Thursday, April 30, 2009

2009 LYB Minor Twins Game #9


Jack played in his ninth game of the 2009 Laguna Youth Baseball Minor League Season. The Twins played against the Dodgers. The Twins lost to the Dodgers by a score of 8 to 4 in the third game of the season. There were two kids on the other team from the Gunners: Niko and Cooper. Niko pitched the third and fourth innings.

At the plate, Jack was 1 for 1 with a walk. In his first at-bat, he ran the count to 3 and 2 and then walked. The inning ended with him still at first. Jack hit a 2 and 2 pitch very high into deep center for a double off Nikko in his second plate appearance. He stole third, sliding in just ahead of the tag on a ball that rolled away from the catcher. The inning ended with Jack at third.

Jack's double was the only Twins hit of the game!?!

Jack played two innings at shortstop, pitched two innings and played one inning at third base. He pitched the third and fourth innings throwing 32 pitches. Although his two innings at shortstop were uneventful, the inning at third was exciting. With Cooper on third, a grounder was hit to Jack at third base. Jack froze Cooper between third and home, chased him towards home and then threw a strike to the catcher to get Cooper out at the plate. The next batter hit a grounder to short. Tanner fielded the ball and threw the runner out at first. The runner at second belatedly decided to head for third. Ian threw the ball back to Jack who tagged the runner out as he slid into third. As much as the Twins have struggled in the field, it was fun sequence to watch.

The Twins lost the game by a score of 6 to 0. The box score is here. Their record for the season is 3 wins, 5 losses and 1 tie.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Big Tree Huge Country

After her graduation, Morgan's band Big Tree will be doing a west coast tour, including several stops with Drew.

The current tour schedule includes:

Jun 5 2009 8:00P
Monterey Live w/ Andrew Heringer
Monterey, California

Jun 6 2009 8:00P
Steynberg Gallery w/ Andrew Heringer
San Luis Obispo, California

Jun 8 2009 7:00P
UCLA coffee house
Los Angeles, California

Jun 9 2009 7:30P
The Andrews Gallery
Encinitas, California

Jun 10 2009
TBA
Somewhere, California

Jun 11 2009 3:00P
The San Rafael Farmer’s Market
San Rafael, California

Jun 12 2009 8:00P
TBA
Somewhere, California

Jun 13 2009 8:00P
Beatnik Studios w/ Andrew Heringer
Sacramento, California

Jun 14 2009 1:00P
Evelyn St. BLOCK PARTY!
Albany, California

Pony Express River Streamer Antelope

Pony Express
River Steamer Antelope

See this location on Yahoo Maps in Flickr
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This landmark is located Located at the foot of "K" Street, Sacramento, California. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 38° 34.946 W 121° 30.376

A list of Pony Express Waymarks that I have visited can be found here. You can log your visit to this landmark at waymark.com.

 

 

The Pony Express mail was carried by river streamers of the "California Steam Navigation Company" between Sacramento and San Francisco for 19 months from April 3, 1860 to November 20, 1861. The steamers used were the "Antelope", "New World", Eclipse", "Queen City" and "Chrysopolis".

The first eastbound pony express mail arrived her on April 4, 1860. The first westbound mail left here on the "Antelope" April 13, 1860. The river steamers arrived and departed here at the foot of "K" Street.

These steamers left at 2:00 p.m. with the mail for San Francisco every day but did not operate on Sunday. There were 20 pony express trips overland by horseback to San Francisco. This was due to the mail arriving after 2:00 p.m. or on Sunday.


 


Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Video #1 from April 27 Twins versus Giants

I bought a Flip MinoHD. This is a very small camcorder that records HD-quality video (1280 x 720 resolution at 30 frames per second; 16:9 widescreen). I am continuing to experiment with how to use it, edit the videos and post the videos to the web.

This is a short video of the April 27, 2009 Laguna Youth Baseball Minor League Twins versus Giants game. Cole is pitching and Jack is at third. Jack chases a foul ball.

Video #2 from April 27 Twins versus Giants

Another short video from the April 27, 2009 Laguna Youth Baseball Minor League Twins versus Giants game. Cole is pitching and Jack is at third.

Monday, April 27, 2009

2009 LYB Minor Twins Game #8

Jack played in his eighth game of the 2009 Laguna Youth Baseball Minor League Season. The Twins played against the Giants. There was one player from the Gunners (Trevor) on the Giants, plus Kyle who was on the Padres with Jack last year.

