Where Words Go To Thrive

Off to a Strong Start

2009-10-14T20:17:00.000-07:00

Received Sydney's First Grade progress report yesterday and the news was...EXCELLENT.

Syd earned an 89% in English and a 95% in Math. Most importantly, she told me how much she loves school. Just need to keep it going for 11 more years of high school, four years of undergraduate work, and eight years of post-graduate studies.

New Favorite Saying...

2009-09-04T10:34:00.000-07:00

A pig gets fed, but a hog gets slaughtered. Don’t get greedy.

Healthcare Reform?

2009-09-03T22:23:00.000-07:00

It seems to me that you have to remove the ridiculous profits from the health insurance industry if you're ever going to start making a dent in the healthcare crisis. Is it time to turn them into a regulated monopoly? I think that is at least a step in the right direction. A business, which by its very definition, is motivated by increasing shareholder revenue has every incentive to charge as much as possible while spending the bare minimum. That is not a viable model for something as important as healthcare. It's time for the dems, in general, and Obama in particular, to get their acts together, realize there is nothing the republicans will support them on and get this thing going.

To Come...

2009-09-02T22:03:00.000-07:00

Outside Lands Music Festival, featuring Dave Matthews Band. And September: the month of vegetarianism.

The First Day of First Grade...

2009-09-02T20:51:00.000-07:00

...And so the big day was finally upon us. Having hit the outlet malls (see post below) and gotten the latest in six-year-old fashion, with backpack ready to go full of pencils, three-ring binder, crayons and lunchbox, and with a ton of enthusiasm for the big day, Syd was ready. I made it to her classroom, Number 5 at Century Elementary, a little after 8:00 am. And just a few minutes later, Syd and her mom showed up. Sporting still-drying hair, her new long-sleeved pink shirt and brown cords, Syd was all set...except for the backpack left in the car. Ok, minor hiccup. After a quick trip, she was armed. Friends from kindergarten and Campus Club (after-school care) passed by. A "hi" here and a hug there and Syd was back in her element. Soon thereafter, Ms. Elliot appeared, opened the door and began the process of welcoming her new first grade students, speaking briefly with each parent and posing for a picture with her new pupils. Always prepared and wanting to make a good first impression, Syd had picked a flower, which she presented to Ms. Elliot as she walked in. A couple of days later, she gave her a drawing, which she had been working on the day before, but left at our house.

Syd is now into her second week of first grade and all is going well. She did tell me the other night that two boys called her a "sucker" and then she got hit in the head by a jump rope and in the stomach by a ball, but other than that, no worse for wear. She continues to really enjoy her school, friends and teacher and so we can't really ask for much more. Stay tuned for more first grade updates...

A Girl Needs Outfits

2009-08-25T09:00:00.001-07:00

With the first day of school, and specifically, the first day of first grade a mere two days away, it was time to take Syd shopping for some back-to-school clothes. But there would be no Target this year, not today. First grade is big time. And big time calls for real shopping (note: if you can buy lawn furniture and ArmorAll when you are shopping for clothes, well, that is not real shopping). So off to the outlet malls in Tulare we went.

A quick forty-five minutes on the highway and we were there, surrounded by Banana and J. Crew, Nike and Tommy and many, many others. Expecting screaming kids and frenzied parents, we pulled into the parking lot and we're pleasantly surprised at the relative calm.

First stop: Gap For Kids. The clothes were very cute. And I think I was more excited for all of the possible outfits than Sydney was. I picked out butterfly and heart shirts, and when I asked Syd if she liked them/wanted them, her response was, "sure." I think daddy may be more excited for this little excursion than you-know-who. In any event...off to Osh. There, the clothes were more for the younger set, but they had a great deal on long-sleeved T's. So with those in hand and a pair of brown cords, we were set. We tried to find some shoes, but nothing was available in her size. We would have to hit Target for the rainbow sandals she had set her sights on.

With hundreds of stores in the area, we stopped at Banana Republic before heading to lunch. While the clothes weren't exactly to Syd's liking, she did enjoy the accessories, as the pictures attest.

The day concluded with lunch at Chili's and then a trip to see the movie, "Shorts." I will refrain from a review at this time. Suffice it to say, it was infinitely better than "Public Enemies."

And with that, Syd was set for the first of 12. More to come on how she fared...

Change You Can Believe In

2009-08-11T14:32:00.000-07:00

After years of throwing my daily amassing of change into various containers around the house, I broke out the recently acquired coin sorter (thank you, Kathleen) on Tuesday and got to work. And work it was. Handfuls of coins in. Wrappers quickly filling. Sealing and exchanging full wrappers for empty ones. On and on this went. And, in fact, will continue until I wrap the approximately 2,000 pennies strewn on my coffee table. But the report so far is pretty good:

Dollars: $21.00
Quarters: $220.00
Dimes: $55.00
Nickels: $16.00
Pennies: $6.00….and counting

I think when all is said and done, I’ll have about $340 “newly” found ducats. Not too shabby. Now the question: what to do with this fortune. I could keep amassing until I have enough for a cool vacation or use it as the last payment on my credit card. But what else? I will take any and all suggestions. Some have suggested that I open an online account and start day trading…ok, that someone was me. After all, it is found money, right? Sure I could invest it, buy something for Syd, but…

So if you have any great ideas, let me know.

Is That Superman...

2009-08-05T07:57:00.000-07:00

...no, it was Bill Clinton. But I can see how you may have been confused after he donned his cape and swept into North Korea and freed the two journalists who had been sentenced to 12 years of hard labor. Stud.

The Canyon of Kings

2009-08-03T20:45:00.001-07:00

Along with some friends from work, Syd and I went camping this past weekend in Kings Canyon National Park. Though we didn't entirely escape the Fresno heat, it was a welcomed getaway. Making camp at Sheep Creek, we pitched our tents alongside said creek and spent the weekend relaxing among the pines. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I will let these tell the tale.

All In...and Quickly Out

2009-08-03T20:03:00.000-07:00

For a couple of weeks leading up to my 37th birthday, I had been greatly anticipating the poker tournament Kathleen and Scott had organized in my "honor." Taking place at the local poker club, we had two tables, 14 players, professional dealers, a $40 buy in, food, drink...it was going to be a fantastic evening. I had no doubt I would win. There were three or four players whose game I respected, so I would play them carefully, but everyone else was dead money. Well, I was right about the players being dead money. Unfortunately, the deadest money of them all was me.

We started out with $2,000 in chips, with blinds at $25/$50. I folded the first three hands and then was in the small blind on the fourth. I was dealt 7-5 and since it only cost me $25 to see the flop, I went for it. The flop - 7s 5s Kc - gave me two pair. First to act and leery of flush and straight draws, I bet $900. I figured that bet was sure to get everyone out of the hand and give me the modest pot right then and there - starting my inevitable march to first-place money.

And everything was going exactly according to Hoyle until Mr. Scott came over the top and went all in. Knowing I had the best hand, I called. He revealed As Ks for top pair and nut flush draw. I was ahead. He had 14 outs (2 kings; 3 aces; 9 spades). He was a 4-1 dog. It was my birthday. I was a mortal lock. When the 3c came on the turn, I was one step closer to having a monster chip lead. What a great birthday this was. Until the river hit - and I sank. The Kh came out and crushed my dreams. His three of a kind killed my two pair. I was left with a measly $200 in chips and was forced to go all in when the blinds came back around. And that was it. I was the first one out. On my birthday. Thanks Scott. Appreciate it.

The tournament continued and after about another hour, my buddy Dale took home first-place money, Paul's patient play gave him second place and Kevin earned his buy in back plus $16.

Even though I was pushed to the rail, it was a great time, an awesome idea by Kathleen and wonderfully executed. Everyone had a terrific experience. Following the tournament, we were able to get a private table for some live action. Playing 1-1 no limit, I made it my mission to make Scott pay for his erratic, donkey-like play. Every time he limped in, I punished him with a raise. He folded. Each time. I would like to say I was playing angry and bullying him around, but I was getting pretty good cards. In fact, the poor luck stayed at the tournament table and was replaced by a pretty good run that saw my initial $40 buy in grow into $240.

I should have left, but as is usually the case, I stayed...too long. I didn't play recklessly, ok, too recklessly, but my stack did get whittled down until I finally called it quits up $90. Not what it could have been, but I was pretty happy with outcome.

So all in all, a fantastic night and an awesome birthday week. Thanks to all, especially Kathleen, for going well above and beyond.

13,515 Days

2009-07-29T20:06:00.000-07:00

323,336 Hours. 19,460,160 Minutes. 1,167,609,600 Seconds. Or as we most commonly refer to it, 37 years. I had a great birthday yesterday. Following a big group outing to Chipotle for lunch and some awesome chocolate peanut butter cheesecake brownies, Kathleen and I went to a relatively new fondue restaurant in Fresno called Moo La La. Um yeah. Not the best name, but it was pretty good. (I guess 37 is the food anniversary.)

Cheese fondue, beef, pork and chicken fondue, and of course, chocolate fondue for dessert. It was very nice, though a little surreal as when we entered we were greeted by what must have been a Michael Jackson's Number One Hits album. Not that we were complaining. I think we just expected something a little bit more, um, Swiss. Being the middle of the Fresno summer as it was, the restaurant was almost empty, except for one family that was finishing up their dinner as we sat down. I'm really not sure how these places stay in business. Located in a not inexpensive part of town, I'm surprised that they can even afford their rent. But perhaps that is why I don't have my own business - or perhaps why such a high percentage of restaurants fail within the first year. Well, at least they are giving it a try. More than can be said for me and all of my awesome entrepreneurial ideas.

Tomorrow, the birthday week continues as Kathleen and my buddy Scott have organized a poker tournament at the local casino. Two tables, 18 players, $40 buy-in. Not sure how I will fare (less than a complete and dominating victory will be disappointing), but whatever the case, I can't wait. What a great gift idea and I am very excited. Fewer than 24 hours, 1,440 minutes or 86,400 seconds till we shuffle up and deal.

Why the Debate?

2009-07-27T18:21:00.000-07:00

Really. It seems that, whatever role you think the government should or should not play in our daily lives, ensuring that its populace has access to affordable and adequate healthcare should be a no brainer. Just as the government provides a military to protect it from without, it too should provide universal healthcare to protect each and every citizen from within. Why should only those who can afford coverage be able to get the regular, non-emergency healthcare they need? When did staying healthy become a privilege and not a right?

No one argues that national defense should only be made available to those who can afford it. The military industrial complex is never derided as socialized defense. And while the DOD budget is at times argued to be too high, it is a passing frustration, most people realizing that its cost is necessary. But healthcare? A government option will add to the deficit. An individual mandate with government subsidies? UnAmerican. Enough already.

The fact of the matter is that our government's top list of to-do items should be national defense and healthcare. Whatever it costs, it costs. Until opponents of universal healthcare argue against the cost and burdens of unnecessary wars and indefensible war profiteering, backed by government will and dollars, I don't want to hear another word against healthcare for each and every one of our nation's citizens.

Quality, Not Quantity

2009-07-27T17:25:00.000-07:00

That's at least my excuse as I post for only the 100th time in well over a year. In any event...

Since we last met, Kathleen and I went to Pine Mountain, Georgia, for my friend Mike's wedding. One of my college buddies, Mike was the eternal bachelor until he met the lovely Sara Quick. Game. Set. Match. The wedding took place at the Callaway Gardens resort, about an hour outside of Atlanta. A little oasis in the middle of nowhere, Callaway Gardens features professional-caliber golf courses (apparently the Buick Open was played on the Mountain Course for a few years), a man-made lake, salt-water swimming pools, hiking trails, butterfly gardens and more. With minimal cell phone service, it was a very quiet and much welcomed getaway.

The wedding itself was picture perfect and picturesque. The intimate stone chapel sat on the banks of a pond, surrounded by sky-scraping pines and blooming magnolias. And despite the arrival of half the guests after grandma's entrance but before the bride's (an event that shocked nary a person), everything went off without a hitch. The bride looked gorgeous, Mike looked fine. He's a lucky man.

Second to the wedding itself, the highlight had to be the reunion with my Ohio University and Ohio friends, some of whom I have not seen in just about a decade. What a great group. Even with the passage of time, it was like old times the second we saw each other. Just like old times, except for the added poundage (me), the balding heads (crap, me again), and the 15 kids for whom we are now responsible (me...and others). Following the wedding and reception, we changed into some partying clothes, busted out the Miller Lite and Sweet Tea-flavored Seagram's Vodka and gathered on the hotel patio for an extended reception. There, Mike and Sara had their official first dance to Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up." I did mention the sweet tea vodka, right? We remembered Michael Jackson through dance and song, continued to catch up on years gone by, and watched as the new bride was assaulted by three shirtless, Night-At-The-Roxbury wanna-be dancers - all in good fun, of course. Anticipating the resentment of fellow hotel patrons who may have not appreciated the reunion taking place under their feet, we took our party to the pool...the pool that was being chemically treated. Hmmm, sounds interesting. Let's go! Following some chicken fights, hot tubbing, and an occasional drink here and there, it was time to call it a night.

After a relatively pain-free, cross-country trip the next morning, we were back in Fresno. Sounds like the annual October Vegas trip may be postponed this year for obvious reasons, but I am looking forward to an April rally and seeing everyone again very shortly. It's hard to believe that I met many of my best friends almost 20 years ago as we entered Ohio University together. For a guy who questions many of his decisions, there is no doubt in my mind that going to Athens and visiting the corner dorm in Crawford Hall was one of the best ones I have ever made.

I think I Found My Calling...

2009-07-19T17:19:00.000-07:00

... as a "knowledge consultant." Pursuing such a path dawned on me as I drove to - and from - Los Angeles on Highway 99. Approximately 30 miles south of Fresno in Tulare is a restaurant called Apple Annie's. Billboards dot the sides of the road, an animated, pipe-smoking, left-eye winking Annie inviting weary travelers to her quaint, little restaurant. From the signs and their prominence along the highway, it would be natural to assume that this local establishment was a restaurant slash farm, featuring bushels of freshly picked apples from the orchards grown on the back forty, hot apple pies cooling on the window sills and an assortment of knickknacks, tchotchkes and the like emblazoned with Annie's face.

Unfortunately, Apple Annie's is a neighborhood diner. And that's all it is. I doubt it even serves apples and there certainly ain't no Annie hanging around. One step in and the allure is gone. But I have vision. I can see how it could be so much better. And that's where my newly launched business come in. Look, it's not just me that feels let down by the false billboard advertising and the disappointment of apple-free eating. In fact, just last month, friends visiting from Los Angeles spontaneously took the Apple Annie exit to satisfy their apple-and-pie craving. Needless to say, they were not pleased. So it's time for some knowledge consultation. Just a small change to their existing business model and their future will be ripe for the picking.

Step one...get ready for it...here it comes...get some apples. Hey, I understand they couldn't think of everything. That's why I am here. Not everyone has the business acumen I possess to identify these small oversights. Start off by getting some apples. Now that's some out-of-the-box thinking.

Step two...SELL the apples...by the bag, by the pound, by the bushel. Are you taking notes?

Step three...bake some freakin' apple pies, jar some apple butter. I know, I know. I'm breaking new ground here.

Step four...build an actual gift shop. Just the other day, I stopped in to buy a friend a fun little present from Annie's and left with a train whistle and a shirt. That's all they had. And it wasn't even front and center. It was so bad that I had to ask if there was anything that said Apple Annie's on it. Needless to say, the pickin's were slim. So, Annie needs to keep the revenue stream flowing and sell Apple Annie hats, coffee mugs, apple-shaped paraphernalia, cookbooks, aprons, pie pans, etc.

