, advancing the Carmel female team to the semifinals against Stinson
Beach.
Day Two saw some intense semi-finals play between the Morro Bay and Carmel
male teams as they battled out twelve games amongst the eight players with
Carmel finally prevailing. The Monterey male team quickly dispatched the
team from Mendocino in straight sets. Rumor (for what it's worth) circulated
quickly among the crowd that the Mendocino male team was seen partying just
a little too hearty the night before, celebrating their first ever victory
over San Francisco. The semi-finals for the male teams thus set up a match
between arch-rivals Monterey and Carmel.
Day Two also saw some interesting competition in the female semi-finals.
The Stinson Beach female team came to the competition from two straight
victories in the last two years. It was expected that
they would quickly defeat the Carmel team. In some surprisingly aggressive
play in the first game of the day, one Carmel player, Spivey Bleete, routed
star Stinson player, Elena Nikolaev, 15-10 in the first game. Stunned into
action, the Stinson Beach player came back with renewed energy, defeating
Bleete quickly 15-8 in the second game. Game three proceeded with fierce
intensity, with point matched by point until the score reached 15-14 in
Stinson Beach's favor. Then the star server on the Stinson Beach female
team served a fast and deep set-point shuttlecock which was miraculously
recovered by Spivey Bleete, whose diving save tossed the shuttlecock thirty
feet in the air, landing on the opponent's long serving line and out of
reach of Nikolaev. The game was then tied 15-15. At that point, the players
had the option to "reset" the game with the first player to reach
a score of three (3) winning that game. However, both players elected to
continue regular play (which states that the first player to lead by two
points is declared victor). A crowd of about five hundred gathered on the
beach to witness what was to become legendary play. With both players in
top form, the score alternated back and forth for another sixty minutes
until the score was tied at 25-25. Then the unexpected happened: after Spivey
Bleete served deep, Elena returned serve, rushed the net and tripped, setting
up an easy point for Spivey. With the score 26-25 and Spivey Bleete serving
again, she volleyed with Elena over sixteen court passes, until an opening
presented itself and Spivey scored the winning point, and her set, for the
Carmel team. This energized both the Carmel and Stinson Beach female teams
and the remaining three games were all cliffhanger 3-game sets. Finally,
three of the four Carmel players won their respective sets and advanced
to the Finals against Monterey. Thus, for the first time in ten years, both
the male and female teams faced their arch-rivals in the Finals on Day Three.
Day Three began with a slight offshore breeze and a court setup for the
Finals that differed from previous years: the organizing committee thought
it would be more dramatic to have all four teams play each other simultaneously.
And so, a 'Center Court of Courts' of sorts was lined out in the sand for
the four separate singles games in the Male and Female Finals. Some read
another reason into the new arrangements: gameplay would be over in time
for serious celebration the rest of the afternoon and into the night. Others
saw it as an attempt to increase attendance. Both supposed motives only
served to increase business in town (much to the delight of the Chambear
of Commerce).
With two local teams in the Finals, the crowd on the beach had grown
to more than two thousand. The four male teams played first and the bleachers
that had been set up around the four courts overflowed their capacity, with
standing room only for the latecomers. Play began with the male teams at
9:30 in the morning. I must admit that following four games at once was
a daunting challenge that proved arduous work for this reporter. The excitement
in the crowd was palpable as the four teams battled it out. All players'
sets stretched to three games each and the suspense drove the crowd wild
as the scores in each game were very close. By 11:30 that morning though,
a victor had emerged, with Carmel winning the day for the male team.
Female Finals began at 12:30 pm. The Beach Patrol would later estimate
the crowd had swelled to over four thousand (a record for the event) as
word spread to neighboring Monterey of the morning Carmel win by the Male
team. The locals were now approximately even in number as the fans from
Carmel and Monterey gave an enthusiastic reception to the final eight players
when they took their court positions. Play was as intense as this reporter
has seen. The first of three games was evenly split, heightening the crowd's
mood to a frenzy. The second game was evenly split also, but was a reverse
win for all eight players from the previous game, in effect, a tie between
the teams as they began their third games. As the third and final set of
games began, a large group of Carmel fans chanted "Faolina! Faolina!