Here is a short video of Jack throwing one pitch. The video is available is high definition; click on the HD button in lower right of the player.


At the plate, Jack looked rusty; due to his bruised foot he missed a game and a practice and has not swung a ball in a week. Jack was 0 for 2 with a walk. He walked in his first at bat against Kyle. The inning ended with Jack on second base. In his second plate appearance, Jack popped up to right side against Trevor. Jack struck out in his third at-bat against a hard throwing pitcher.

In the field, Jack played two uneventful innings at third base and pitched two innnings. He pitched the fifth and sixth innings and threw 37 pitches. He played a nice basket catch in front on shortstop on a high pop-up.

This games marks the halfway point of the season. Unfortunately, the Twins continue to make 4 or 5 errors a game.

The Twins lost the game by a score of 11 to 4. Their record for the season is 3 wins, 4 losses and 1 tie.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

2009 PAL Track Meet #3

With Jack still nursing a bruised foot, we held him out of the third Parochial Athletic League (PAL) Track meet of the 2009 season. Jack's rec league baseball team, the Twins, has two tough opponents (Gunners on each team) this week and they are going to need him in the line-up.

The next meet is the PAL JV Championship on Saturday, May 9.

2009 LYB Minor Twins Box Score #6

Strong Pitching and Middle of the Order Key Twins Victory...

Twins pitching holds the Cardinals to two runs after the first inning and Cole Cunningham escapes a bases loaded jam in the sixth to carry the Twins to a 12-5 victory over the Cardinals. J. Herringer, I. Ryan, N. Maidrand, and E. Inouye combine for 8 hits, 8 rbi's, and 8 runs for the Twins. Darius Fleming had 2 hits and scored a run for the Cardinals.

1 2 3 4 5 6 R H E
Cardinals 3 0 0 0 2 0 5 7 3
Twins 4 0 5 3 0 X 12 12 3

TWINS
Player AB R H RBI AVG
CJ Hoffman 1 2 0 0 .000
T. Gill 4 2 1 0 .250
J. Heringer 2 2 2 1 .412
I. Ryan 3 2 2 2 .611
N. Maidrand 3 3 2 3 .467
E. Inouye 2 1 2 2 .500
T. Neff 3 0 2 1 .273
C. Cunningham 2 0 1 1 .167
T. Sanborn 2 0 0 0 .000
N. Roy 2 0 0 0 .231
N. Farnetti 2 0 0 0 .000
26 12 12 10

2B: I. Ryan 1 (5), N. Maidrand 1 (4), E. Inouye 1 (1)
3B: N. Maidrand 1 (1)
HR: None
Runs: N. Maidrand 3 (5), J. Herringer 2 (9), CJ Hoffman 2 (10),
T. Gill 2 (11), I. Ryan 2 (11), E. Inouye 1 (5),
RBI: T. Neff 1 (5), C. Cunningham 1 (3), I. Ryan 2 (9),
J. Heringer 1 (6), E. Inouye 2 (6), N. Maidrand 3 (10),

TWINS
Player IP H R ER HBP BB K ERA
CJ Hoffman (W 1-0) 3 3 3 2 0 3 5 3.51
J. Heringer 2 3 2 2 0 2 5 7.50
C. Cunningham 1 1 0 0 1 1 3 4.00
6 7 5 4 1 6 13

Errors: N. Maidrand 3 (4)

California Historical Landmark #610

Overton Building
California State Historical Landmark #610

See this location on Yahoo Maps in Flickr
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This landmark is located 300 feet northeast of intersection of 2nd and J Streets, Sacramento, California. There are 57 other California State Historical Landmarks in Sacramento County. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 38° 34.970 W 121° 30.180.

You can log your visit to this landmark at waymark.com.

 

This building was constructed in 1852 and was occupied in the 1850s by various state offices and commercial companies.

This is one of four California Historical Landmarks that were destroyed when Interstate 5 was built in Sacramento. The location is now under the freeway.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Gunners Fundraiser & Wine Tasting

Sharon and I went to a fundraiser and wine tasting at Logan's Roadhouse for Jack's Elk Grove Gunners Tournament Baseball Team.

2009 LYB Minor Twins Box Score #5

Twins Bats Awaken in Victory over the A's...