Wow, I see dollar signs everywhere. I'm getting excited. Obviously as a knowledge consultant, I have many more ideas, but my newly formed practice will never take off if I give them away for free. So I'm off to Apple Annie's for a little confab...and some apple pie...I hope.

Meat, Meat and More Meat

2009-07-19T16:51:00.001-07:00

Kathleen and I ventured down to Los Angeles yesterday to celebrate her friend Lisa's birthday. After quickly dominating the field (Kathleen, Lisa and Lisa's boyfriend, Sean) in a contentious game of Skip Bo, we met up with a group of friends for some Korean Barbecue. Not sure what to expect, all I knew for sure was that there was going to be a lot of food, so I had better be prepared to eat. And prepared I was.

Located on Wilshire in Koreatown, the unbelievably rich smell of sizzling beef overwhelmed us as we entered the restaurant. While waiting for our table, we enjoyed some bad red wine and Hite, a Miller Lite rip off, taste, logo and all. In any event, we were escorted to our private room, which featured a long table with three gas-fired grills inset about three feet apart. With sides of fish cake, sprouts, potato salad, kimchi, green salad and more, it was quite the eclectic spread. Soon after being seated, the all-you-can-eat gorging took place. Platters of brisket, short ribs, and other cuts of marinated beef were brought to us and thrown onto the grill. It was amazing. Very fun and extremely tasty. We cooked and ate for about two hours before tapping out and calling it quits.

I'll look for a similar restaurant in Fresno, but I am not expecting to find anything. Probably the closest thing we have is the Brazilian restaurant with the never-ending delivery of meat on a stick, which is pretty hard to beat. But Korean BBQ is an experience you have to try - and one that I will try again.

HYPOCRISY - MEKNOWS THEY DOTH PROTEST TOO MUCH

2009-07-17T17:30:00.000-07:00

SENATE REPUBLICANS REALLY JUST NEED TO SHUT UP. RIGHT NOW. I AM NOT EVEN JOKING.

They LOVED Alito's empathy and couldn't stop fawning over him when, during his confirmation hearing, he explained, "Because when a case comes before me involving, let's say, someone who is an immigrant -- and we get an awful lot of immigration cases and naturalization cases -- I can't help but think of my own ancestors, because it wasn't that long ago when they were in that position...When I get a case about discrimination, I have to think about people in my own family who suffered discrimination because of their ethnic background or because of religion or because of gender. And I do take that into account."

But they VILLIFY Sotomayor for similar thoughts and expressions.

As my friend Jahan noted, they dog-and-pony show the supposedly empathetic Ricci before the Judiciary Committee. But why? The law is the law, right? Personal feelings toward either litigant SHOULD NEVER play any role in a case's outcome, right? It couldn't possibly be so "the judge will consider the people her ruling will affect." No it couldn't be that. After all, there is no place for empathy in the law...unless, of course, YOU'RE A SENATE REPUBLICAN HYPOCRITE.

And don't even get me started on the Sanford, Ensign, C-Street gang. Look, there is no party of virtue, but at least when William Jefferson is freezing $90k, he isn't simultaneously on the soapbox railing against refrigeration.

I'm not really sure what it is. When libs screw up, they know it, they are ashamed of it, they hide it and may even try to lie about it. But they certainly do not bring attention to it. Conservatives, on the other hand, take the best-defense-is-a-strong-offense approach. "If I am loud and out front about how much I hate gays, then no one will ever think that I enjoy a wide stance every now and again in my favorite airport bathroom...If I blast the liberals for lacking family values, then my three divorces and kids who won't even acknowledge me won't ever come up."

Enough is enough, though to the hypocrites that surround us, enough is only enough if I have had enough but never enough if I have more to say.

And So It Begins

2009-07-17T17:09:00.000-07:00

With the ungodly summer heat firmly entrenched upon the Central Valley, I think it goes without saying that I am not going to be on the bike that much. Perhaps an early morning ride here and there or an after-work session when I need the punishment, but I think I am just being honest when I say that they will be few and far between. So what am I going to do. Trying to counteract two of the deadly sins that I embraced last summer at this time, namely sloth and gluttony, I joined local gym GB3 this afternoon.

Step 1: Complete.

And as if that weren't enough (though I argued that it really was), I went to gym across the street from my house. But there's more. Not only did I go there, but I walked through the doors and actually exercised...wait a sec, ok good, I spelled that correctly...it's been a long time. Forty-five minutes on a less-than-stellar bike. Not a huge effort, but an effort nonetheless.

Step 2: Complete.

So now it's all about building on that small amount of p that began this afternoon through the summer and, at a minimum, the rest of the year.

The Future Is Here

2009-07-16T09:58:00.000-07:00

Forget flying cars, personal jet packs and Jetson-style living. Say goodbye to the idyll pursuits of renewable energy, global peace and universal healthcare. How long have we clamored for full-flavored, taste-bud-satisfying eats that are actually good for us? Too long. That's how long. Well, rejoice people. The future is here my friends and soy sausage be thy name.

MorningStar sausage patties are the real deal. Take it from me, I am a sausage connoisseur. Links, patties, crumbled up in breakfast stratas. Really, there isn't much better. And these little soy buggers are excellent. With 76% less fat than their greasy (albeit super yummy) counterpart and only 80 calories per, it is time to rejoice the new world order.

1:36,000

2009-07-15T16:20:00.000-07:00

Those are the approximate odds of having two royal flushes dealt at the same poker table within an hour. Well, color me lucky, 'cuz that's what happened last night at Club One. And, in reality, the two hands came within about fifteen minutes of one another. I was not part of the first hand, but faired pretty well in the sequel. Dealt A-J of diamonds, I raised to $4 (this is a $1/$1 No Limit Texas Holdem table). After multiple players called, the flop came out Qd 10d X. I bet out and was quickly raised. Upon calling, the raiser told me he was going all in blind on the turn; he had about $30 left. On the river, the Kd hit and with it my royal. Pretty sure that verbal bets were binding, but not wanting to risk betting out only to have him fold, I checked and he followed through on his "threat." I quietly called and revealed my power.

He had Qs Qh and with a Qd on the board had flopped a set. To make matters infinitely more interesting, Club One has a bad beat progressive jackpot, which had grown to $41,000. (A qualifying bad beat is aces full of kings losing to four of a kind, or better.) Throwing over the cards, we soon recognized where we stood and asked the dealer to pause for just a second. One more queen and I was going home $8,200 richer (20% of the jackpot), he would leave with $16,400 (40%) and everyone else playing at the casino would split the remaining 20%. Suffice it to say, a 6h came on the river; the case queen was nowhere to be found. But a 1/36 shot of winning eight grand ain't too bad.

In addition to getting the royal treatment, I played pretty well in what turned out to be an after-work marathon session. I sat down at the table a little before 5:00 and left a little after 1:00 in the morning. I was tired and sore. And to think that professional players regularly put in twice that amount of time during a typical session. As for the night itself, it was a series of mostly highs (I left up $155) and some lows. I lost about four times with pre-flop all ins holding a small pocket pair against higher pockets. But I played pretty conservatively, bluffed some pots when I thought I could get away with it and took home some big ones when the luck was flowing in my direction.

And perhaps the best realization of the evening was that poker is a great diet aid. I didn't eat while playing and was too tired to do anything but sleep once I got home. Perhaps I am on to something here.

Fresno...

2009-07-14T09:33:00.000-07:00

...The Documentary.

Ah, where to begin. Read my posts or ask my opinion and you will pretty soon understand my take on the city I call home. For all of its, well, horridity, it does have some appeal. More than its "proximity" to Los Angeles, San Francisco, the Central Coast or National Parks (funny how the best thing Fresno has going for it is that it is a great launching pad to go someplace else), there are some positive attributes. And no, I am not just trying to convince myself. Cycling is great, if you can endure the 110-degree temps. Its fresh fruits and veggies are, well, fresh and for a while, it was a relatively affordable place to live. Enter Stephen Payne, documentarian.

Last night at the Tower Theater, Payne's "Fresno" premiered. Having only heard about the movie that afternoon, Kathleen and I decided to get our culture on and see what it was all about. After all, Payne had worked on the critically reviewed documentary, "Who Killed The Electric Car." Sadly, as the credits began to roll on "Fresno," Kathleen and I both mused that this documentary could have just as easily been renamed, "I Don't Know Who Killed The Electric Car, but This Piece of Crap Surely Has Ended Stephen Payne's Career." What? Too long?

In any event, it was bad. Really bad. Really really not good. At all.

The premise had a shot. "Fresno," I think, was an attempt to examine, on a micro level, the impact of the national housing crisis, the burst bubble and the mass foreclosures that resulted from unscrupulous lenders, careless borrowers and the like. At the same time, Payne documented who benefitted from these reversals of fortunes, namely the "pool skaters," seemingly out-of-work, directionless ne'er-do-wells, who wandered the city looking for foreclosed, empty houses with backyard swimming pools to use as their private skateboard parks.

And that would have been a pretty good movie. A pretty good 40-minute documentary. Unfortunately, that is not what we got. Rather, we were presented with the most random of clips, repetitious sequences, inane sound bites and an all-over-the-place, I-forgot-where-I-was-going-with-this film that left me wondering what in the world just happened. Well, in the immortal words of Ricky Bobby, THAT just happened. And it wasn't good.

Having had some success in documentary filmmaking, Kathleen could not have been more irked by the production's sloppiness, its lack of focus and cohesive storytelling, the refusal of Payne to examine the lives of the pool skaters...and so much more. But to me, it was the sheer randomness of its 70 minutes. Had he stuck to the real estate agents, industry insiders and skateboarders, he may have escaped with an interesting take on a national problem. Instead, for some reason (which I believe we figured out later), he inserted clips of party-goers at Millerton Lake, a competition to judge who has the loudest boat engine, local radio host Ray Appleton discussing the ungodly summer heat, and interviews with college students, politicians, pseudo rock stars, drunks and more on topics ranging from recycling and public urination to how "precious" are the people of Fresno, the champion Fresno State men's baseball team and the surprise that Fresno is not as bad as some make it out to be.

WTF?

Over drinks far away from the Tower Theater, it struck us that Stephen Payne must have come to Fresno seeking to look at foreclosures and how they have spawned the interesting sub-culture of pool skaters. Unfortunately, this theme was declared bunk by one of those very same skateboarders when he noted that they had been finding abandoned pools well before the housing crisis hit. And so, Payne was left to change his film from a potentially novel look at the crisis to one that devolved into a poorly executed tourism video on Fresno living.

Sadly, most of those in attendance seemingly enjoyed the movie, perhaps simply amazed that their fair city made it to the big screen. I for one was not impressed and it simply further solidified my long-held impressions of this city and its populace.

Final Grade: D

But I am looking forward to Payne's next documentary: Grilled Cheese. Yummy.

Dirty Eats

2009-07-14T09:19:00.000-07:00

Ranked among the top ballparks for its epicurean delights, San Francisco's AT&T Park (ne SBC, ne ne Pac Bell) relished upon me more than just a ball game on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon. In fact, after scarfing the 14-inch Sheboygan Bratwurst and half-pound of Gordon Biersch Garlic Fries (pictured above), I came very close to leaving my heart - and clogged arteries - in San Francisco, permanently.

Coming Soon...

2009-07-13T21:52:00.000-07:00

• Dirty Eating at AT&T Park

• Frresno: The Movie (well, really a documentary)

Bad Idea?

2009-07-10T21:15:00.000-07:00

For the last six months, at least, Syd has been begging me for a bunny. And for six months, at least, I have told her that we just can't have one in our little condo. But then I was thinking. What if I used a portion along my outside wall to build a nice little pen. Totally enclosed, with shade and room to roam. Would this be a bad idea? Perhaps I need to do a little research on this bunny thing. They are pretty cute and I would certainly earn some Father-of-the-Year points, but it may just not be the smartest move to make. How do owners care for pet bunnies? Are they kept indoors or out? Are they actually considered pets? I dunno. And with Pixie Kitty in the mix, Bugs' safety would be in constant peril. So lots to think about.

TDF Update: The first real climb of this year's Tour came at the end of Stage 7 as Lance and crew rode from Barcelona to Andora. Thousandths of a second out of the Yellow Jersey, it appeared that Lance had a real shot at taking over the lead. In the end, however, an Italian cyclist, three-plus minutes behind at day's beginning, was part of an early breakaway, resulting in a six-second lead over Contador and eight-second lead over Armstrong going into Stage 8.

The drama of the race, however, was not this unknown Italian donning the leader's yellow, but the in-fighting (can we call it that?) among Lance, Contador and the Astana team. Apparently, Contador's last-mile push away from his teammates was not part of the plan. Lance played the team card in post-race interviews but fellow Astana teammate Levi Leipheimer flat out said that Contador's push for the overall race lead was not what was discussed in pre-race discussions. I guess this is what happens when you have two leaders and two of the strongest riders on the same team. As a relative newbie to the TDF, all of this is extremely intriguing - and I can't wait to see how it plays out over the next two weeks.

The Peloton in Catalan

2009-07-09T12:34:00.000-07:00

Woke up this morning to the cyclists racing into Barcelona on a rather dreary, wet day. But how bad can it be, after all, it's Barcelona...or perhaps you prefer, Barthelona. Watching the peloton race down the Spanish city's version of the Champs Elysees, brought back some very nice memories of my all-too-brief visit back in '94. Las Ramblas. Gaudi. Olympic Stadium The small Picasso museum tucked away in an alley (home to Guernica, no less). I was there for little more than a weekend but in that short of time, it still made quite the impression. Perhaps I will scan my photos from that trip so I can more easily relive the memories; if only digital cameras were mainstream back then. During one pan of the city, I did spy La Sagrada de Familia - a Gaudi designed Roman Catholic cathedral whose construction began in 1882 and is expected to be complete in 2026. Incredible.

The Tour continues tomorrow with Lance thousandths of a second out of the Yellow Jersey. The Pyrrenes are the next challenge: the real race begins.

What Else...

2009-07-08T21:05:00.001-07:00

...ok, the order of these posts is not the best, but beggars can't be choosers. In addition to America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride (see posting below), there's been some great hiking this summer, most notably Sugar Dome Trail in Sequoia National Park. The six-mile loop took us (me, Kathleen, Dale and Jeanette) through groves of some of the largest trees in the world. Going counter clockwise was the key as we had a three-mile descent toward the end. Trekking the other way would have been a beast. I will say, for all that Fresno does not have to offer, being so close to Sequoia, Kings Canyon and Yosemite is very cool.

When not working or biking or hiking, I am working on my MBA culmination project. Once completed, by the end of July, I will have two classes to take in the fall and be done. I cannot wait.

Alright, I think this and the other two posts have caught me up and may just be what I need to start doing this more regularly. I am going to try to write every day. It will not be award-winning prose or offer up groundbreaking thoughts, but perhaps by putting pen to paper, um, fingers to keyboard, something interesting may be shared.

Oh, other things to write about:
• The Tour de France - it is game on. I started this blog about a year ago and spent many a post writing about how exciting this sport is. It continues this year with the added attraction of The Boss, Lance Armstrong back in the saddle riding for Team Astana. After five stages, he is tied for the maillot jaune (ok, .22 seconds out of first). But still. I have no idea if the mountains will derail his hopes or further cement his greatness. The sprint finishes have been thrilling but the strategy in this year's race is amazing. Check it out on Versus when you get a chance.