Faolina!" in relentless fashion, which seemed to supercharge the contestant
as she routed her opponent from Monterey in a 15-6 humiliation for Lili
Zhou. The other contestants continued their play in closely scored games.
Now it the Monterey fans' turn: taking their cue from the Carmelites, they
chanted for their star player, Susie Susanini, who was matched against Rosebeary.
With the scored tied 13-13, Susie served two final aces and won her game.
Finals score was now one game each for Carmel and Monterey. In court four,
Spivey Bleete, from Carmel, and Antonia Vega (Victor's younger sister) from
Monterey battled their last game to a 15-15 tie. The players elected the
'sudden death' option and the game was reset to 0-0; the first player to
reach 3 points would be declared winner. Spivey won the coin toss, serving
first. Antonia returned serve in a deep cross court volley, forcing Spivey
to dive for the save. With the shuttlecock hit high in the air, Antonia
had time to position herself for an overhead smash to Spivey, who only having
just gotten up from the sand, could only guess where Antonia would hit the
return. Spivey guessed wrong and Antonia hit hard, driving the shuttlecock
into the sand and out of Spivey's reach. Antonia, now serving, drove an
ace onto Spivey's inside serving line and the score was 1-0, Antonia. Spivey
then called her one time out to recover her composure.
Meanwhile, over on Court Two, Pandora Xing was serving set point against
her opponent, Teri Topley. Both players were not considered the strongest
players on their respective teams but the final volley of their game was
one to remember. After Pandora drilled a serve that should have been an
ace, Teri Topley returned the volley just over the net and thus began a
twenty two count volley between the players. On the twenty third volley,
Topley was caught short at the net and Pandora lobbed an easy shot over
Teri's head that landed a few inches inside her long serving line and the
victor was Xing.
With the team score 2-1 in Carmel's favor, it was down to a 'sudden-death'
game between Spivey Bleete from Carmel and Antonia Vega from Carmel. The
score was 1-0 in Antonia's favor. She served hard and deep but Spivey returned
serve cross court and with equal speed, taking Antonia by surprise. Despite
a spectacular dive to save the shot, Antonia's return landed out of bounds
on Spivey's side. Spivey served next and to the crowd's surprise it was
an ace, her only one thus far in the tournament. The score was 1-1. There
was a hush in the crowd as Spivey served another shuttlecock, fast and straight
down the middle, just inside Antonia's short court. Antonio returned serve
high setting up a smash winning point for Spivey. The score was 2-1, Carmel
leading and the crowd was so quiet you could hear the waves breaking on
the beach. Spivey readied herself for her match point serve. She tossed
the shuttlecock high in the air and struck it with a ferocity rarely seen
in the sport. In a blur the shuttlecock sped to the  waiting Antonia,
only to bury itself in the sand inside Antonia's serving court, giving Spivey
her second ace and a game, set, match win. By 2:30 pm the Carmel team had
prevailed.
Carmel's Winning Teams - Left to right: Ernest Wild, Basil Baker,
Cyril Baker, Albeart Montcrief, Rosebeary, Faolina Schwartz, Pandora Xing
and Spivey Bleete. First prize included a $1,000 check
for each contestant, as well as gift certificates donated by several Carmel
shops and eateries. |
change them for the better. That's why it's important
to actively support the protection of planet Earth. It's the only home we've
got. That sounds like common sense now; but we didn't always care as much
about our environment. We've been downright careless at times. Fortunately,
active citizens all over the world made their voices heard and concern for
the environment is becoming the prevailing global view. However, we must
remain diligent. Do your part. Millions of small efforts taken together
have tremendous impact that can change the world - and the way we choose
to live in it - for the better. And that's our opinion.
panel of twelve. Dr. Ruiz, who pioneered the use of advanced
weather modeling techniques with supercomputers, has come out recently with
some radical predictions. He says his studies suggest that the Earth is
already polluted beyond our capacity to fix it. "It's only a matter
of time," says the scientist who is now devoting his time to
researching the feasibility of large populations living beneath the sea.