The Twins pounded out 12 hits while their pitching staff held the A's to 4 hits in a 20-7 victory. T. Gill, J. Heringer, and I. Ryan combined for 8 hits, 6 rbi's, and 13 runs for the Twins. I. Ryan was 4-5 with three doubles and a home run. N. Farnetti also scored 3 times for the Twins. J. Kitchell and M. Irish combined for two hits and scored 5 runs for the A's...

1 2 3 4 5 6 R H E
Twins 3 5 6 5 0 1 20 12 6
A's 2 0 1 2 2 0 7 4 4

TWINS
Player AB R H RBI
CJ Hoffman 3 1 0 2
T. Gill 3 4 2 1
J. Heringer 4 4 2 3
I. Ryan 5 5 4 4
E. Inouye 4 1 1 1
N. Maidrand 3 0 2 3
N. Roy 5 0 1 1
T. Sanborn 3 1 0 0
N. Farnetti 1 3 0 0
C. Cunningham 2 1 0 0
33 20 12 15

2B: I. Ryan 3, (4), N. Maidrand 1, (3)
3B: None
HR: I. Ryan 1, (1)
Runs: C. Cunningham 1 (2), J. Heringer 4 (7), CJ Hoffman 1 (8), T. Gill 4 (9),
I. Ryan 5 (9), E. Inouye 1 (4), N. Farnetti 3 (5), T. Sanborn 1 (4),
RBI: I. Ryan 4 (7), CJ Hoffman 2 (2), T. Gill 1 (3), J. Heringer 3 (5),
E. Inouye 1 (4), N. Maidrand 3 (7), N. Roy 1 (3),

TWINS
Player IP H R ER HBP BB K
T. Gill (W 2-1) 3 2 3 1 1 0 3
J. Heringer 1 0 2 1 1 1 0
CJ Hoffman 2 2 2 1 0 0 4
6 4 7 3 2 1 7

California Historical Landmark #601

Western Hotel
California State Historical Landmark #601

See this location on Yahoo Maps in Flickr
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This landmark is located 200 feet northeast of the intersection of 2nd and K Streets, Sacramento, California. There are 57 other California State Historical Landmarks in Sacramento County. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 38° 34.925 W 121° 30.247.

You can log your visit to this landmark at waymark.com.





Constructed by William Land in 1875, the Western Hotel was one of the largest in the West. The structure was erected at cost of $200,000 with 350 nicely furnished rooms and ample accommodations for 500 guests. It was built on sites of earlier hotels of 1853-1854.

The elegantly furnished hotel, but two blocks from railroad depot and steamboat landing, was one of the finest hotels on the west coast, with beautiful frescoed walls and all modern improvements, including lighted throughout with electricity, an elevator and fire hydrant extinguishers and escapes on each floor. In 1880, board and lodging was $1 to $2 per day. Meals were 25 cents.

A coach met all trains and boats to convey passengers and small baggage to and from the hotel free of charge.

This is one of four California Historical Landmarks that were destroyed when Interstate 5 was built in Sacramento. The location is now under the freeway.




Friday, April 24, 2009

Shopping Colleges and Kindergartens Revisited

Today marks six years that I have been writing in this weblog. The first entry titled Shopping Colleges and Kindergartens remains one of my favorites of the almost 4,300 posts that I have written.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

2009 LYB Minor Twins Game #7

The Twins played their seventh game of the 2009 Laguna Youth Baseball Minor League Season against the Braves. The two teams met in the second game of the season and the Twins won by a score of 17 to 5.  

Jack bruised his foot playing soccer at school on Wednesday. He missed last night's baseball practice and sat out tonight's game.

The Twins lost the game by a score of 10 to 7. Their record for the season is 3 wins, 3 losses and 1 tie.

nothing better than a little late night violin recording

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

California Historical Landmark #934

Temporary Dentention Camps for Japanese Americans
Marysville Assembly Center

California State Historical Landmark #934

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This landmark is located south of Broadway one-quarter mile east of Feather River Boulevard, northwest of the Lake Golf and County Club, Arboga, California. There are 6 other California State Historical Landmarks in Yuba County. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 39° 02.835 W 121° 34.300.

You can log your site to this site at waymarking.com!


The Marysville Assembly Center was located at a migrant workers' camp about 8 miles south of Marysville. It was also known as the Arboga Assembly Center after the nearby small community of the same name. Occupied from May 8 to June 29, the assembly center housed a total of 2,465 evacuees (2,451 maximum at a time) from Placer and Sacramento counties. In July, soldiers occupied the center.

