Best Burger Joints in Humboldt County.

Here is the criteria; must be primarily burger or Hot Dog themed places. No chains. (I do prefer a burger with genetically modified organisms GMOs over grass fed.)

10. Surfside Burger Shack (Eureka)- I do think they need to put up a corn fed beef option. Just buy those pre-made up from Costco or something.

9. Getti Up (Garberville)- Been awhile for me, but I don't remember being disappointed.

8. Bob's Footlong (Fortuna)-Lot's of choices and pleasant people.

7. Whimpy's (Willow Creek)- One of my favorites that has seemed to go down hill.

6. Fresh Freeze (Eureka)- Just not that big on their fries but they do have great burgers and shakes!

5. Deb's Great American Hamburger (Redway)-If you like Betty Boop, this is the place to visit.

4. Star's Burger (Eureka)-I have had good and bad experiences on Harrison. The bad has left me not going for awhile.

3. Mike's (Eureka)-Don't talk politics in here and you will do well. Don't seem to like Democrats in any flavor. Great greasy garlic fries.

2. Toni's (Arcata)-Their fries are so-so. But they have great burgers and great union rings. Good portions.

1. No Brand Burger stand (Ferndale)-I probably won't get many arguments on this. Great burgers, but maybe to close to the source.

Wal Mart in Eureka?

Next thing you know and we will have a Home Depot too. I am not a big fan of either because of their history of how they treat employees. But I am sure that if Wal Mart opens a store in the Bayshore Mall, they will have huge crowds shopping there. Why do I think that? I remember when they opened the K-Mart on Broadway and it was packed for years! Kind of funny thinking about it now since they have slowed down since other stores have opened such as Big Box Costco and Target. It will be interesting to see the communities reaction if the rumor has legs.

Longtime hoops tourney organizer Gunnerson dies

Arman Gunnerson desired nothing more than to make a difference in the lives of young people. He achieved this lofty goal many times over. Gunnerson devoted himself to the Crescent City Jaycees 8th Grade Basketball Tournament, which has become a major annual event since its inception in 1968. He died Tuesday morning at Sutter Coast Hospital due to complications from a stroke he suffered last month. He was 74.

Arman contacted me nearly 20 years ago and approached me about holding an 8th grade Basketball Tournament for small schools in Humboldt County. He was a quite, calm mega organizer and just nice guy. I had been coach at Peninsula School in Samoa for awhile and had been trying to build the program worthy of playing in the Crescent City tournament, which hosts 56 of the top teams from all over California and Oregon. So for years Peninsula (Robin and I directing.)hosted the small teams qualifier's and Arman would be in the stands scouting teams to invite. Peninsula stopped hosting when I went to work on the road for the union. I continued coaching Peninsula later until there were not enough kids to field a team.

Arman. You done well. May you receive God's reward.

Top Breakfast Places in Eureka. Past and present.

I sure miss some of the closed places to eat breakfast. I loved Bev's, Bettie Mae's, Eureka Truck Terminal, Stanton's and Carl's Diner. And there has not been many to replace them with a huge greasy cholesterol filled menu. But here is my take of the best right now:

10. Waterfront Cafe- Nice view!
9. Cutten Inn- The "Bomber" biscuit and gravy special.
8. Amiga's Burrito- Their Breakfast Burrito is really good!
7. Marie Calendar's- Been having $4.99 special for months!
6. The Double AA- Bar type atmosphere.
5. The Chalet House of Omelette's- Been around for quite sometime. If you are into omelette's, this is your place.
4. Amy's Delight- On Harris. Across from Fig's.
3. Mama's Kitchen- My buddy Perry's favorite.
2. Adel's- Nice clean place with pleasant workers.
1. Kristina's- Consistent and I suggest the Mexicana omelet, but they have a $6.99 steak and eggs that is really good too. Waitresses are really friendly.

July 4th, 2011. Nearly 50% of Americans do not have pot to piss in.

A new study by the National Bureau of Economic Research shows 50% of Americans would struggle to come up with $2,000 in a pinch, for example in the event of an unanticipated car or home repair, a large medical bill or legal expenses. This is not a good sign for our economy if that many people are on the brink of a financial catastrophe. It makes me wonder just how many in Humboldt County are at this threshold. Working poor? More like working broke.