• Sarah Palin - oh what to say...you know what, those are probably more than enough words than she deserves...

ok, i am outta here...be back soon.

What Else Is Going On

2009-07-08T20:34:00.000-07:00

Seems like there is a lot to catch up on since I haven't posted in a while, but instead of trying to remember everything that I've been up to all at once, I will just do a little stream-of-consciousness thing and see what comes out.

I guess to start off with, the first weekend of June was America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. It was my second season of participation with Team in Training and just as great as the first time around. The Century Ride (100 miles, I know, kind of obvious but trust me, I've been asked) took about 3,400 total participants around Lake Tahoe, with a 28-mile out and back to Truckee.

Kathleen and I headed up to Tahoe after work the Friday before hand and once settled, realized we were in the middle of one of the worst two-week weather spells the area had faced for this time of the year. It was brutally cold and it rained and rained and rained. And unfortunately, it continued to rain and the temps remained low for our shakedown, 16-mile ride the day before the big event. Let's just say that I don't think the ride conferred the confidence in the riders that was hoped for; in fact, it had some promising not to ride if the same conditions persisted through the evening and into the morning. Fortunately, those feelings quickly subsided as we went to the pre-ride celebration dinner and listened to the stories of those who have fought and continue to battle leukemia and lymphoma. With more than enough motivation to take on all hills, all miles and all weather, we packed it in for the night to get ready for the big day.

And the big day was beautiful. Even at 5:00 in the morning, it was relatively warm - and dry. And it only got better. By the end, it was bright and warm. As for the ride itself, carrying about 20 more pounds (ughh) slowed me down compared to the year before, but nevertheless, it was a very fun, relatively strong ride. Despite a flat tire on the way back from Truckee, I made decent time and caught up with the head coach at the lunch stop at mile 72. From there, the two of us rode the final 28, up a six-mile-climb and then home.

Best of all, Kathleen met us at various points throughout the ride, video taping my "superior riding skills." After reviewing the video, if it is not too embarrassing, I will post it here for your review/mockery.

So with the ride over, I have been off the bike too much but plan to get going again soon. A friend of mine is doing pre-work rides from work and around the block, if 26 miles can be considered around the block. So I will be joining him, keep the pedals turning and be ready for next year's America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride, part three.

I've Said It Before...

2009-07-08T19:59:00.000-07:00

...and most likely will say it again, but I'm gonna try to be a little more consistent with the blog thing (not that I could be any less consistent)...anyway...

Having to take two weeks of PTO (Paid Time Off) before August 31, Kathleen and I spent the first part of last week in Los Angeles. Now here's the scary thing: I have lived in Fresno for, pause, breathe, gulp, one quarter of my life. That's right, 25%, nine years. I can't believe it myself. In any event, in all that time, I have been to the airport and have gone to see a doctor at UCLA for a couple of hours, but have not spent anytime whatsoever down in LA. Kinda weird, I know. It's fewer than four hours away but for some reason, I have always gravitated toward San Francisco. So Kathleen and I drove down on Monday for a couple of days. Having gone to USC and worked in LA for a couple of years, Kathleen knows the city very well. While our first stop was a run-of-the-mill Baja Fresh, it's location was everything but. Through its ten-foot high, floor-to-ceiling windows, we had front-row seats to the craziness that was Michael Jackson's death. Right across from Graumann's Theater and Michael's Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, we saw reporters and tourists, gawkers and overnight entrepreneurs clog Hollywood Boulevard - and this was days after his death. I mean what could possibly be the point of live news reports? Oh well...who am I to judge. A pretty interesting way to start the trip.

The next day we hit Griffith Observatory, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the la-piece-de-resistance: The Hollywood Bowl for the Eric Clapton/Steve Winwood concert. What a great venue. We had excellent seats, the sound was perfect and the weather ideal. On Wednesday, we stopped in Pasadena for breakfast before leaving the idyllic, 81-degree temps of Southern California for the 108-degree inferno that is the Central Valley and Fresno.

For such a great three days, the next few were quiet by comparison. The highlight, nay, lowlight, was going to see Public Enemies. One of the Top 5 Worst Movies of ALL TIME, its ungodly awfulness at least gave us something to shake our heads about in utter confusion, exasperation and incredulity. Ok, so do you understand how bad it was?

In any event, it was back to work on Monday and the inevitable discussions of layoffs...good times. Actually, LA was great and I'm looking forward to going back again real soon.

A Perfect Day...

2009-06-17T20:42:00.000-07:00

...with Syd at the driving range. Following work, I picked up Syd from Campus Club and headed over to the driving range. We broke out the clubs (Syd has her own set) on Sunday and she seemed to enjoy it. And when I got her this afternoon, she had no complaints about going there again. It was just a great evening as we hit a bucket of balls and then went to the pseudo clubhouse for some dinner.

Syd seems to like the range. I've asked her twice if she would like lessons from someone who actually knows how to teach. She responded in the affirmative both times, so that is what we are going to do. Very exciting.

Check out the video of Syd at the driving range...perhaps ABC will play these in 15 years as Syd hoists the LPGA Championship trophy.

Anyone Can Right...

2009-05-15T14:09:00.000-07:00

What has always held fleeting interest is now starting to consume more of my time. Over the last couple of weeks, I have gotten more serious about earning some additional income through freelance writing. I recently joined Guru.com, which is an eBay-like Web site in which jobs are posted and bid upon by members. While there are a ton of jobs available, I find it striking how little these jobs pay. I mean, there are projects that seek 500-word articles and pay $4. Really? Is that what they believe quality writing is worth? Well, I guess it is if people are accepting projects for such meager pay. And while I could throw 500 words out on any particular topic in a matter of minutes - ok, hours - it's not even close to worth it.

My frustration is fueled by my continuing realization that everyone thinks they can write...ok, technically I should have written "he or she" but whatever. Working in a marketing department with both writers and designers, the assumption is that designers bring a unique skill set and, as a result, should be compensated appropriately. And I couldn't agree more. I work with some talented people and their ability to visually tell a story can be quite impressive. At the same time, writers are not afforded the same respect - nor pay.

Since the first day of kindergarten, we have been taught how to write. Each and everyone of us. You may not like it, you may not be skilled at it, but there's no getting out of it. As a result, when all is said and done and we are out in the real world, the ability to capitalize the first word of a sentence and finish it off with a period apparently makes each and every one of us the next Shakespeare.

If, however, you can't draw, you simply don't sign up for art. No big deal. Thus, those who have a natural gift are placed on a pedestal by those who respect and appreciate their abilities. It's easy to appreciate those skills that you don't have. But when it comes to putting a few words together, "anyone can write."

So here I am, trolling the Internet for freelance opportunities, steadily dropping my hourly rate just so I can get a nibble. So far, I've gotten a bite from a tattoo studio looking for a writer to blog for its Web site. We'll see if that becomes a paying gig.

In the meantime, if anyone out there needs some professional writing taken care of, just let me know.

Team Ride

2009-05-09T16:33:00.000-07:00

Just got back from a Team ride - 72 miles with about 3,000 feet of climb. Pretty much the usual of late, but with the first real heat of the season, it certainly was a lot harder. With four weekends till Tahoe, the team is looking great and the century will be a breeze for us all. I've included an elevation graph of today's climb, pretty cool, huh?

Long Time, No See

2009-04-16T16:56:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a while - ok, over a month -since my last post. And this one is not going to be anything special, other than to say I am still around and will try to post more this weekend. The cycling continues. With about six weeks to go till Tahoe, the miles are piling up. Last week, Team went into the foothills and beyond for what ended up being about 65 miles. And importantly, after a slow start to the year, I am on par with last season's mileage. After all, I am about the numbers. Which leads me to this little tale. A group of us went hiking a few weeks, driving the roads that I normally cycle to get to the trail. The surrounding green hills, streams, wildflowers and more were beautiful. I guess you lose the forest for the trees when focusing only on the blacktop immediately in front if your tire. I vowed to do a better job of appreciating my environs as I ride (little success).

Syd is doing well. I will have some photos to upload this weekend: Syd as a chef for career day and in a beautiful dress that grandmom sent just because. Today is Syd's hat parade at school. Unfortnately, I have school and can't go, but I will see if I get my hands on some pics to share.

We went to the Grizzlies game last night. Um, not much of a success. Let's just say, we bought tickets to the game so we could have dinner at a picnic table on the concourse. We made it about an inning-and-a-half before Syd really wanted to take off. So, Syd and baseball games may not be the best combination. We did, however, manage to get on the JumboTron, which, looking back, put her in a worse mood. Ah, good times.

Anyway, more to come. If I can think of anything to write about.

I Mean Really...

2009-03-17T15:51:00.001-07:00

...the first sentence on a Salon.com blog reads as follows:

"I still remember the day that the Sci-Fi channel made it's television debut."

Seriously? Really?

Link to the article if you dare...who knows what other offenses you may encounter.

The Rides Continue

2009-03-16T21:37:00.000-07:00

Since the Blossom Trail ride, I've been steadily putting the mileage in and feeling great in the process. A couple of lunchtime rides last week kept me motivated and this past weekend saw me put in more than 100 miles. On Saturday, Team rode 48, climbing up and dropping into the backside of Millerton Lake before continuing onto 22-Mile House (a Valero gas station). The ride didn't have an inordinate amount of climb, but the roads (if you can call them that) were the worst I have ever been on.

Apparently, these Madera-county roads are renowned throughout the state for their utter disrepair. I guess it's better to be known for something than to not be known at all, right? They were truly awful and took their toll on the body - and more than a few bikes from the reports I heard after the ride. But it was definitely a strong ride. On the flats on the way back, a coach and I decided to catch a group of riders in front of us. We did this relatively easy. Unfortunately, she got boxed in as I passed, leaving me to fend for myself. Feeling pretty strong, I decided to see how long I could outrun the following pack. My goal was to reach the Willow Avenue turnoff, about four miles ahead. I'm not sure where I found the energy, but it was there, and I felt great. A couple of looks back and I had put some real distance between us. Of course, they weren't really trying to track me down. So be it, I forged ahead. Ensuing glances back saw the pack getting closer. I found a second gear to stave them off - it worked...for a while. With only about a mile to go, Willow seemed within reach. But as any of us who have watched the Tour or other races, it doesn't take much time to get swallowed back into the pack. A glance back and they were closer and closer. I didn't have another gear left. A half mile to go...and then just like that, the pack engulfed me and spit me out, flying by as they made the turn. Ehh, what are you gonna do? It was fun to try. A few miles more and the ride was over.

The following day (yesterday), a friend and I put in 55 as went into the foothills of Fresno County. A couple of steep, albeit relatively short, climbs were the name of the game. And then after work today, we put in another 28 with some great uphill sprints. If I can get out of work early tomorrow, I will try to do that ride again before time with Syd and school limits my time on the road - not that I'm complaining at all.

Tahoe is about 11 weeks away and the Team is looking great and working hard!

More reports to come...

The Hills Are Alive...

2009-03-07T15:45:00.000-08:00

I headed down to Reedley, California, this morning for the annual Blossom Trail Ride. Sponsored by the local Lion's Club, a number of routes are available, from ten-milers for little kids and their parents, to the 65-mile Metric Century, which I saddled up for. I attempted this ride last year and after putting in the majority of the climbing through the first 32 miles, I had some wheel troubles and had to SAG back to the car. So, I looked forward today to not only completing the ride, but enjoying some downhills and never-before-ridden roads.

I pushed off at 7:30 in the front of a throng of riders. Two with whom I rode last year with Team said "hi" as they spun past me, followed by just about everyone else. And that was perfectly fine with me. Pace. I knew I had a lot of climbing in front of me and not having been on the bike as much as I should have by this point, I didn't want to use up all my energy too early. Strings of riders raced by, too fast for me to latch onto, until I grabbed the back wheel of a twosome and stuck with them for a while.

Temps were in the low to mid 40's, bright and clear. And after getting off the main streets of this ag-based town, we were in the Sierra foothills. And it was gorgeous. Cows grazed on the verdant mountain slopes, wildflowers bespeckled the hills - their yellow, pink and white blooms climbing hundreds of feet towards the peaks. Of course, those peaks lay in front of me and the climbs soon began. After being dropped by the group I was riding with, I caught up with two TNT members and rode the rest of the way with them. The climb to the first rest stop was comfortable, averaging about a 7% grade. Compared to last week's ride, it was cake. Funny what training can actually do.

Immediately following a five-minute rest stop, we needed to climb a short (300 feet) but steep (17% grade) bump before the longer grades welcomed us. One section averaged around 9% with a small part of about 12%. And the last was about 8%. Of course, what goes up must come down. I had finally reached the hair-pin shaped downhill that had cost me my ride last year. Soberingly, police officers were stationed at the beginning of the descent, letting riders know that there had been a cyclist/motorist collision earlier in the day. Not much info to share, but I heard an ambulance took the cyclist away - never a good thing. The downhill was fast and curvy last year and no added skill changed its outlook this time. But that is why bikes have brakes. And as long as I didn't use them to the point that I blew a tube, I would be - and was - good to go.

Unfortunately, the descent froze my legs and it took about five miles to get them working again. After passing the Nazi Pig Farmer (don't even ask), there was one last climb before the 41-mile rest stop. From there, the ride was flat, a little bit windy and one that saw me spending too much time looking at my odometer, watching the miles slowly tick by. The final 20 miles were rather uneventful, though I did cramp up at mile 55. I was able to fight through it (I am so tough, I know) and made it, eventually, back to the start/finish line and my car - a much-welcomed relief.

When it was all said and done, I put in 66.50 miles, about 2,700 feet of climb, in 4:33:17...not great, not bad...it is what it is...but it is sure to get better. Following some lunchtime rides during the week, Team rides to 22-Mile House on Saturday, an approximately 50-mile ride.

Thanks to you and others, my fundraising efforts are going strong. Your help is very much appreciated. With about three months to go till Tahoe, training and fundraising seem right on track. If you or anyone else wants to donate, please click here to go to my page.

Thank you. And more updates to come.

For those interested in today's route, here it is:

New Syd Pics...

2009-02-22T10:08:00.000-08:00

...posted on my Facebook page as well as loaded into the slideshow to the right...enjoy!

Corporate Generosity

2009-02-20T19:14:00.000-08:00

For the second year in a row, Pelco will be matching funds raised by its employees who are participating in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team In Training program. That means for every dollar donated, two are given to LLS to help find a cure for blood cancers as well as to provide support for families who need support as they battle the disease. During a period when most companies are cutting every conceivable cost to improve the bottom line, it's encouraging to see that Pelco continues its long history of corporate responsibility and community generosity.

Tour de Clovis

2009-02-18T19:25:00.000-08:00

Lance Armstrong, Levi Leipheimer, Marc Cavendish and a peloton of other professional cyclists raced down the Central Valley this afternoon on the fourth leg of the Amgen Tour of California. The first three stages, which took place in northern California (including a sprint across the Golden Gate Bridge) were marred by horrible weather. Today, however, the clouds broke as the riders left Merced for a 115-mile race that ended in downtown Clovis. I had hoped to hang out at the finish line with the Pelco Mobile Product Showcase, which was being used by Clovis PD as a command center, but that didn't work out. Instead, I watched a live stream from the relative comfort of my desk. Catching the last 30 miles of the race, the highlight was seeing the three-rider breakaway and then the peloton carve the same hills and flats that I tentatively ride on a weekly basis. And all I can say is that they are FAST. For the entire four-hour ride, the racers pushed a 30-mph pace. Seeing them move on the flats from Friant Dam south into Clovis, followed by them taking a 4% grade at more than 20 mph, surely put their athletic prowess into perspective. The final five miles wound through Clovis, past recognizable local landmarks and resulted in a sprint finish won by multiple Tour de France stage winner, Marc Cavendish - by approximately an inch-and-a-half. About 25,000 fans were on hand to cheer Lance and crew on down the stretch. And many of them will follow the cyclists tomorrow for Stage 5, a 134-mile flat ride from Visalia to Paso Robles. I for one will be tuned in at my desk, fitting in some work here and there.