Construction was begun March 27 and the center was considered ready for occupancy by April 16. However, the arrival of the evacuees was delayed: late rains had left pools of water and rough roads necessitating further grading and filling. The assembly center had 160 buildings, including 100 barracks, five dining halls, and two infirmary buildings. There were 15 fire hydrants and the military police had their own barracks and headquarters just outside the entrance.

The assembly center site lies south of Broadway one-quarter mile east of Feather River Boulevard, northwest of the Lake Golf and County Club.

The temporary detention camps (also known as 'assembly centers') represent the first phase of the mass incarceration of 97,785 Californians of Japanese ancestry during World War II. Pursuant to Executive Order 9066 signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on February 19, 1942, thirteen makeshift detention facilities were constructed at various California racetracks, fairgrounds, and labor camps. These facilities were intended to confine Japanese Americans until more permanent concentration camps, such as those at Manzanar and Tule Lake in California, could be built in isolated areas of the country. Beginning on March 30, 1942, all native-born Americans and long-time legal residents of Japanese ancestry living in California were ordered to surrender themselves for detention.

Monday, April 20, 2009

2009 LYB Minor Twins Game #6


Jack played in his sixth game of the 2009 Laguna Youth Baseball Minor League Season. The Twins played against the Cardinals. The two teams met in the first game of the season and played to a tie.

At the plate, Jack was 2 for 2 with a sacrifice fly. In his first at-bat with runners on first and second, he looped one into short right. The fielder made a great running shoe top catch; the runner at third tagged and scored. Jack hit the first pitch over the third baseman down the third base line for single in his second plate appearance. In his third at-bat, he drove one into left field.

Jack played four innings at third base and pitched two innings. At third, he only had one ball hit to him. Jack made a nice play ranging to his left and throwing the runner out at first.

Jack pitched the fourth and fifth innings. He threw 51 pitches. Jack looked more comfortable than the inning that he pitched last game.

The Twins won the game by a score of 12 to 5. Their record for the season is 3 wins, 2 losses and 1 tie.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

2009 PAL Track Meet #2



After spending two and a half hours working out with the Gunner tournament baseball team in the morning, we went to the second Parochial Athletic League (PAL) Track meet of the 2009 season.

Jack ran the 400 meter, the 100 meter, the 220 and the 400 relay. He ran the 400 in 1:23, the 100 in 17.5, the 220 in 35.6 seconds and the second leg of the 400 relay. Chad, Jack, Michael and he got a 1:03 in the 400 relay.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

2009 LYB Minor Twins Game #5

Jack played in his fifth game of the 2009 Laguna Youth Baseball Minor League Season. The Twins played against the A's. There was one player on the other team from the Gunners: James. I think that the A's have a second Gunner player (Breyton) who was sick...

This is a video of Jack's second at-bat. Cole comes home on a passed ball about half way through the video. The video is available is high definition; click on the HQ button in lower right of the player after the video starts.


After two difficult games at the plate, I took Jack to the batting cages on Thursday and the Twins had batting practice on Friday. The extra work paid off. Jack ended up three for four at the plate with four runs scored and four RBI's. He was also hit by a pitch.

In his first at-bat, Jack hit the ball through the legs of the shortstop; He ended up coming around to score. Jack hit the ball very hard on the ground to the left side in his second at bat; he ended up coming around to score. In his third plate appearance, he drove one up the middle for his best hit of the day and again came around to score. Jack was hit in the helmet by a pitch from James in his fourth at-bat. He scored from first on a triple by Ian. On a 3 - 2 count against James, Jack pushed one to the right side and was barely out at first.

In the field, Jack played five innings at third and pitched the fourth inning. He had a number of balls hit to him at third base. In the first inning, Jack handled a grounder cleanly but overthrew first base. With a runner on third, he had a slow roller hit down the third base line that he had trouble finding the handle on. With a runners on second and third, Jack cleanly fielded a grounder and then tried to throw the runner out going home; the runner slid under the tag.

Jack had one of his best fielding plays of the season in the fourth; he is mad at me for not getting it on video. One of the A's squared to bunt as the pitcher started his wind-up. Jack was charging all the way. He ended up fielding the ball about four feet in front of home plate on the first base side. Jack got to the ball so quickly that the pitcher never even had a chance to get off the mound. He made a nice throw to get the runner at first.