"The oceans cover 70% of the planet, so there's more than enough room
to go-around," he jokes, while deadly serious in the next sentence
describing the coming temperature changes over the next few decades and
their effect on global weather patterns. "But beneath the sea we'll
be alright," he says. Dismissing as 'alarmist' Dr. Ruiz' theories,
the panel's Chairbear, Dr. Grunwald Bruener, reminds all that "the
Global Watch Report has issued a grade of B and this grade is final."
SPECIAL
ELECTION OVER! Pictured at far left is Mayor-elect Pandora Xing accepting
congratulations from Carmel-by-the-Sea's resident sleuth, Basil Baker. Pandora's
victory meeting with Basil Baker is of special comfort and reminder to all
Carmelites of the most suspenseful news story on the Monterey Peninsula
this past year. Deputy Mayor Pandora was forced to act in the top spot after
the disappearance of Carmel's beloved, long-time mayor, Flint Westfield.
Basil Baker solved the case and recovered, unharmed, the mayor, who had
spent two weeks 'exploring' Big Sur. Shortly thereafter, Mayor Westfield
retired; Pandora Xing won by a narrow margin in Tuesday's run-off election
against Spivey Bleete. Town Councilmember Bleete was unavailable to comment
for this story. Balloting was performed using the new paw-print touch screen
system, recognized by experts to be the only complete and reliable method
for recording voter intent. The bi-partisan Committee for an Effective Democracy
audited the final ballot count and reported the margin of error was zero.
The results were not contested.
for Peace, headquartered
at The Hague in Europe. General Lee retires from an illustrious military
career spanning over thirty-five years. He is shown at right wearing the
Order of the Red Garland, awarded by the U.N. for his critical role in negotiating
The Mesopotamian Accord. General Lee will remain on 'active duty' locally,
having accepted the Directorship of the Monterey Institute for World Governmental
Affairs. In a recent interview on the Satellite News Network, the General
said he has also been approached to run for elective office. "I am
keeping an open mind to the recent offers," said Lee. "I have
been a public servant all my life and will definitely seek new opportunities
to serve." Many supporters of the General would like to see him elected
Secretary-General of the United Nations itself. "General Lee's decades
of exemplary service would make him a worthy successor," says Kana
Inanof, special assistant to the current Secretary-General. A reception
honoring General Lee will be given this evening by Mr. & Mrs. Symington-Howl
at their residence on Carmel Point. All are invited.
MAJOR COUP FOR CARMEL ACADEMY OF DANCE Formerly
principal dancer with the Bearshoi, Max Maxilov [in flight
at left] will be joining the teaching faculty at Carmel Conservatory's
Academy of Music and Dance. The addition of Max to the faculty is seen as
a move to further strengthen the already first-rate ballet program that
has produced so many world class dancers over the years. Max leads the school's
44th season of performances this year from June 21st to September 22nd.
Interviewed for this publication, Maxilov Maxilov stated, "I am eager
to start and I look forward to the challenge," acknowledging the high
standards Carmelites have come to expect from their summer ballet series.
"I understand that the expectations are great and I will do my best.
After all, in Russia we value tradition, too." Asked if his romance
with the great Russian ballerina, Martina Maxilova, would resume now that
she is dancing with the San Francisco Ballet, Max Maxilov replied,
"No comment."
The Academy of Dance is currently headed by Rolli Rostopovich
[pictured at left], a native of the Ukraine. Rolli
(known as "The Twirler" back in Kiev) said he looks forward to
some good natured competition from his
former comrade. Although retired from active dance, Rolli once a year performs
his famous avante-garde interpretation of Stravinsky's The
Rite of Spring. The original performance with the Bearshoi in Moscow
twenty years ago caused a riot. Pasha Petrenka, at right, takes a lesson
from the Master. She's not quite ready for "The Twirl", but she
looks pretty good to us!
been a must stop for novelties and amusements for Carmelites and visitors
alike. In a ceremony last night honoring his commitment and dedication to
fun, Pop announced that his son, Pip, would be carrying on the tradition.