The Team Rides

2009-02-16T12:03:00.000-08:00

Saturday marked my first official ride with this year's TNT team. Under very chilly, but clear skies, the group started coming together around 8:30 for a 9:00 kickoff. Unfortunately, introductions and coach advice ran a bit long and we didn't push off till 9:45 at the earliest. But at least we were off. Paceline groups formed and about five of us led the team to Doyal's - a convenience store about 16 miles away on the banks of the Kings River. Into a rather steady headwind, we made it in a little under an hour. After a quick rest, we returned with the wind at our backs. The ride was spectacular. The route took us along the river, with the Sierra foothills seemingly a stone's throw away. The snow line was no higher than 1,500 feet. Combined with the recent rush of green thanks to a spate of winter storms that have come through the area and a better view could not be asked for. While the temps were low, I'm sure they will be fondly remembered once the 100-degree temps greet us. Another training ride to come in a couple of weeks and the Blossom Trail Ride on March 7.

Once again, for everyone following these updates and to those who have helped with my fundraising efforts, all of your support is greatly appreciated.

More to come...

Wipeout!

2009-02-10T18:16:00.000-08:00

It was bound to happen sooner or later. Riding home from work this evening, I turned a corner and got face-to-face with some beautiful pavement. I guess I should say up front that I am fine. My right elbow took the brunt of the blow. My right knee is a little bruised and my back is a bit tweaked, but other than that, all is good. And, of course, I have no idea how it happened.

I was about a hundred yards from the intersection when I approached a piece of metal that was sitting perfectly visible in the middle of the road. I saw it. And I ran over it. I couldn't believe it. But where your eyes go, so does your bike. I didn't think much of it until I thought I felt a little tire vibration. I wondered if I had a flat. But I kept going and neared the right-hand turn. I signaled and started the turn. The next few seconds didn't necessarily feel like an eternity and I certainly didn't see my life flash before my eyes (or perhaps I did and I've had a really lame life) but I was overcome by the thought as my rear tire fishtailed that this couldn't really be happening. It was. First to the left, then to the right. Oh man, this is gonna hurt. Luckily my fall was broken by the blacktop. Actually, I was very fortunate. There was no cross traffic, no one behind me, so as I had a few seconds to compose myself as I was splayed across the intersection. Fighting a small degree of soreness and a greater degree of embarrassment, I kicked water bottles to the curb, carried my bike to the sidewalk and got out of the street so I could take measure of where - and how - I was. I will say that I was a little surprised that no one stopped or slowed to see if I was ok, but perhaps that was due to my reaction of being totally fine to help ameliorate the embarrassment that I was feeling.

So I was ok. My rear tire, not so much. The wheel itself looked as if it had escaped unscathed though the tire itself was quite mangled. I removed it from the rim, replaced the tube and filled it up only to have air escape from the valve stem. Not sure what the problem is, so it's off to Steven's in the morn to have them take a look at it. Thanks to my buddy Scott, I made it home. After a shower and some Ibuprofen, I would say I am as good as I could hope. We'll see how the body feels tomorrow.

Feeling Lost?

2009-02-03T19:55:00.000-08:00

Like many, I am an exhausted, but loyal, Lost fan. A groundbreaking series that has a pernicious way of seemingly jumping the shark almost every episode but in such a way that you cannot bid it farewell. Well, tonight on the Sci-Fi channel, I am watching the pilot episode. I think blocks of the show are going to air every Tuesday for a while. So I was thinking, this may be a good time to start keeping track of all the unanswered questions that the writers/producers tease us with. Too many of them have simply been ingnored...I think. Perhaps the ultimate genius will be tying this show up into a tidy package at its conclusion...I'm not holding my breath.

With that being said, my first question:

What was the "beast" that attacked the cockpit and killed the pilot in the first episode?

Indigenous Population/Native American Summer in the 'no

2009-02-03T18:07:00.000-08:00

A beautiful day out here in the Central Valley. With temps in the low 70s, my cool morning ride to work was paired with a great ride home in the afternoon. With such unexpected weather, I had no choice but to extend the normal seven-mile commute to about 20, by making a loop through the park. Having not been on the bike in over a week, it was nice to get reacquainted. The highlight of the ride came as I was stopped at the last intersection. Rocking out to The Asteroid Galaxy Tour's "Around the Bend" (perhaps better known as the song that accompanies the iTouch commercial), I felt that someone in the car next to me wanted my attention. I turned, paused my music and then was asked if I had an extra cigarette I could spare. Mind you, I am on a road bike, dressed to the nines in my usual, form-fitting cycling garb, and looking as if I had put in about 20 miles. Only in Fresno!

Bumper Stickers Beware...

2009-02-03T09:19:00.000-08:00

...great article sent to me from David. For those of you who notice (and shudder) when the contraction is used when the possessive is warranted (it's vs. its) or a comma is placed outside of the quotation marks ("This is how it should be written," he said. "Unless, of course, he is a Brit."), check this article out...its a fun read.

(yes, that was on purpose)

2009-02-02T17:13:00.000-08:00

The first team ride was this past Saturday and I was AWOL. I had been so looking forward to this weekend: poker; Team In Training kick-off ride; a longer ride to the backside of a local lake; and the Super Bowl. It shaped up to be a great few days. Until the scratchy throat made itself known, followed by the congestion, pressure and aches of the common cold. I thought I would be able to suck it up and get out there early Saturday morning for a quick 15-mile ride, but no could do. The pathetic irony of my acquiescence to the bug is that a huge motivator to many riders as we climb those, "we-can't-possibly-make-it-to-the-top-of-that" hill is knowing the greater pain and fight and lack of quit that those we ride to remember have endured. And I couldn't get it going for a little ride? Well, that was pretty pathetic. And I apologize for it.

Instead of riding, I did visit our team's forum, which is used for a number of purposes, including route updates, cycling advice and riding tips, etc. On this day, I read a posting from a teammate regarding who she is riding for. The post linked to a Web site, where I was able to learn about one honoree in particular. Importantly, I was able to post my own entry, directing fellow cyclists to David Holder's Web site - one he used to keep friends and family updated as he fought his disease - and one that shared the moving words spoken by loved ones after he passed away. If you have not had the chance to visit the site and read some of the entries, I encourage you to do so. It certainly adds perspective to the "struggles" we endure on a daily basis.

I'll be riding to work in the morning and extending the trip on the way back to make up some miles.

And lastly, for those of you who are either following these postings or who have helped in my fundraising efforts, I can't fully express my appreciation. Thank you.

Customer Service...

2009-01-28T18:28:00.000-08:00

...never underestimate its value. In a world full of me-too products, ofttimes customer service can be the singular differentiator. And in today's business environment, you need to take advantage of every little thing you can. I bring this up after a quick trip to Steven's Bicycle shop. During the first half of last year, I was quite the patron, getting everything there from tubes and CO2 cartridges to tune-ups and new wheel sets. Today, I popped in for some of the aforementioned tubes and cartridges and Nick greeted and helped me as if I was a regular. Perhaps last year I was, but I have not seen him since July. No matter, he remembered the wheel set I bought, thus getting me the right tubes and even remembered my name. That's huge for me. In a world where I have been referred to as "Gary," "Casey," or "Corey," too many times to count, it meant a lot. Meant so much, in fact, that no other bike shop will receive a single dollar from my wallet.

Put Off By Cast Away

2009-01-25T16:45:00.000-08:00

After a cold and wet bike ride this morning, I came home and plopped myself on the couch in an attempt to warm up. And that's when I got sucked in to Cast Away: the Tom Hanks, marooned-on-an-island movie. All in all, not bad. I have seen it a few times and, as evidenced today, it is eminently re-watchable. But there are a few things about it that drive me nuts.

1. When I first saw the movie, I was immediately struck by the inanity of the welcome-home party once Chuck Nolan (no land...clever, huh?) was rescued. Once everyone leaves and Chuck is left alone in his hotel room, the camera pans across the catered spread in which he and his friends just indulged. It is full of sushi, shrimp, Alaskan King Crab legs and other seafood delicacies. Really? I can only assume that the director and/or screenwriter thought this would be, well, I really don't know what they were going for. I mean, I cannot imagine that any party planner, while considering the menu, would think, "well, he's been stranded on an island for 1,500 days, surviving on coconuts and fish, I think we should give him more of the same." I guess the director thought it may be funny, ironic or perhaps a small way to show how out-of-touch with what Chuck went through are his friends. But I can't get over the fact that no one in their right mind would do this.

2. Upon reuniting with the love of his life, Kelly Frears, Chuck asks about Tennessee now having a football team. Kelly explains that the Houston Oilers relocated to Nashville and came within "one yard of winning the Superbowl." Again, really? If memory serves me right, in Super Bowl XXXIV, when the Tennessee Titans squared off against the St. Louis Rams, the final play of the game ended with the Titan receiver stretching the ball to the goal line, but coming one yard short. Had the touchdown been made, the score would have been TIED (assuming a successful PAT). Sure this is a minor detail, but come on. Could she not as easily have said "and they came so close to winning"...and then done her little Academy Award winning actress thing to impress upon us just how close they were. It was a throw-away line and of little consequence, but just look how riled up it made me.

3. After reaching shore, finding some food and taking stock of his new home, Chuck starts going through the Fed Ex packages that washed up with him. (For those of you who have not seen the movie, Chuck is a Fed Ex manager and was on a Fed Ex plane when it crashed.) So he opens the packages and finds many a useful "gift." Of course there is one with some fancy wings on the box. He decides not to open this one. When the movie premiered, his refusal to open this package for whatever reason was mocked many a time, perhaps best by Saturday Night Live in which the final scene of the movie is re-enacted, "Chuck" finally delivering the package, and asking what is in it. The answer: a satellite phone, GPS, fishing gear. Apparently I wasn't the only one who thought he should have opened the box.

The other thing I wasn't crazy about, but can forgive due to pragmatism and realism, was the fact that, upon reuniting with Kelly, to whom he was going to propose when he returned from his ill-fated flight, Kelly tells him that despite everyone's arguments to the contrary, she knew Chuck was alive. She said he was the love of her life. And yet, we find this Kelly married with a two-year-old daughter. Maybe it's just the sap in me, but two years and then move on? I guess so.

Regardless of the above, a fine movie that was well acted by Hanks and his co-star, Wilson the Volleyball.

I Spoke Too Soon...

2009-01-25T16:33:00.000-08:00

...after hitting the books this weekend, I decided it was not realistic to try to finish up grad school with one big push. Instead, I am going to concentrate on my accounting and business policy classes this semester and work on my final project and an international marketing class during the Fall 2009 semester...AND THEN I WILL BE DONE..I promise. I am sure I will be regretting this decision as this semester comes to a close and especially as I return to campus in the fall, but that's ok.

And Away We Go...

2009-01-24T16:48:00.000-08:00

On Thursday evening I officially began my final semester of grad school. Well, perhaps I officially began when I enrolled in an online managerial accounting course through UC Berkeley, but Thursday's was my first class at State. It's a business policy seminar that is to call upon all that we have learned over the last three years. Content wise, the course has promise. As for the instructor, well, let's just say that I was surprised his head could fit through the narrow entrance to the classroom. He spent the first half hour or so discussing his impressive pedigree. From negotiating union contracts during his pre-teen years because his father did not understand English to his professional baseball career cut short due to injury to his founding and leadership of businesses (Rug Doctor and some candle maker, the main competitor to Yankee Candle) to current ventures in medical supplies, board memberships and much more, he went on...and on...and on. But fine. A man of many accomplishments and skills should be an excellent leader of this class, especially with his seemingly world-class resume. Of course, I always wonder why people with such acumen and skills, who have worked in over 50 countries and are called upon by Fortune 500 firms on a regular basis are in Fresno of all places. I decided the prudent track was not to ask. In any event, the class should be a good one. Group case studies, discussed and argued during class, a couple of exams and that's about it. On Tuesday I start my International Marketing class (very much looking forward to it) and I should also be assigned my final culmination project sometime next week. So kind of a busy semester, but at least come May 23, it will be done.

On other fronts, having signed up for a return engagement with the Team In Training program, I hit the road this morning for a 30-mile ride. The weather was a little brisk and the intermittent rain made the ride that much more interesting. Despite a flat on the way home and a dirt-encrusted bike, all in all, a pretty good day. The plan is for an early-morning ride tomorrow, some lunchtime outings during the week and a couple of pre-Super Bowl rides with friends and fellow TNT cyclists next weekend. In the meantime, I am going to start my fundraising efforts in support of TNT, so if you are reading this entry, odds are you'll be getting a little note in the days to come. If you can and would like to contribute, I would greatly appreciate it. Having lost three colleagues and friends to Leukemia over the last three years, I can't think of a better cause.

Syd is doing great. She is in the writer's club at school and has now lost two teeth. There is a father/daughter dance coming up next week. I have been trying to get her excited or at least interested in going, but she says she would prefer to dance with her brother Harrison than with me. So we'll just have to see what happens. More details to come...

For Parents Out There...

2009-01-15T12:25:00.001-08:00

...thought this was an interesting article in the Times...perhaps more so for the reader comments at the end.

"Can Yelling At Your Kids Be Good?"

Randomness...

2009-01-14T20:36:00.000-08:00

...Training started in earnest for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team In Training this morning as I hit the road at 5:00 am in 38-degree weather for the first ride of 2009. I think 13 hours later I am just about thawed...four more days till the Ravens visit the Steelers to decide the AFC Championship...i think it's time once and for all for Baltimore to exact revenge for Willie Stargell's home run and the Pirates come-from-behind win to take the '79 World Series...not that I hold a grudge...interesting to hear Bert Blyleven go off yesterday when his bid for the Hall of Fame fell short...saw an ESPN.com poll in which 40% of respondents believed that neither Clemens nor Bonds belonged in the Hall...come on people...my cyberstalking ways paid off as I tracked down a friend from my Granada days...syd and i made some killer pasta sauce tonight during which she told me that she wants to join Girl Scouts...awesome...in other Syd news, she lost her second tooth, now both bottom front baby teeth are gone...Syd told me on the way home that she asked her classmate Harrison to be her boyfriend...hosted poker last Friday and lost $20 in 7 hours...a couple of questionable calls (pocket 10s vs JJ and pocket 88s vs a flopped full boat) sunk my ship...investigating taking Sydney on a Disney Cruise either over spring break or in the summer...final semester of grad school begins next thursday...three classes plus the culminating project and i am done...still want to get to Chicago but think i will wait till the weather improves a tad...hope the sun comes out for Obama's inaugural...and hope Sara Procacci who is leading the Metro's efforts to accommodate an additional 2.5 million visitors survives...looking forward to a great 2009, miles on the road, new cities visited, old friends reunited, Syd growing up and much much more...

When Is A Playoff Game Not A Playoff Game...