Jack pitched the fourth inning. He threw 17 pitches, but looked very uncomfortable on the mound. I need to get him back out to work with Scott.

The Twins won the game by a score of 20 to 7. Their record for the season is 2 wins, 2 losses and 1 tie.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Sacramento Kings are historically bad

Before the season started in October, I said:
I am part of a group that shares Kings season tickets. Talking to the other members of the group and a few other people, I don't think people realize how bad the team's record might be this season. It could be historically bad. With a few bad breaks, they could end up with the worst record that they have had since they moved to Sacramento.
With a 11-30 record at Arco this season, the Kings have the worst home winning percentage (.268) in franchise history. The 1959-60 Cincinnati Royals were 9-21 (.300) at home.

With a 17-65 record for the season, the 2008-2009 Kings finish with the fewest wins in franchise history behind the Royals of 1958-59 (19-53) and 1959-60 (19-56).

Kings earn 'F' in season review

2009 LYB Minor Twins Game #4 Box Score

Yankees 10 Run 3rd Inning Sinks Twins...

The Yankees sent 16 men to the plate and scored 10 runs in the 3rd inning to break open a close game with the Twins. M. Shaw, A. Archuleta, and J. DelValle, combined for 4 hits, 8 runs, and 9 RBI's for the Yankees. Denis Vajraca drove in two and Noah Maidrand scored two runs for the Twins.

         
1 2 3 4 5 6 R H E
Yankees 3 3 10 1 X X 17 8 2
Twins 2 3 3 1 X X 9 4 8


TWINS
Player AB R H RBI AVG
CJ Hoffman 1 1 0 0 .000
T. Gill 1 1 0 1 .111
J. Heringer 2 0 0 1 .273
I. Ryan 2 1 0 0 .500
E. Inouye 1 1 1 1 .500
T. Neff 2 0 0 0 .125
N. Maidrand 2 2 1 2 .333
N. Farnetti 1 1 0 0 .000
T. Sanborn 2 1 0 1 .000
N. Roy 2 1 1 2 .333
D. Vajraca 2 0 1 0 .167
18 9 4 8

2B: None
3B: None
HR: None
Runs: CJ Hoffman,1 (7), T. Gill, 1 (5), I. Ryan,1 (4), E. Inouye,1 (3),
N. Maidrand, 2 (2), N. Farnetti, 1 (2), T. Sanborn,1 (3), N. Roy, 1 (3)
RBI: T. Gill, 1 (2), J. Herringer, 1 (2), E. Inouye, 1 (3), N. Maidrand, 2 (4),
N. Roy, 1 (2), D. Vajraca, 2 (3)

TWINS
Player IP H R ER HBP BB K ERA
J. Heringer 2 4 6 5 1 4 1 8.40
I. Ryan 0.33 0 6 5 0 5 1 90.91
CJ Hoffman 1.67 4 5 2 1 1 3 3.46
4 8 17 12 2 10 5

Thursday, April 16, 2009

California Historical Landmark #1003

Site of the Wheatland Hop Riot of 1913
California State Historical Landmark #1003

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This landmark is located at the intersection of South 'A' Street and 6th Street, Wheatland, California. There are 6 other California State Historical Landmarks in Yuba County. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 39° 00.765 W 121° 25.127.

You can log your site to this site at waymarking.com!

 

The Wheatland Hop Riot was one of the most important and well-known events in California labor history. A bloody clash occurred at the Durst Ranch on August 3, 1913, climaxing growing tensions brought about by the difficult conditions farm laborers at the ranch endured. The riot resulted in four deaths and many injuries. It focused public opinion for the first time on the plight of California's agricultural laborers, and resulted in new state legislation to regulate labor camp conditions. A new State Commission on Immigration and Housing was created to help improve working conditions. Beyond that, the Wheatland Hop Riot was the first major farm labor confrontation in California and the harbinger of decades of attempts to organize or control agricultural labor.

 

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Madeleine Peyroux - Instead

The complete list of Starbucks iTunes picks of the week is here!
Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Madeleine Peyroux - Instead

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

2009 Rivercats versus Beavers

With Jack out of school for spring break, Sharon and Jack went to the Sacramento Rivercats versus Portland Beavers AAA baseball game. The game had an 11:35 a.m. first pitch. The Rivercats pitchers were rocked for four home runs and the Rivercats lost the game by a score of 11 to 1.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Skiing at Sugar Bowl

I had a wonderful day skiing at Sugar Bowl with Drew and Jack.