Grand re-opening for Pip Squeek's is scheduled for next week. "It's
going to be hard seeing the sign change," muses Pop. "But I'm
off to Bermuda for a month, so I'll try not to think about it too much."
Pip inherits a business that also includes half of the hot air balloon concession
on Carmel Beach, a popular attraction for the past twenty years and sponsor
of the balloon races at Carmel's annual Summer Fête. Pip additionally
informs The Bearly News that he will not change the policy of staying
open until midnight on Halloween. "I know how urgent the need can be,"
says Pip. "Last year, I was invited to a party at nine o'clock that
night. Pop came to the rescue!"
history this
week when the three amateur archeologists discovered a cave in the Carmel
beach cliffs containing Ohlone Indian remains and artifacts. The find has
been authenticated by Dr. Rubio Mendoza, Director of the Monterey Institute
for Archeology and renowned expert on the history of California's Central
Coast. Of special interest are the cave's cinnabar paintings depicting the
mythological figures of Coyote, Eagle and Hummingbird, famous in Ohlone
creation lore. "The paintings are beautiful and cover an entire wall
about fifty feet long," said Nigel Baker, spokesbear for the three
explorers. The Carmel Town Council, called to special meeting yesterday
by Mayor Pandora Xing, passed a unanimous proclamation to protect the Native
American Indian site as an "important addition to our knowledge about
the early inhabitants of the Central Coast." Although carbon dating
results are not complete, Professor Mendoza estimated the age of the find
to be at least 1,000 years adding "you don't need to go to Egypt for
ancient artifacts - they're in our own back yard." Dr. Mendoza's department
sent the Baker bears a bicycle built for three in recognition of their discovery.
"Wheeeee!" said Neville Baker, designated driver for the threesome.
and Darcy Charitable Trust, with
a $4M endowment shortly after his win. The Trust awards college scholarships
to local high school students. "My favorite author is Jane Austen,
so I thought the name of the Trust was appropriate," declares Padge.
The new proprietor's love of books has prompted him to introduce poetry
readings at the pub. A double header inaugurates the new series with 
PLAIN BROWN RAPPER AT LOCAL BOOKSTORE
- The Thunderhawk Bookshop will host Plain Brown Rapper [pictured
at left] next Wednesday afternoon from 1:00pm to 3:00pm when he will
sign and read from his new book of poetry From Here to There: Connecting
all the Dots.
MUFFIN GIRLS" WIN FIRST
PRIZE IN 12TH ANNUAL BAKEOFF CONTEST - Three apprentices at a local
French bakery won first prize in the Muffin category in Carmel-by-the-Sea's
annual Bakeoff last Saturday. It was a surprise upset over frontrunner Martha
Watters, who has won the category six years running. Marcy Jeffers, Darby
Rose and Abbey Adams [pictured at right] won this year
with their cinnamon, banana, orange and lemon peel muffin, which one judge
described as "curiously - and intensely - pleasing to the palate."
ROYALTY
COMES TO CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA - Lady Baltimore (seen here at a press conference
outside Buckingham Palace last week), acting as official representative
of Her Majesty, brings a special gift to the town from the royal family.
The Queen's gift, which will be installed on Ocean Avenue, is a fifteen
foot modern bronze sculpture by Peggy Lovelle, the acclaimed award-winning
British sculptor.
site for their annual
four-day celebration of all things 'Golly.' In a unanimous vote, the permit
was signed by Mayor Pandora Xing for the event which begins next Friday.
by their views,"
says festival organizer and general manager, Van de Vogel, himself a Golly
(seen at left). "So it's never surprising when some have second thoughts,"
he continues. "But at the end of the day, Fun usually wins out."
he says with a smile.