2009-01-11T10:23:00.000-08:00

...Perhaps when it is a promotional vehicle for a new television series. During this morning's Eagles-Giants playoff game, the camera located in the Eagles' end zone panned toward the action that was going on about 80 yards downfield. As the camera swept across the sideline, an incongruous figure was revealed, the stark whiteness of his eyebrow-less face and bald head contrasting with his dark trench coat. His stare focused on the opposite sideline, nowhere near the on-field action. The camera passed and no mention was made of his appearance. A sideline reporter? An injured player? In fact, he is a character from Fox's new sci-fi series, Fringe (hey, what do you know, a commercial for this very show just came on). I think I preferred the original in-your-face cross-promotions where the cast of some quirky, hospital-based comedy would have front-row seats at the World Series and the camera seemed to find them every half inning, with the required recognition and plug by the inane announcers. At least they were honest about what was going on. Then again, when was the last time there was truth in advertising. Back to the game.

Say Cheese

2009-01-10T20:14:00.000-08:00

I took a four-hour photography class this afternoon. Four hours and too much money that I will never get back. Now let it be said that this guy is extremely talented. He took both engagement and wedding photos of a friend of mine. But his talent ends at the camera's lens - a teacher he is not. He was more like Spicoli with an SLR. So after two hours of "things" and "stuff" and "you know what I'm talking abouts" we headed outside to get some hands-on instruction. This was actually a little more informative. Of course, at this point, a 2-by-4 to the head probably would have given him a run for his money. In any event, I did get some good information about shooting in modes other than Auto, how to adjust light exposure, ISO speeds, aperture and f-stop settings. Most importantly, I really learned that I need a better camera with lenses that will enable me to put into practice some of the concepts I learned today. And with Sydney, I have the perfect subject to help me advance my craft.

Ready to Hit the Road...

2009-01-06T19:28:00.000-08:00

...and start training. I took the bike into the shop this afternoon for a semi-regular tune-up as well as some much-needed upgrades. After a new set of chainrings, brake pads, chain and rear cassette, I am ready to start training for June's Team In Training Tahoe ride. Group rides will officially begin on the 31st after the Leukemia and Society's TNT kickoff event next week. Be sure to check back regularly for updates on the training and much more.

In the meantime, if you have any interest (wink wink) in checking out my fundraising page, just click here.

Dropping The Hammer

2009-01-05T18:20:00.000-08:00

Today, I submitted my alumni registration to join Team In Training for 2009. Similar to last year, I will be riding in America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. The 100-mile ride is in early June and training begins on January 31. It will be great to reconnect with teammates from last year as well as get some new training rides under my belt. Importantly, Team In Training raises much-needed monies for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, an especially important cause to me as three friends have passed away over the last four years after battling the disease. I will be sure to post regularly about the rides I enjoy, the people I meet, and the miles I log. So stay tuned as I do my small part to help drop the hammer on Leukemia and Lymphoma in honor of Gary Gazaway, David Holder and Casey Isreal.

Want More Syd Pics...

2009-01-01T10:35:00.001-08:00

...for those of you who don't know, my Facebook page is a great place to see the latest Syd pics. Joining is free and easy. Simply click here and you should be able to check them out - or be guided as to how to join.

Poor Hawaiian Syd

2008-12-29T15:56:00.000-08:00

Funny how things come full circle. On our way to Los Angeles, Syd and I approached the Grapevine, a set of hills demarcating the southern border of the Central Valley. After a short climb, Los Angeles is about an hour away. When Syd saw the hills in front of us, she told me that she doesn't like hills and mountains because she is allergic to them. Ok. We drove on.

So as mentioned in the previous post, Syd had quite the fitful sleep as she woke up at two in the morning with terrible earaches. We made it through the night and in the morning drove to the local clinic, which I had the pleasure of visiting last year. In any event, Syd was a trooper as we spoke with the doctor, who asked us a battery of questions. At one point following her diagnosis, the doctor asked if Syd was allergic to anything, to which Syd replied: "hills and mountains." And the circle was complete. Assuring Syd that she wouldn't be prescribing any of those, the doctor handed us the prescription for some ear drops and we were on our way.

They worked like a charm. As you can tell from the pics, Syd is feeling better for the time being. We just returned from the pool and are relaxing as we listen to the crashing waves outside of our patio.

A Morning Visit

2008-12-29T15:43:00.000-08:00

After a taxing flight from Los Angeles to Kaua'i and a fitful sleep (more about that to come), Syd and I awoke this morning to a beautiful rainbow outside of our patio. And as soon as it had appeared, it disappeared. The weather on the world's wettest island is just that, but the intermittent showers are replaced with gorgeous sunshine. Today, we are catching our breaths before we take in the rest of the island. We've hit the pool and now Syd is drawing the rainbow we spied this morning. Later in the day, we'll hike down to the hard-to-get-to, secluded beach below our condo. It's a treacherous climb, but the reward is well worth it. More pics to come. Aloha.

Syd and Santa

2008-12-26T11:41:00.000-08:00

Well, after four years of sad and resigned expressions, Syd lit up as she entered Santa's workshop, sat on his lap and convinced St. Nick that she had been a good girl in 2008. Hers was so big that the photographer had to ask her not to smile so much, otherwise we could not see her eyes. What a stark contrast to the last few years in which her only wish to Santa was not to be on his lap. The pictures are a little heartbreaking and quite hilarious - in retrospect. So this one gets added to the collection. Brought out to sit on the mantle every Christmastime, I wonder how many more years of Santa sitting we will have...and how embarrassed and angry she will be when I force her to continue the tradition when she is 18.

A Blog After My Own Heart

2008-12-17T18:01:00.001-08:00

A funny blog about the always inappropriate use of quotation marks. Has given me the impetus to start my Typo Tracker.

"enjoy"

The Blog Of Unnecessary Quotation Marks

It's That Time Of The Year

2008-12-16T19:55:00.000-08:00

With the holidays fast approaching, that means one thing: Holiday Performances. Tonight's extravaganza was put on by Sydney's school and featured the two kindergarten classes. All I can say is, next stop, Broadway. Because words can't possibly do her Tony-caliber performance justice, check out the video below.

What Should I Say?

2008-12-13T16:15:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the only way to get back to writing is just to do so. No inspiration required. It seems as if i have been mired in a three-month writer's block, feeling as if i don't have any think to write about. So let's see, what has been going on. My next-to-last semester of business school is one take-home exam away from completion. As I have told many, this is not a particularly rigorous program....a take-home exam? Whatever. I would like to know what my friends who went to Michigan, Duke and other top-notch business schools endured. But it's the only game in town so what are you going to do? I will say that the very fact that I am in the program has had some benefits. I was recently offered a position as a product manager for my company's fixed camera (IP and analog) camera line. What an opportunity....and what an ordeal in deciding whether to accept the position or not. In the end, I graciously turned it down. While being in charge of a $65 million product line was very attractive, when it came down to it, the position was not one that i had any interest in. It did not require a techy background, though having one would not hurt. More importantly is an interest in the latest gizmos and how things work. And in reality, I couldn't care less about those sort of things. So, thanks, but no. Instead, it has given me some leverage in broadening my responsibilities and growth track in my current department, so we'll see where that leads. It certainly has been an interesting experience. And when i was approached a second time by the directors who offered me the position the first time with another possibility, they were very honest and said that I had to do what is best for me, not them, not the company. I really appreciated hearing that. I felt guilty turning them down, wondering if I could assist them with some of their projects just to help them get through a really busy time. But what they said made a lot of sense and was invaluable advice as I chose to pursue a different direction. We'll see how it pays off. Ultimately, I enjoy and am better at writing, communications strategy and the variety of projects that my current role makes available than I would be as a product manager. After a lot of due diligence and speaking with the department VP to better understand if the thoughts I have regarding the direction of the department are a reality, I decided to stay where I am, positioning myself for something better. We'll see. Have I said that we'll see?

But enough about me. Sydney is doing great. She lost her first tooth last week and the tooth fairy made her appearance to Syd's delight. She is getting very excited for Christmas, has done her best to make sure everyone knows what a good girl she has been this year and how such behavior should be rewarded; i think it will be. Looks like the Barbie Diamond Princess Castle may be number one on the wish list and it may just be time to break out a little electronic gaming action. She has played with a friend's and loves it, so that might be a fun way to go. Complemented with the requisite coloring items and books and I think she'll be good to go. My only request is that I can continue the tradition and take her to see Santa. It is not her favorite activity and past experiences have not been very pleasant, but the collection of pictures are priceless. In fact, I will load the ones I have to the Sydney Slide Show to the right. Some of the saddest expressions you will ever see. I brought up the idea last week as we went to go get our tree and, as expected, she was not down with the Claus. Later in the week, that sentiment changed a bit, so we'll see how she's feeling about the possibility on Wednesday. I don't think the experience can be any worse than the time when I took Syd to the mall, sans diaper bag. I figured it wouldn't take that long and would not be a big deal. Mistake. We were about fourth or fifth in line before the North Pole even opened. And we waited and waited. And Syd did great, for a while. And then, we had issues. Still in a diaper, well, I will spare you all the details, but let's just say we had some leakage. I had decided that we would just leave and return later, but now with the line moving, we were so close. And then we were next and Syd was a mess. I took her purple jacket off and wrapped it around her waist as we were led to see the jolly man. I carefully placed Syd on Santa's lap, trying to ignore the odor that we all smelled. I raced behind the camera to coax a smile but to no avail. She was so sad and miserable. Finally I joined the picture, it was snapped and we got out of there. So here's hoping that Wednesday will go a bit more smoothly.

I'm not sure if much else has been going on. Been off the bike too much, but hope to get back to my lunch rides next week. Getting over a cold, otherwise, I would have clipped in this weekend. Perhaps tomorrow. So I guess that is it for now. Perhaps some additional inspiration will find its way into my stocking this holiday season.

Syd Has a Terrible Case...

2008-11-11T16:03:00.001-08:00

...of the Sticker Pox.

...more pics added to the right...and more deep thoughts to come at some point...i know you all wait with bated breath!

As Good As It Gets

2008-10-31T09:55:00.001-07:00

The following comes from my friend Jahan. I think it pretty much sums everything we need to keep in mind...
-----

Yesterday, a friend wrote this very powerful, inspiring plea to her mom in ohio who consistently votes republican but is open to reason. As McCain/Palin ramp up deceptive insinuation and fuel lynch mob furor, connections like these could make the difference in helping swing voters overcome their fear and vote for obama.

Please pass it (or your own version) along.

-----

Mom:

I'm writing to ask you to consider voting for Barack Obama on Tuesday. My reasons for this are as follows:

1. Barack's economic plan is better for you and for America, including a tax cut for you and a commitment to affordable health care. These seem to be the most pressing issues for you personally-and for the rest of our country's vast and struggling middle class.

2. Barack's fiscal plan also does more for education and future economic stability than McCain's. McCain has said that he will enact a spending freeze on social programs. That is bad for students and citizens who need help and protection in these troubled times.

3. Barack is remarkably smart. He is a constitutional scholar and a brilliant economist. Warren Buffet and the CEO of Google endorse his plan, because it makes the most sense for the most people.

4. Barack will get us out of Iraq, not in defeat, but as a matter of practical realism. We spend 10 million dollars a month in Iraq. We need those resources at home.

5. With Joe Biden's guidance, Barack will change the tenor of American foreigh policy. We have lost the respect of leaders and nations worldwide by refusing to engage in meaningful strategic discussions that advance the greater good. We need our allies, and we've lost them. Barack has the best chance of getting them back.

6. Barack will restore our dignity. We need that so much.

7. Barack's environmental policy and plans for renewable energy are reasonable. Under his plan, we have a shot at rebuilding the American auto industry and creating 5 million clean energy jobs. I want one of them. And I want to buy an American hybrid when it's time to buy a new car. That is possible.

Mom, it is likely that McCain would die in office, leaving Palin as the face of the nation worldwide. That would be disastrous. She is not smart. She abused her executive power in Alaska and will do so in the White House. At her rallies, she calls Barack a terrorist and allows her supporters to chant "kill him". She would rape the environment and provide tax breaks to the richest corporate wrongdoers in America. We can't let that happen.

I know you've voiced concern about an assasination attempt. We all worry about that. But allowing that fear to affect your vote is grave error.

We cannot allow fear to keep us from greatness. Fear has fueled the last 8 years. And look where we are. We need real change. McCain is not a maverick. He's a straightforward subscriber to Bush's economic and military policy. Those policies have been an abject failure. We can't afford another 4 years of the same.

Mom, I've met Barack - in a conference room in my office. Just him and about 20 of my friends and colleagues. He is incredibly smart and thoughtful. He knows what he's talking about. There are no talking points. His policies are grounded in conscientious research and fundamental values that I (and you) share: educate our kids, fix the healthcare system, stabilize the financial markets, return America to that shining city on the hill we once were.

Mom, please. Every vote in Ohio is critical. In fact, my friend is flying there tomorrow to canvas and protect the polls in Cleveland. No one will know but you. Please, mom. We can change history on Tuesday. Vote for that change. We need you.

Proposition Hate

2008-10-29T20:42:00.000-07:00

The second most important vote I cast on November 4 will be a resounding "No" on Proposition 8 - a bill that seeks to deny the right of marriage to gays and lesbians. I will dispense with lofty rhetoric and sweeping prose. And I will say that I just don't get it. Not at all. Not one bit. As I drive around Fresno or cycle through the foothills, I am shocked - each and every time - by the "Yes on 8" yellow signs that dot the landscape. Featuring stick-people families, raised hands apparently celebrating the power of family and marriage, my blood boils with each sighting - especially those on the lawns no more than 20 feet across the street from Sydney's school. As I noted to a couple of friends of mine when we saw the signs one day last week, why aren't its proponents just honest and make signs that read "I HATE FAGS AND DYKES and YOU SHOULD TOO!!" Because that is all that this proposition is about. The entire argument is absurd. Proponents say it's necessary in order to protect traditional marriage. Does traditional marriage need protection from outside forces? Granted, my marriage ended directly due to the untoward influence of Ellen and Portia, but mine is a rare case indeed. Conservatives/Republicans, chief supporters of Proposition Hate, hypocritically want to insert their beliefs into individual's lives while professing limited government and intrusion. Perhaps the most disturbing fact is the fact that people I know and work with support this measure. Smart, engaged, caring people are working the phones in its support and putting up the aforementioned lawn signs. Why are they so compelled by the tenets of their religion to support a proposition that only seeks to deny rights to a group of people? And I blame it on their religion for I have found no other way to explain the reason they hold such views. I wonder how they would vote if a proposition sought to deny interracial marriage. Because in my mind, it is the same thing. And this is why I am more than a little disappointed in the positions taken by our national Democratic leaders. Being a gambling man, I would bet most of what I have that Barack Obama among many others, who publicly support civil unions but fail to go so far as to accept gay marriage, indeed believe that a marriage between two men or two women is perfectly fine. I may be wrong but don't think I am. But it is incredibly disappointing that Barack and others will not voice their true feelings and opinions on what I think is a core value issue. Should all people be treated equally and be entitled to the same rights and responsibilities or not. The answer is a basic one in my book and a simple reason why Proposition Hate will not get my vote on Tuesday.