It was an odd day from a weather standpoint. When we first started skiing, it was overcast and a little breezy. By the late morning, the clouds were gone and it was bright and sunny. By 2:00, it started snowing. It snowed harder and harder as the afternoon when on.

Although he fell a lot, Jack did a pretty good job of keeping up with Drew and I. He particularly enjoyed skiing in the terrain park.

At Lunch at Sugar Bowl


At Lunch at Sugar Bowl, originally uploaded by heringermr.

Monday, April 13, 2009

2009 LYB Minor Twins Game #4


Jack played in his fourth game of the 2009 Laguna Youth Baseball Minor League Season. The Twins played against the Yankees. There was one player on the other team that we knew; Mak played on Scott's fall ball team and has played occasionally with the Gunners.

Jack pitched the first two innings. He ended up throwing 60 pitches. The Twins continue to make a number of errors. In the first two innings, they made two or three errors while Jack was pitching. He got very frustrated with himself and his teammates. Six runs ended up scoring in the first two innings. Two Twins pitchers ended up pitching the third inning and giving up 10 runs.

Jack played two other innings at third. He made a nice play on a grounder to the left side. Looking to first, he then got the runner trying to go to third in a run down and tagged the runner out.

For the second game in a row, Jack had a very difficult day at the plate. He struck out on three pitches, walked on four pitches with the bases loaded to drive in a run and struck out on three pitches.

The Twins lost the game by a score of 17 to 9. The teams were only able to play four innings in two hours. Their record for the season is 1 win, 2 losses and 1 tie.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Easter 2009

Up really early, we went to the 6 a.m. mass at Good Shepherd.

We spent the afternoon at the Breuner house. We had Easter Dinner with Sharon's two brothers' families (Tom, Becky, Eric, Tim, Kathy, Erin and Eileen). Janie and Jim also joined us. Sharon made a great leg of lamb.

With the passing of Sharon's mom, this may be the last family gathering held at her parent's house.

Leg of Lamb for Easter Dinner


Leg of Lamb for Easter Dinner, originally uploaded by heringermr.

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Cool Hand Luke

Sharon, Jack and I watched Cool Hand Luke. When Paul Newman died in September, Sharon bought this movie and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

I am not sure that I have ever seen all of Cool Hand Luke before. While I have remember some of the middle scenes, I have no memory of the beginning or the end. While Newman's performance is engaging, I find it an odd movie, particular after reading the Christ Parallel section of the Wikipedia entry...

Friday, April 10, 2009

Quantum of Solace

We have been slowly working our way through the Bond Films in order, but I was interested in seeing the most recent one so we skipped ahead. Released in 2008, this is the 22nd spy film in the James Bond series and the second to star Daniel Craig as the fictional MI6 agent James Bond. The title was chosen from a 1960 short story in Ian Fleming's For Your Eyes Only, though the film does not contain any elements of the original story.

Quantum of Solace is a sequel to Casino Royale. The story picks up minutes after the end of the previous film. In the movie, Bond battles Dominic Greene, a member of the Quantum organization. Posing as an environmentalist, Greene intends to stage a coup d'état in Bolivia to take control of its water supply. Bond seeks revenge for the death of his lover, Vesper Lynd, and is assisted by Camille Montes, a Bolivian Secret Service Agent, who is also seeking revenge for the death of her family.

In addition to Daniel Craig as James Bond, the cast includes Olga Kurylenko as Camille Montes, Mathieu Amalric as Dominic Greene, Judi Dench as M, Gemma Arterton as MI6 Agent Strawberry Fields and Jeffrey Wright as Felix Leiter. This marked the first time the same actor played Leiter twice in a row.

Two random comments about the movie... First, it is almost non-stop stunts and special effects. It has less plot and more action than probably any of the other Bond films. Second, Sharon and I visited Siena in 1996. We were reminded by the scenes shot there early in the movie that we wished we had spent more time there.

Thursday, April 09, 2009

Song for 2008

At the suggestion of Brun and Kim, I started a project more than two years ago called the Soundtrack for My Life.

Morgan is in a band called Big Tree. They released their first album late last year. The band has been playing in the New York City area and toured up the East Coast during spring break.