One of the featured
acts this year is The Three Gollies String Trio (here posing outside Blenheim
Palace where they were invited for a private performance and recording).
The photo is included as as outtake from the liner notes of their latest
CD (entitled Live At Blenheim). Pictured left to right
are bassist, Stan Clarke, viola player Jamie Laredo, and violinist, Willie
Voss. Their newest CD, recorded live at the palace, includes Mozart's E-flat,
K563 trio, Beethoven's Serenade trio in D Major, and Op.8.and Schubert's
String Trio in B flat, D.581. Management informs The Bearly News
that there will be a performance each morning of the festival at 11:00am
at The Senior Sunset Center.
The Diazamov brothers
will be performing Brahms' Sonata in F Minor for Two Pianos as well
as Ravel's Music for Two Pianos. The Diazamov Brothers have also
created their own a special arrangement of Chopin's Nocturnes No.3 in B,
Op.9, No. 1 in F Minor, and No2. in F Sharp Minor for two pianos which one
critic called "an original - and amazing - interpretation of Chopin"s
greatest nocturnes." The Diazamov's will be performing at 3:00pm each
afternoon of the festival, also at the Senior Sunset Center.
He will be accompanied, as usual, by Mr. Head-on-a Stick, who has himself
seen eighteen festivals. "These things never get old," says Head.
"The children just love us and most bring their teddies along for the
enjoyment. Everyone who attends will be given free Golly Festival '08 pins.
and so far, we haven't run out of pins yet!"
CD: Black is
Back (recorded live at Madison Square Garden).
NATURAL TRENDS - With Carmel-by-the-Sea's ban
on gas-powered leaf blowers in effect now for several years, it was only
a matter of time before some entrepreneurial spirit would emerge to form
a company with, shall we say, a more civilized - and considerate - approach
to maintaining the township's hundreds of private gardens. First to embrace
what has been called the au naturale approach to gardening is the
firm called simply The Three Trimmers.
regularly jogs on Carmel Beach and lifts weights at the Beach and Tennis
Club, is in excellent physical shape (several long-time P.B. residents exerted
their influence and obtained permanent guest passes for the threesome).
Antonio jokes, "which is probably why I seem to be given the more strenuous
jobs!" However, this is not to downplay the other brothers' skills:
Giovanni and Francesco possess considerable horticultural knowledge important
in the cultivation business. They view their profession more as a combination
of art and science rather than simply as a service and, consequently, look
for clients who understand the special needs and requirements of landscaped
and sculptured gardens. Oftentimes, The Three Trimmers have need to employ
the special talents of 
and our always-on Blackberries, it would be impossible to keep up with
our busy schedules," explains Francesco. "The trick to our business
is designing gardens that need once-a-month care," elaborates Giovanni.
The Three Trimmers, naturally, make it all sound easy: but this reporter
has seen some of their work and was duly impressed. The boys don't come
cheap, however: average monthly visit costs three hundred and fifty dollars;
but if you can afford them, you will never regret it (full disclosure: this
reporter recently hired the firm). Your garden will thank you and your flowers
will sing.
AT ABSOLUTE WIT'S END - Country Squire
recently moved from English estate to large Pebble Beach residence has URGENT
need for an experienced Governess with special gifts, qualifications and
impeccable recommendations to take charge of twelve unruly children. Private
quarters (bed chamber/bath with adjoining study) and meals shall be provided.
The position pays a generous stipend of $80,000 per year (these children
are very unruly); there is also a $10,000 signing bonus. I am an
equal opportunity employer and will provide full medical insurance (no
co-payments or out of pocket expenses) as well as matching contributions
to the retirement plan of your choice. The position will involve DISCIPLINE
and augmenting the children's education including supervision of assigned
homework. In addition, your charges will begin their classical music education
on instruments of their choice; you will manage and oversee the various
music instructors and their scheduling times. To apply for this position,
please send employment history and references in care of this publication.
Familiarity with the film 
"Prose = words in their best order; Poetry = the best words in the
best order."