The Audacity of Hope

2008-10-29T20:34:00.000-07:00

In the most moving and powerful thirty minutes I have seen in a LONG time, I am confident more than ever that Barack Obama must be - and will be - our next President of The United States of America. During last night's Obamercial, we saw a man who is in touch with the challenges faced by the overwhelming majority of Americans. But it wasn't just tonight, it has been a consistent message vocalized since Day One. Contrast his message last night in which he identified a number of "common-man" issues yet never once referred to his opponent with his opponent. For the last few weeks, I have heard plans and proposals from Barack. From McCain all I have heard are attacks on those plans and on the man himself. It is getting laughable and ludicrous. God help me if I hear him exclaim that Senator Obama wants to be the Distributor in Chief...I want to be the Commander in Chief. Are you serious? Is that all you got? He allows his campaign to call Barack a socialist for his "spread the wealth" comments without recognizing that he wants to do the same thing, just in the other direction on the income ladder. Whatever. The fact of the matter is that Barack has been nothing but presidential during his campaign, answering inane criticisms and ad hominem attacks when necessary but understanding that his energies are better spent working for change rather than attacking because he has no other recourse.

Four more days to go. I can't say that I type assured as to the outcome but I've got hope.

New Syd Pics...

2008-10-22T08:10:00.001-07:00

...have been loaded to the right and are also available on my Facebook page.

SP on SNL

2008-10-18T10:55:00.000-07:00

Sarah Palin will be on Saturday Night Live this evening. I was just watching an interview with a media analyst, who noted that Sarah Palin comes out the winner by going on this show. So be it. I don't think it means a thing. Interestingly, he said that two of the Tina Fey impersonations of the VP running mate were funny, but the one in which the interview with Katie Couric was the source of fodder was out of bounds. "Using her own words was out of bounds." Is he serious? That was a classic bit. And that this guy says the parody is out of bounds for using her own words...well, that may just be the silliest thing I have ever heard.

check it out here

Musings

2008-10-13T21:25:00.000-07:00

Tahoe with Friends friends was perfect...winning the lottery is harder than it looks...getting back on the bike and riding consistently is harder than winning the lottery...i begged friends not to get excited for a blow up at the VP debate...i believe in jinxes...i have a friend who loves Palin because "she is not a politician"...i enjoy putting an imaginary gun in my mouth and pulling the trigger...i am hooked on Facebook...summer is over...school has begun...Syd is reading Fruit Salad...only one more semester and the M.B.A. will be D.O.N.E...Sydney loves eating at Piazza Del Pane...but she does not like red sauce anywhere near her pasta...Comcast commercials are very clever...Comcast service not so much...the countdown to the Subaru Outback is on...i enjoy following my 401k on a daily basis...is masochist spelled with an "i" or a "y"...had some great tapas in Atlanta at a restaurant called Noche...Bellagio really is the best casino there is...always bet on core numbers...anyone have great core numbers...three weeks till election day...about three weeks too long...it's too bad Tim Russert isn't around to see it...Syd is playing the piano and baseball...and doing great at both...i think a spring trip to Disney (the Florida one) is in the cards...the cards have not been going Carey's way of late...Pixie Kittie loves to bite and scratch...apparently rat poison is not good for cats...i enjoy learning new things every day...i wonder if one can learn old things...i love smart people more than I hate dumb people...the level at which I hate dumb people is off the charts...if you haven't seen Chuck, check it out...Survivor is still number one in my book...i have never laughed harder than when I tried to relay the story of Mike throwing Jay's golf club down a ravine...Cannonball coming...i want some Shamwows...if i don't change the channel, i could easily buy every infomercial product...i'm an MSNBC junkie...i'm hoping my professor will give us election tuesday off...i think i have a cold that will hit in about three weeks...the weather has changed and Fresno is bearable...i am simply amazed at how things are built...i am easily amazed...i think about traveling a lot...Chicago has a certain appeal...when did Jack Bauer start doing voice overs for B of A...my friend can't stand B of A's logo...can't blame her...a Red Sox/Dodgers World Series is not looking too good...how does the Ravens' defense give up 31...when Arizona won with an overtime blocked punt for a TD it was the first time in NFL history...i love sports...does baltimore still have a baseball team...really...i dare you to name it...i'm looking forward to a Pulp Fiction Halloween party...Syd wants to be a kitty and wants to paint my face...what the heck...a lot more to say, but too hungry to go on...

A Brief Rant

2008-10-13T20:54:00.000-07:00

Indulge me, if you will, but I need to get this off my chest: DON'T PLAY BLACKJACK IF YOU DON'T HAVE A MODICUM OF COMMON SENSE. I just got back from my annual trip to Vegas and this is all I ask. After having battled for three days and having done a decent job of it, I went to Mandalay Bay this morning for some blackjack and poker before driving home. Big mistake.

Now don't get me wrong. I am not complaining about losing. If you're gonna complain about losing in Vegas, then you shouldn't be gambling in the first place. After all, those mega-casinos weren't built on the backs of winners. Anyway. What I don't get is how you can sit down, put your money out there and have no idea what to do. Now I play by standard rules and never deviate. Never. If I'm doing well, I'll increase my bets, but my basic strategy never changes. Doing so simply causes self-doubt and what-ifs. So I follow basic rules and I fully support people who disagree with them and make their own decisions...for example, hitting a 12 against a dealer's 2 or 3...I think you can go either way and I will never hold such a decision against a fellow table mate. I don't like playing hunches: "I don't think the dealer has a 10 this time, I'm gonna stay." This line of thinking may pay off on occasion, but in the long run you're gonna get killed.

The bad part about playing unconventional strategy, is the havoc it wreaks on the rest of the table. A few years ago, while playing at MGM, my friends and I were at a table when a fellow player refused to hit 16s against a dealer's 10, which inevitably resulted in the making of 20 and 21s ad nauseam. Such play led to us to say "the telephone is ringing" whenever such a poor decision is made due to the fact that one of our friends said he would smash a telephone over this idiot's head if he failed to take a hit on 16 against a 10...and yes, it was all made in jest...I think.

Anyway, on to today...

It was probably my fault for playing on a Monday morning. The table was running cool but I was treading water. Down 50, up 25, just trying to hold on until a little run came. Unfortunately, that run never appeared as two "players" sat down and made me pull what is left of my hair out of my head. I have never seen a player stand so many times on 13, 14 or 15 against a dealer's 10. I don't think I have to tell you how those decisions paid off. Let's just say, Mandalay Bay ain't going to be feeling this financial crisis anytime soon. The worst decision I have ever witnessed came when a player with an A and a 4 decided not to take a card. Against the dealer's 9. The dealer was so flummoxed she yelled out to the pit boss that the player was staying on 5. Needless to say, I knew my 20 was going down the tubes. The dealer flipped over a 7 and took the 5 for a 21. Thanks guys.

And sure, I could have gone to a different table, which I ultimately did (to no avail), but that's not the point. Or is it? I don't know...at this point, I'm not too sure about many things. Oh well.

Until next year....

I Love Clever Word Play

2008-09-23T22:55:00.001-07:00

1. The roundest knight at king Arthur's round table was Sir Cumference.
He acquired his size from too much pi.

2. I thought I saw an eye doctor on an Alaskan island,
but it turned out to be an optical Aleutian

3. She was only a whisky maker,
but he loved her still.

4. A rubber band pistol was confiscated from algebra class because;
it was a weapon of math disruption.

5. The butcher backed into the meat grinder
and got a little behind in his work.

6. No matter how much you push the envelope,
it'll still be stationery.

7. A dog gave birth to puppies near the road
and was cited for littering.

8. A grenade thrown into a kitchen in France would result in
Linoleum Blownapart.

9. Two silk worms had a race.
They ended up in a tie.

10. Time flies like an arrow.
Fruit flies like a banana.

11. A hole has been found in the nudist camp wall.
The police are looking into it.

12. Atheism is a non-prophet organization.

13. Two hats were hanging on a hat rack in the hallway.
One hat said to the other, 'You stay here, I'll go on a head.'

14. I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger.
Then it hit me.

15. A sign on the lawn at a drug rehab center said: 'Keep off the Grass.'

16. A small boy swallowed some coins and was taken to a hospital.
When his grandmother telephoned to ask how he was,
a nurse said, 'No change yet.'

17. A chicken crossing the road is poultry in motion.

18. It's not that the man did not know how to juggle,
he just didn't have the balls to do it.

19. The short fortune-teller who escaped from prison was
a small medium at large.

20. The man who survived mustard gas and pepper spray is now
a seasoned veteran.

21. A backward poet writes inverse.

22. In democracy it's your vote that counts.
In feudalism it's your count that votes.< BR>

23. When cannibals ate a missionary,
they got a taste of religion.

Remembering David Holder

2008-09-17T22:00:00.000-07:00

Dave Holder's funeral was held this past weekend. Please read the moving words spoken by family and friends. His life is an inspiration and model for each and every one of us.

A Tragic Loss

2008-09-12T21:39:00.000-07:00

With deep sorrow I read this evening that David Holder passed away at the age of 35. For over a year, Dave battled Lymphoma courageously and honorably with his wife, children and friends by his side. A fellow Quaker, Dave graduated from Friends a year after I did. We played JV and Varsity basketball together and his was a spirit that I always admired. All of my condolences, thoughts and wishes are with his family and friends who survive him. Please check out Dave's blog for just a small look into a man who was the epitome of character, humor, family and friendship.

He will be sorely missed and remembered forever.

Simple Pleasures

2008-09-03T14:58:00.001-07:00

This past weekend was certainly that. Syd and I enjoyed some sushi. And though she could not figure out how to say it - "shooshee" - she ate her California roll and teriyaki chicken. We had a little picnic on the living room floor and went to town. She even used the chopsticks - and a better job than her dad...but that's not really saying anything. The next day, we ventured from the air-conditioned house into the very hot backyard where we played some t-ball. In fact, Syd was crushing the ball without the tee. She did a great job. Of course, she only wanted to hit the dark pink ball and asked that the white and light pink one be put away. So they were. Sign-ups for the next t-ball season are in December with practice and games beginning in April She is already excited and looking forward to it.

Following the find of the month - a three-dollar, first-run movie theater, where we watched Space Chimps...not as bad as Scarface, but...we hit a local restaurant and a very nice dinner; one in which Syd not only tried new things but repeatedly used her manners with the waiter and told me what a great dinner and time she had.

Like I said: Simple pleasures.

Say Hello...To An Overrated Movie

2008-08-31T22:58:00.000-07:00

After years of hearing what a great movie Scarface is, after being admonished for never having seen the Pacino-as-Cuban drug-lord saga, I spent four hours trying to figure what the fuss is all about. I may never know. Granted, the movie is 25-years old. Perhaps there had never been a gangster movie like it. I don't know. What I do know is that the dialog was garbled, there was no drama, there was nothing really engrossing at all. In fact, I found myself looking forward to commercial breaks so I could check in on Gustav on The Weather Channel. The good news, I saw it. And I will never have to again.

If You Can't Laugh At Yourself...

2008-08-31T21:58:00.000-07:00

So I came across a couple of pictures of yours truly the other day. Quite possibly - actually I don't think there is a singular doubt - the two worst pictures of all time. The setting is atop the Stratosphere in Las Vegas. There, approximately 800 feet about the Strip and the desert, is The Big Shot: a ride that propels unsuspecting adventure seekers straight up at 45 mph. Reaching 4Gs, the ride is unbelievably powerful and surreal, especially when your arms float and your body wants to follow suit as you hit 0Gs at the apex. If not for the shoulder harness, well, let's not think about that. My friends and I tried it for the first time years ago and during that trip, could not get enough. On a subsequent trip, I tried it again. No more. The anticipation of lift off is overwhelming, as the "engines" rev and then the launch. Never again. But perhaps the worst part is the pictures forever memorializing the ride. The shots are taken post-launch, about 15 feet into the ride. One friend compares the look on my face to that of the Emperor from Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. All I see is sheer terror. The second photo, not any better. Couple that with the fact that I wasn't sporting the very-cool buzz cut I currently do and a few extra pounds on the bod and, well, like I said...not good. But we have to be able to laugh at ourselves, right? We'll see if I live by that mantra when I get to work on Tuesday and decided whether I will scan and post the pics: I'm about 50-50 right now. If I do, mock as you see fit, but only if you have or are planning on taking on The Big Shot in the near future.

A Curious Selection - and Acceptance

2008-08-29T13:51:00.000-07:00

I tend not to post about politics...there are too many people smarter than I to comment on the proceedings, but I will just throw this question out there. And because this blog is read by millions upon millions, I will preface my question by saying I would pose it regardless of the nomination's sex.

What is a parent to a five-month-old, special needs child thinking by accepting the nomination? At the very best (for me and my blue brethren), it's a two-month assignment during which she will be McCain's lapdog 24/7. At the very worst, she is there for four or...gulp...eight years.

Just makes me wonder if ambition to make a name for oneself outside of beauty pageants and mayor to 6,700 has clouded her judgment.

As a colleague at work is wont to say: I'm just sayin'.

Makes Me Smile...Every Time

2008-08-28T12:53:00.001-07:00

An ultra-talented friend and former colleague drew this pic for me a couple of years ago. Just a quick drawing that I have kept on my desk ever since. It brings a smile each and every time I look at it. I love it. Is it the four circular strokes that represent Syd's once-super-curly hair, the wry smile or the shirt -- yeah, that's probably the best part. I think it is also that a "simple" drawing can so beautifully capture the sweetness, beauty and joy of daddy's little girl. I remember my dad once remarked, while watching a movie in which a student played a clarinet piece very poorly, that it takes incredible talent and skill on behalf of that actress/musician to sound that bad. I see similarities here. Not that the picture is bad, but you get my point. Enrico's talent is immense and growing and yet such a simple five-second drawing conveys so much. Check out some of his work at www.limcaco.com

A Great Line from Bill

2008-08-28T08:24:00.001-07:00

"People the world over have always been more impressed by the power of our example than by the example of our power."

And So It Begins...

2008-08-25T20:57:00.000-07:00

...Syd began her school years this morning as she walked into her kindergarten class for the first time. What an exciting day! Syd and I got the festivities started on Thursday as we hit Target for some back-to-school wardrobe enhancements. And it was very cool. Unlike previous shopping excursions in which I picked the clothes that I thought were cute, Syd totally led the charge this time. The one constant, of course, are the mainstay colors: pink and purple. This didn't change, but Spongebob and butterflies gave way to Bratz! and Hannah Montana. We loaded up on some dresses and purple-stripped pants, lots of rainbow and sequined shirts, and of course, the requisite Hello Kitty backpack and Fairy Princess lunch box.

So with her outfits and supplies set, she started this morning very excited to hit her new campus. Her mom and I met her at lunch as she finished her morning Campus Club (daycare) session and walked over to begin the first of 13. She was so exuberant, so happy to see us - and just about the cutest thing you have ever seen. Before entering her classroom, the three of us posed for a picture with the teacher and then off Syd went. A sneak peek revealed Syd immediately taking to a reading circle with five of what I can only assume will be her closest friends to come. A few pictures later and it was time to cut the cord for the third time (birth, preschool, today) and let her begin the best years of her life.

I haven't yet received the wrap up of her first day...i think she is celebrating with some first-day-of-school ice cream, but I cannot wait for al the details. And I will be sure to share.

In the meantime, enjoy the added pictures to the right...

Addendum to "Cut The Fat"

2008-08-20T21:20:00.000-07:00

Speed Walking...Are you kidding me? Seriously? This is what you train for? I am in disbelief. I just turned on the Olympics and my tongue is still on the floor. These women are waddling in an absolute downpour...I'm not saying they look like ducks, but if it walks like a duck...

The Effect of One

2008-08-18T16:18:00.000-07:00

What can a single person do to effect change? Where the optimist would say a great deal, the pessimist sees futility wrapped in realism. Akin to this line of thought, What impact or harm can be done by a solitary individual when only the accumulated power of the group, of the mob, has the power to destroy? I bring this up after watching the almost-straight-to-DVD release of Untraceable. Starring Diane Lane and, um, no one else, the movie follows an Internet-savvy psycho who kidnaps those who have done him wrong – albeit at arm’s length – and puts them in to-be-tortured-and-ultimately-killed scenarios. The catch is, he doesn’t commit the actual killing; he leaves that to his audience. The torture and ensuing death are caused and expedited by the number of visitors to the Web site. Thus, the more hits, the faster the toxins drip, the more heat lamps turn on, etc. The greater the intrigue, the more visitors, the faster the death. Conversely if no one visits the site, the victim lives.

So as sadistic voyeurs, are we accomplices? Would you watch? Just once? I don’t think any of this audience would, but no doubt there is an element out there who would log in to see the progression. There would be the psychopaths who revel in the brutality, but also those who would justify their presence on the site by convincing themselves that their lone voice would not have an impact when it is the actions of millions that cause the events to unfold. See, what I get for a $4.99 rental. Sheesh, I know.

Anyway, not a bad movie. Admittedly, I am an easy-to-please moviegoer and, except for The Jackal, have never really felt like a movie was a waste of my time. In any event, I was intrigued by the concept behind Untraceable and the parallels drawn to real-life situations in which we may refrain from action due to a perceived lack of impact of a single person’s input.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

2008-08-17T10:24:00.000-07:00

If there was any doubt, there shouldn't be: commercials work. Syd and I were coloring and watching TV on Friday night when a commercial featuring Emperor Penguins waddled onto the screen, announcing that the Monterey Bay Aquarium is the place to be. So with that prodding, we rented a car, ordered some tickets and hit the road the next morning. If you haven't been, you really should check it out. Jelly fish and rays, otters and tuna, sharks, seals, fish of all shapes and sizes...and so much more. The aquarium itself sits right on the bay allowing each to work off one another. Waves crash and feed their life-teeming waters into tidal pools and hands-on areas where kids - and adults - can touch and examine life they've previously only seen on Spongebob. At the same time, visitors to the aquarium can don scuba gear and spend time outside of the walls and explore the bay and the animals they've just learned about. Syd and I spent most of our time with the otters and jelly fish, which are presented in luminescent tanks that accentuate these mesmerizing creatures. And of course, we checked out the penguins. After grabbing some pizza, watching the bay and defending our snack from the omnipresent pigeons and blackbirds, we bought Syd a little mermaid doll to remind her of the day and headed home to Fresno.

*** Check out recent Syd pics added to the right!

Olympic Doping

2008-08-15T10:09:00.000-07:00

Performance-Enhancing Drugs are everywhere...the major team sports, the Tour de France and the Olympics. In fact, a North Korean athlete, who won silver and bronze medals in shooting recently failed a drug test for beta-blockers, which are only banned in those sports that require great control...archery, shooting, etc. I guess beta blockers have a calming effect on the fast-twitch muscles...who knows. When I first read the story, I assumed it was some muscle-building drug and could not for the life of me figure out how that could help with the "sport" of shooting. See, we should never jump to conclusions. Horrible of me to accuse the North Korean in such a way. Anyway, aside from getting rid of shooting in the first place (see my post from a day or so ago), perhaps we should have an Olympics just for those on the juice...reminds me of the SNL skit where the steroid-infused Russian weightlifter attempts to set a world record only he runs into a little trouble. Playing the role of color analyst, Kevin Nealon's matter-of-fact, Jim Nantz-like response: "He's pulled his arms off! That's gotta be disappointing to the big Russian!" I would post a link to the video, but SNL won't allow YouTube to have any of its material available...oh well.

Poker Puts A Man To A Decision

2008-08-14T01:15:00.000-07:00

Just finished a Wacky Wednesday Poker Night at the homestead. I have to say, I really love this game. When all was said and done, I had a great night, winning about $190.00. And as great as that is, the real excitement - the true rush - I get is from the actual play, making good calls, lay downs or bluffs. Anyone can win with the nuts, but it's when you're not getting the cards that puts you to the test, forcing you to find a way to win. Tonight, I played well, bought some pots but it is one hand in particular where I couldn't make the call, which cost me a huge night. With a 7-8 of clubs, the flop came 7-7-9, with two spades. I bet seven; there were two callers. A 10 came on the turn. I bet 21 and had one caller. A 5 hit on the river and after betting 40 chips, the last man in the hand went all in. We were about even in chips and the call would have cost me about $140. He didn't hit his flush. Did he hit the straight? Was he bluffing? The key to poker is putting an opponent to a decision. Did I want to risk all the money I had accumulated? Should I even worry about the money? I have been working hard on making good calls. In the past, a big bet would get me to fold. I have gotten better at not being intimidated by a big raise, figuring out if I have the best hand or draw at that particular point and going from there. So, with $140 at stake, what did this guy have? A straight? A higher 7? In addition to which cards he has, the kind of player he is also is a major consideration. Usually a loose player, who will call and bluff off his chips, tonight he was playing very well, very solidly. In past games he had lost. He was up now. Would he risk his winnings on a bluff? This factored into my thinking. I couldn't imagine him putting that all at stake on a bluff. I agonizingly, reluctantly folded. He showed A-10, two pairs. I would have won. But it's more than having the cards. You have to make the call. He played that hand perfectly. Afterwards, he told me that he didn't think I had a 7 and with top pair, thought he was good. In fact, after going all in, he wished to himself that he could take back his bet. I wish I had picked up on his nervousness. But I didn't and in the end, he was raking a big pot his way. So all in all, a great night. I won quite a bit, but being able to make that call would have made my night, not because of the money I would be shoving into my wallet right now but because of the good call that would have preceded doing so. Maybe (hopefully) next time.

The Olympics: Cut The Fat

2008-08-13T15:09:00.000-07:00

Don’t get me wrong, I love the Olympics – the Summer Games anyway. Perhaps I’m simply a minimalist but there are too many competitions being waged over in Beijing. Precursors to today’s modern Games pitted man against man and consisted solely of running. Other events were eventually added, including wrestling and chariot racing, boxing, a number of foot races and even the pentathlon. After a small hiatus of approximately 1,500 years, the Olympics returned and ever since, we have seen sports come and go. In my humble opinion, more need to go.

There are 38 categories of sport in this year’s Olympics. Way too many. So how shall we prune? First, with one or two exceptions, I will get rid of those sports where judging plays a significant role in determining the winner. Second, I think Olympics, I think Athletes. So the sports that make the cut will have some variation on Speed, Strength, Endurance. And lastly, the sports that will survive the Schock cut are ones that I like.

With that said, here we go.

I will keep diving. Yes, it is a judged sport, but it is cool. It takes some serious skills and guts. That being said, say Adios to synchronized diving. I mean, come on. And it especially hits the showers after hearing a color analyst tell the audience last night that it is really important for synchronized divers to train together…really? Groundbreaking commentary, there.

Swimming is cool. Phelps is a God…because he is from Baltimore, and also because he swims well. Side note on swimming. I am not overly enthused by the number of records being broken in the Swimming Cube. Every record seems to be drowning (too much of a stretch?). Yes, the athletes are amazing. I think training regimens, the science of sport and focused dedication have led to their prowess. But the space-age technology woven into the suits, which adds buoyancy, helps. And the deeper pool, with wave-reducing technology also is propelling these men and women through the water at unheard of speeds. Back to the list.

Synchronized swimming. Bye bye. You belong on Broadway or Cirque de Soleil.

Water Polo. Not sure how the horses hold their breath for so long, but it’s a cool sport.

Archery…why not. The great Brad Pitt, err, Achiles was an archer.

Track and Field is the epitome of the Olympic Games. The decathlon crowns the best all-around athlete. And discus and javelin hearken back to the days of Zeus. Keep them all.

Badminton. You can have tennis or badminton. Tennis has a tour, four majors and weekly tournaments. Check it out there. See ya.

Now I am the biggest baseball and, to a lesser extent, basketball fan you will find. Like tennis, these sports have their leagues and their adoring fans. I will keep them with the caveat that only amateurs populate the rosters. Whatever happened to this rule? If the U.S. loses with college players, so be it.

Lace up your gloves, boxing is staying put. Ding Ding.

There are a couple of kayaking events (flatwater and slalom). I will throw these into the same boat as rowing. You can have one and only one in the Schock Olympics. We are going with rowing and all the sub-events that it brings to shore.

If it has two wheels, we call it a bike. This year, contested sports will include BMX; Mountain Biking; Road Cycling; and Track Cycling. I am a big cycling fan, so road bikes are staying put. BMX is gone. Just my elitism poking through. Track Cycling: that’s a toughy. From year’s past, I remember two bikes going around a Velodome at about four miles an hour until the last lap. I’m gonna keep it because this is my list. Mountain Biking. I want to get rid of it. But will keep it. Not happy about it though.

Equestrian. Need you ask? Back to the barn with thee.

Fencing. “My name in Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.” Keep it. My nephew was a fencer. Besides, aside from a Three Musketeers movie, how often do you get to hear “On Guard.”

I’ll throw my friend Jenni Corrigan Politi a bone and keep field hockey. But we’re doing away with the men’s version. Put on the skates and move to the ice rink.

From what I hear, football (soccer) does not have much of an international following. It’s gone. World Cup. Euro Cup. That’s enough, especially for a sport where you can’t use your hands.

Even though it has the word “artistic” in it, I will keep all of the Artistic Gymnastic disciplines. These men and women are sick athletes. I don’t like the judging aspect, especially how long it takes, but how else are you going to crown a victor?

Rhythmic Gymanstics? A one, a two, a one, two, three…bye bye. Jumping around waving a stick with a string on it or spinning on the floor while throwing a ball in the air would not please Zeus.

When I was a kid, I loved to go to my friend’s house that had a trampoline in the backyard. I didn’t consider myself training for the Olympics then and it shouldn’t be in now.

Handball is a great PE sport. But this is the Olympics. No.

Judo and Taekwondo stay, but would prefer just to have one.

The Modern Pentathlon…of course.

One of my favorite lines is from the movie, “What About Bob,” in which Bill Murray, while tied to the mast Odysseus-like says “I’m sailing.” Fun activity. It has its America’s Cup. That’s enough. Hit the trade winds, my friend.

I kept archery because I like it. Shooting should be afforded the same respect. But it is not. Gone.

Softball stays if only for Jennie Finch.

I cannot keep Table Tennis in the games. Amazing hand-eye coordination but I’m just not sold.

Swim. Bike. Run. Triathlon. My friends do it. I respect them. We keep it. A great sport.

Beach volleyball or Indoor Volleyball. As much fun as it is to watch the beach version, it seems too Peter Horton/C. Thomas Howell-starring Side Out-ish. This is a hard one to let go, but gone it is. So the indoor version stays.

And finally Weightlifting and Wrestling. In and in. Who is the strongest? Man vs. Man. The true definition of the Olympics.

And there we have it. A manageable list. One in which I would watch every event. What do you think?

I Wanna Get Back To My City By The Bay

2008-08-11T21:52:00.000-07:00

Headed north this past weekend for a couple of days in San Francisco. What a beautiful city - and such a rejuvenating, invigorating and much-needed getaway. While Fresno has its charm and is ideally located near three wonderful national parks, I'm a big-city guy and thrive off their energy. Before making it into in SF, I stopped in Oakland and had lunch with a friend and former colleague. Immediately after getting off the highway, I was surrounded by that energy I was craving. Parks and foot traffic, restaurants, book stores, antique shops. An Obama rally in a lakeside park, fewer than a hundred feet from an outdoor wedding. After taking in some Mediterranean food (cheese-stuffed filo and humus) and bourbon-flavored vanilla ice cream at a boutique ice cream parlor, it was time to cross the Bay Bridge. I was going to meet a high school friend later in the evening, so I headed toward the Golden Gate Bridge, Mount Tam and the Marin Headlands. It's a destination I visit every time I'm in the city - and one of which I can never get enough. Cyclists were everywhere as I wound my way up to the city overlook. With camera in hand, I checked out Hawk Hill, an army base constructed in 1942 to protect the San Francisco coast in case of an offshore attack. After the turrets had been built and it was time to install the 16-inch cannon with a firing range of 25 miles, the powers that be decided that a Pacific coast assault was unrealistic and the project was abandoned. Today, it makes for spectacular views of the city. After taking shots of the bridge, the city and the coast bathed in setting sunlight, it was time to head back into the city for some sushi and poker. The next day was spent in the bleachers of AT&T Park, where we watched the Giants defeat the rival Dodgers with two unearned runs in the bottom of the ninth. Sunburned knees and arms not withstanding, it was an ideal Sunday. And just like that, it was time to head back home. For the foreseeable future, San Francisco will be a weekend destination, but who knows, we may just be calling it home before too long.

I Hate Typos

2008-08-07T00:10:00.001-07:00

I really do and I see them everywhere. So it especially pains me when I post a comment about the top songs of the '90s with two of the buggers...and I can't do anything to fix them. And trust me, I always want to fix them. Take for example e-mails, or even worse, text messages. Mine have to be perfect, error free. I can see taking such an approach on e-mails. They are a major form of communication and, in my opinion, reflect much about their authors. Perhaps a text message, however, can be cut some slack, but I just can't do it. I have been known on more than one occasion - ok, every occasion - to delete and re-type entire sentences to rid the mistake from my communique. Sure, I may throw caution to the wind and use a lowercase "i" here or ellipses there, but in either case, I can pass such informality off as cummings- or Joycean-like. Certainly that is the closest I will come to their level of wordcraft. All this to say, don't expect to see a message from me that reads: "Where R u? Ur L8." Cringe. And as much as typos and communication shortcuts vex and irritate me now, I worry if in 10, 20, 30 years, today's annoyance will grow into a debilitating condition. I can see it now, walking down the street with red pen in hand, just muttering to myself, making various editor's marks on menus, invitations, flyers and the like. Trust me, I am not too far from that point right now. In fact, I have always thought it would be interesting to amass a collection of error-laden materials and exhibit them in some Soho loft with my red marks and corrections. Of course, I don't know if this says more about the state of today's society or of some sort of not-too-deep-seated narcissism that I manifest; indulge me if I favor the former over the ladder (and yes, it is taking every ounce of energy not to correct that terrible joke). With that I will take my leave. If you have found typos or other errors while reading this post, please feel free to let me know and put me in my place. I don't doubt that there are one or too.

Conversation as Art Form

2008-08-05T15:21:00.000-07:00

I remember speaking with a friend one day and describing a date I had in college, since fondly recalled as The Date of a Thousand Silences. It was rather brutal. Nothing to talk about. At least I had some good fajitas. But in describing this memory-emblazing trauma, she noted that conversation is really an art form, something that should be prepared for. I had never really thought about preparing to talk, especially in a casual setting, but the idea rings true and has merit. Especially in the throat-tightening environment of first dates, business introductions and similar scenarios, having topics to throw out there to avoid the dead-silence periods is not a bad thing. And especially today in our disassociated world of e-mails, text messaging, LOLs, TYs and the like, where the only engagement is between man and machine, perhaps thinking about and even planning what may be said has its place.

VH1's Top 5 Songs of the '90s

2008-07-27T19:57:00.000-07:00

No commentary. Discuss amongst yourselves.

1. Smells Like Teen Spirit :: Nirvana
2. One :: U2
3. I want it that way :: The Backstreet Boys
4. I will always love you :: Whitney Houston
5. Vogue :: Madonna

Beating the odds…but not the game

2008-07-26T16:10:00.000-07:00

Spent my Saturday night with a marathon (for me) poker session at the local casino. Playing 1-1 No Limit Hold Texas Hold’em with a $40 max buy-in, it’s not a game that is going to cost very much money. Play tight, hope for a good run and maybe get up a hundred bucks or so. And that is pretty much how it played out during the seven hours that I occupied the same seat in downtown Fresno – except for the part about being up $100 when I pried myself away from the table at 2:30 in the morning. In the end, seven hours of entertainment cost me $20…not too shabby. But what was remarkable was the ludicrous number of pocket aces that found their way not only to me but to everyone at the table.

The odds of picking up pocket aces, is 220-1 or 0.45%. So I thought I might be in for a profitable evening when I sat down and the first two cards I see are, you guessed it, The Rockets. There’s a saying that pocket aces win small pots and lose big ones. And that’s just about right. I raised to $5, the table folded and I thought about what may have been. Of course, a two-dollar win is better than a 20-dollar loss. The rest of the evening saw rather uneventful cards. I went up. I went down. Meanwhile, players at the table were getting the aces. My friend from work who I went to the casino with got them three times. The guy two his left, three times as well. The woman to my left got them twice and the rest of the table saw them at least four more times.

As I said, 220-1. What is going on here? It got even more ridiculous towards the end of the evening, when I got the aces five times in about 20 hands, and four out of six. The first time, the table folded to a small raise. Typical. The next time, the flop revealed and ace and a jack, followed by a jack on the turn giving me a full house. I slow played as much as I could as the guy at the seat to my right kept betting in to me, only to fold when I re-raised on the river. A couple of hands later and I got the aces again. With flush and straight draws on the board, I pushed all in, enough to cover the remaining players in the hand. I got two callers. The flop was Q910 with two clubs. An 8 came on the turn, a Jack on the river…oh the river, making a straight on the board. The two callers each had a King, giving them a King-high straight and the pot. What did I say about winning small pots and losing big ones? A few hands later and I got them again. And the next hand, the beauties appeared again. And a couple of hands later, there they were – again. Amazingly, no one was able to read the huge, incredulous smile on my face each time I saw the cards. I won all of those hands, but nothing too big.

A few more hands and it was obvious that the cards had cooled and it was time to call it a night – or day. Having been dealt so many aces at one sitting, I guess it will probably be another 1,500 hands before I see them again. But that’s ok. I left the table down 20, which is not too bad for an evening of entertainment and one in which the odds were thrown on their head.

A Humbling Day Back In The Saddle

2008-07-26T15:35:00.001-07:00

After a two-week, self-imposed hiatus from the bike, I hit the road a little after six this morning with a couple of friends for what I had hoped was going to be a 50-mile loop with a decent amount of climb. As one of my friends always chastises me for going out hard from the get-go, I decided to take it very easy...and I did. And then the first climb began. And I wish I had gone even slower - or perhaps backwards in order to avoid it altogether. I had done this climb for the first time as part of the Tollhouse Century. I made it up with little difficulty. But today was different. So much so that when I finally made it to the top after about a half-mile of 14% grades, I laid the bike on the ground and soon followed suit. With another, longer climb, though less steep, to follow, I told my fellow cyclists that I was done and would turn around. I wasn't very happy about quitting on the ride, but I think it was for the best. I made it back to the car in what ended up a strong ride back, but all in all, it certainly showed me how far I have to go. No more two-week or even one-week breaks. Hell, if the Tour de France riders can ride more than a century a day for three weeks straight, I can find time - and energy - to ride three days a week, don't you think?

And speaking of steep climbs and the cyclists who overcome them, check this out:
http://tamingoftheblog.blogspot.com/2005/04/bike-blogging-fargo-st-hill-climb.html

Though I try to avoid clichés…

2008-07-25T14:05:00.000-07:00

…like the plague, I have to say that the one about kids growing up so fast is apropos today. I dropped Syd off at school this morning – her last day before enjoying a couple of weeks off and then starting Kindergarten. New school year. New class. New school. It seems as if it were just a few weeks ago that we walked from our old apartment to her new school. She was nervous and so sad when I left. I made it into work and immediately called. Syd was sitting by herself, looking at a book. I called back a few hours later and she was slowly acclimating herself to her new environment. Since that first day, she has loved going to school, coloring, playing with her friends and all the fun things you do in Pre-K. So today was the mirror opposite of Day 1 as we drove from our new home, she led me to her classroom and her boyfriend, Jack – WHAT! – came immediately over and gave her a big hug. He then asked her if she wanted to play dinosaurs and then proceeded to pinch her on the arm. I thought, “How cute” as I twisted his arm and threatened to break it if he ever touched my daughter again. Weird, I don’t think he found the humor. Oh well. Two weeks and Syd officially begins the school years. Just thirteen to go. I hope they don’t go by too fast.

Ready To Play

2008-07-21T14:13:00.001-07:00

The Lively Librarian (www.livelylibrarian.blogspot.com) recently wrote about one of her pet peeves: guests who show up early to a party. Would have to agree. Especially when it’s a kid’s party and the parents show up, only to stay for the entire event. Perhaps it’s the anti-social in me or the simple fact (and my personal tag line) that I Hate People, but don’t make me entertain you while my kid is playing with yours. What, did I say that out loud? But the corollary to the Lively Librarian’s pet peeve is mine: Don’t Show Up Late For Poker Night. Like Bizarro Bo would have said, “Just don’t do it.” Now I get the fashionably late BS. But this ain’t no social function at which to be seen. This isn’t some A-list fete where coming in late means you must be in so much social demand that your life is one to be oh-so-envied. No, this is eight guys, around a table, trying to take each other’s money. And when you don’t show on time – and when it’s more than one of you – there is no game. And how am I supposed to feed my gambling addiction if there’s no gambling going on (note to IRS: any reference heretofore made regarding gambling is for illustrative purposes only and by no means endorses or supports such activity). In addition to late-shows holding up the game, it also means that those who are there, waiting to play, have to socialize, make small talk. I have noted that I hate people and don’t do small talk, right? So, now that I’ve gotten that off my chest. My home is always open for a game. I am more than happy to free you from the materialistic bonds that is your wallet. Just show up on time and with enough rebuys to make it worth my while.

I'm Going To Japan...

2008-07-18T22:34:00.000-07:00

...well, I really want to and have started talking with an old high school friend about doing just that. Through the wonder that is Facebook, I have been able to reconnect with one former Quaker, who, like me, is an avid cyclist. We are planning on getting together for a ride later this summer...somewhere. But after reconnecting with another former classmate who lives in, and, in fact, is a nationalized citizen of Japan, we thought the ultimate adventure would be to clip in and tour the Land of the Rising Sun. How great would that be? I have no idea what to expect - isn't that, after all, why we travel, why we seek adventure? - but I have the pastoral, untouched beauty of "The Last Samurai" in my head. When is it going to happen? Well, we're shooting for next summer. Wanna join us?

An Uggla Ending Averted

2008-07-15T21:10:00.000-07:00

The bottom of the 10th could have been very Uggla for the National League. Dan Uggla that is. After grounding into an inning-ending double play with the go-ahead run at third, Uggla proceeded to commit two errors, which led to a bases loaded, no-out situation. Somehow, Aaron Cook got out of it. Amazing.

An All-Star Comeback

2008-07-15T18:39:00.000-07:00

The 79th All-Star Game visits the Big Apple tonight as Yankee Stadium plays host to the Mid-Summer Classic for the fourth and final time. Next year, the Bronx Bombers move across the street into the new Yankee Stadium but not before one of the greatest collections of All-Star talent hits the field tonight. With more than 21 first timers playing in the game, there are a lot of great stories but none better than that of Josh Hamilton. A one-time first-round draft pick of the Tampa Bay (Devil) Rays, Hamilton was universally recognized as a talent far surpassing all others, with all the tools to be one of - if not the - greatest players of all time. Unfortunately, his addiction to highballs instead of fastballs derailed his promise. A user and addict, Hamilton appeared to have lost any chance of superstardom until he hit rock bottom, found his way - broke, homeless and hungry - to his grandmother's doorstep and vowed to her to turn his life around. His trek back not only to sobriety but superstardom is a story we unfortunately do not see often enough. After a comeback season with the Reds in 2007, Hamilton showed the natural talent that made him the top pick years before. But after being traded to the Rangers in the off season, his true gifts have come shining through. With 95 RBIs and 21 HRs, Hamilton is eating up the league in only his second year. Throw in last night's record performance in the Home Run Derby, in which he hit 28 bombs in the first round and there could be no better way to bid adieu to The House That Ruth Built than with a talent that just may prove to be his reincarnation.

Let's Go Back to the '80s

2008-07-12T14:07:00.001-07:00

So after getting back on the bike and putting in 75 miles this morning, I find myself on the couch flipping through way-too-many channels. And then I come across one that sucks me in and doesn't look like it will let go. While the Lively Librarian (http://livelylibrarian.blogspot.com) may relive the halcyon days of 90210 through the reality series Tori and Dean, I am going back to the days of The Lost Boys and License to Drive with the two Coreys: Haim and Feldman. And that is exactly the name of their new (?) reality series on A&E. The Two Coreys reunites the '80s superstars as they try to unburn bridges that have torn these two apart (melodramatic enough?). Check out the series or read about it http://www.aetv.com/the-two-coreys.

Seriously...

2008-07-12T13:08:00.001-07:00

....if you are not watching the Tour, you need to. The final ten minutes are some of the most exciting in all of sports. I am not even kidding. The team work is unbelievable. Each member of the team pushing as hard as he can in order to put the best sprinter in position for the final 50 meters and the potential win. Today's stage was won by Mark Cavendish of Team Columbia as he put on a powerhouse of a finish. Throw in the great camera work from videographers perched on motorcycles ahead of the field, the great commentators, and in today's finish, the bad weather, and you need to check it out.

When Is Hot Too Hot...

2008-07-10T18:30:00.000-07:00

...is there a rule, 'cause we are pushing 112 out here in Fresno with not much relief in sight. I left work a little early today. I was drained, tired and had to hit the pool. Refreshing? Perhaps...but it was warm...like bath water. Not horrible. But not what I was hoping for. I guess this is what happens when you throw some irrigation into a desert and set up home. Triple digits into next week and coupled with the horrible air from the too-many wildfires and it is not a good place to be. I think I'll pack up the bike and hit the mountains where the air should be cleaner, the temps lower and life that much better. We'll see.

What Would You Do If...

2008-07-09T17:43:00.000-07:00

So I received an e-mail yesterday with this picture attached. Yep, my friend won $20,000 in a drawing at the local casino in downtown Fresno. I still can't believe it - and couldn't be happier. Just a couple of days before, I asked him what he had planned for the weekend. "Not much. Just have to go down to the casino for a drawing I'm entered in." Thus began, without hyperbole, my favorite question/conversation topics of all time: What would you do if you won the lottery? And it's a conversation I have had since my early years of college, when my friends and I would buy Ohio Powerball tickets, lottery tickets or whatever they had going on at the time. To this day, such thoughts can lead to at least 15 minutes of stress-free mental musings.

I usually break down the dream conversation into two categories: wholly unrealistic and why-are-you-wasting-your-time-this-is-absolutely-ridiculous unrealistic.

The first category is magically receiving $3,000,000 through the lottery or inheritance or something that is wholly unrealistic, but, well, you never know. The second is when your numbers hit and you and nine of your fellow meat processing colleagues hit the Powerball and take home $350,000,000 (but in this case, you are the only meat processor)...

...wow, that is a great number...

...ok, I am back. Went off to fantasy land for a few minutes there.

Now back in back in my Ohio University days, my friends and I generally invested in the tickets when the pot rose upward of $24 million...it wasn't worth our hard-earned money to play the numbers for anything less...um, right. And without fail, the answer to my favorite question of all time was rather straightforward and consistent. We would buy the abandoned Woolworth's on Court Street and turn it into the "coolest bar ever." And that was about as far as our imaginations took us. Over the years, however, I like to think the possibilities have expanded with what to do with the cash...but I'm always open for new ideas.

Ok, first let's get the tax thing out of the way. $3 million has turned into, let's say 1.75 mill. I'm living comfortably. I could quit work and live off the interest...somewhere in the range of $70,000 pre-tax a year but I'm not gonna quit. With that much in the bank, you pretty much have what you need, what you want and are enjoying a very nice life...spur-of-the-moment weekend jaunts to wherever, kid's college tuition taken care of, nice car, house, play money...like I said, living very comfortably.

With $350 million, there's more to think about...and a lot more fun. Ok, so let's assume $200 million after taxes. Obviously, you quit working. But then what? Family and friends would be taken care of. I've argued with a few people about this one...maybe not the family part, but giving my close friends a million each. I don't get why you wouldn't do this. I know exactly who these people are and if somehow it got to 30 people, I think I can live on $170 million just as well as I can 200. But then what? Tickets to every sporting event. Own a golf course. Travel. Houses everywhere. That kind of money and you have generational wealth. Man, I am getting excited. I think I need to play Lotto.

Like I said, it's great to think about. And what I would do with the money seems to change all the time. People always have great ideas that I co-opt, but would gladly pay for if I hit it big.

Of course, it is even better when these dreams come true. That's why I am so happy for my friend. And just to be on the safe side, I have arrangements with at least 15 friends to share in their winnings as they would share in mine. I wonder if it is too late to convince Kevin that we had a similar agreement...it's worth a try, right?

Where Words Go To Thrive

Off to a Strong Start

New Favorite Saying...

Healthcare Reform?

To Come...

The First Day of First Grade...

A Girl Needs Outfits

Change You Can Believe In

Is That Superman...

The Canyon of Kings

All In...and Quickly Out

13,515 Days

Why the Debate?

Quality, Not Quantity

I think I Found My Calling...

Meat, Meat and More Meat

HYPOCRISY - MEKNOWS THEY DOTH PROTEST TOO MUCH

And So It Begins

The Future Is Here

1:36,000

Fresno...

Dirty Eats

Coming Soon...

Bad Idea?

The Peloton in Catalan

What Else...

What Else Is Going On

I've Said It Before...

A Perfect Day...

Anyone Can Right...

Team Ride

More Posts To Come...

Long Time, No See

I Mean Really...

The Rides Continue

The Hills Are Alive...

New Syd Pics...

Corporate Generosity

Tour de Clovis

The Team Rides

Wipeout!

Feeling Lost?

Indigenous Population/Native American Summer in the 'no

Bumper Stickers Beware...

Customer Service...

Put Off By Cast Away

I Spoke Too Soon...

And Away We Go...

For Parents Out There...

Randomness...

When Is A Playoff Game Not A Playoff Game...

Say Cheese

Ready to Hit the Road...

Dropping The Hammer

Want More Syd Pics...

Poor Hawaiian Syd

A Morning Visit

Syd and Santa

A Blog After My Own Heart

It's That Time Of The Year

What Should I Say?

Syd Has a Terrible Case...

As Good As It Gets

Proposition Hate

The Audacity of Hope

New Syd Pics...

SP on SNL

Musings

A Brief Rant

I Love Clever Word Play

Remembering David Holder

A Tragic Loss

Simple Pleasures

Say Hello...To An Overrated Movie

If You Can't Laugh At Yourself...

A Curious Selection - and Acceptance

Makes Me Smile...Every Time

A Great Line from Bill

And So It Begins...

Addendum to "Cut The Fat"