Big Tree and Drew are going to tour together on the West Coast this summer. They are scheduled to appear together in Monterey on June 5, San Luis Obispo on June 6 and Sacramento on June 13.

As I have said before, with no musical aptitude myself, I am in awe at Drew and Morgan's musical ability.

The song for 2008 is Whale Song by Big Tree.

You can find the work in progress Soundtrack for My Life here!

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - The Boxer Rebellion - Flashing Red Light Means Go

The complete list of Starbucks iTunes picks of the week is here!
Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - The Boxer Rebellion - Flashing Red Light Means Go

Wednesday, April 08, 2009

2009 LYB Minor Twins Game #3 Box Score

Stout Pitching and Key Hits Carry the Dodgers over the Twins

Niko Dugauy strikes out seven in three strong innings and Matthew Baker drills a key two out single for the Dodgers. Ian Ryan goes three for three with two triples and an RBI for the Twins...
Dodgers vs. Twins    
4/6/09 Box Score

1 2 3 4 5 6 R H E
Dodgers 1 0 3 0 2 2 8 11 4
Twins 1 0 0 2 1 0 4 5 6

TWINS
Player AB R H RBI AVG
CJ Hoffman 2 1 0 0 .000
T. Gill 3 0 0 0 .125
J. Heringer 3 0 0 0 .333
I. Ryan 3 1 3 1 .625
T. Neff 3 0 0 1 .167
E. Inouye 1 1 1 0 .400
C. Cunningham 3 0 0 0 .125
N. Maidrand 3 0 1 1 .286
N. Roy 1 0 0 0 .250
T. Sanborn 2 1 0 0 .000
N. Farnetti 1 0 0 0 .000
D. Vajraca 2 0 0 0 .000
27 4 5 3

2B: N. Maidrand,1 (2)

3B: I. Ryan,2 (2)

Runs: CJ Hoffman,1 (6), I. Ryan,1 (3), E. Inouye,1 (2), T. Sanborn,1 (2)

RBI: I. Ryan,1 (3), T. Neff,1 (4),N. Maidrand,1 (2),

TWINS
Player IP H R ER HBP BB K ERA
T. Gill (L 1-1) 2 4 4 3 0 4 3 6.00
CJ Hoffman 3 6 2 0 1 1 3 2.57
J. Heringer 1 1 2 1 1 1 3 6.00
6 11 8 4 2 6 9

2009 LYB Minor Twins Box Score #2

Twins break open a tight game with the Braves.

The Twins scored nine runs in the last two innings to break open a close game with the Braves. CJ Hoffman scored four runs and Jack Heringer added two hits an RBI and scored twice for the Twins. Jay Ponce drove in a run with a single and Fox Tresemer scored twice for the Braves.
Braves vs. Twins                 
3/28/09 Box Score

1 2 3 4 5 6 R H E
Braves 1 1 1 2 0 X 5 3 3
Twins 2 1 5 3 6 X 17 9 2

TWINS
Player AB R H RBI AVG
CJ Hoffman 0 4 0 0 .000
T. Gill 4 2 1 1 .200
J. Heringer 3 2 2 1 .500
I. Ryan 3 1 1 1 .400
C. Cunningham 3 1 1 1 .200
T. Neff 1 1 1 2 .333
E. Inouye 3 1 1 2 .250
D. Vajraca 0 2 0 1 .000
T. Sanborn 1 1 0 0 .000
N. Farnetti 2 1 0 0 .000
N. Maidrand 3 0 1 1 .250
N. Roy 2 1 1 1 .333
25 17 9 11

2B: N. Maidrand (1)

Runs: CJ Hoffman (5), T. Gill (4), J. Heringer (3), I. Ryan (2),
C. Cunningham (1), T. Neff (1), E. Inouye (1), D. Vajraca (2),
T. Sanborn (1), N. Farnetti (1), N. Roy (2)

RBI: T. Gill (1), J. Heringer (1), I. Ryan (2), C. Cunningham (2),
T. Neff (3), E. Inouye (2), D. Vajraca (1), N. Maidrand (1), N. Roy (1)

TWINS
Player IP H R ER HBP BB K ERA
T. Gill (W 1-0) 2 1 2 2 1 3 5 4.00
J. Heringer 2 2 3 1 0 4 4 3.00
CJ Hoffman 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 4.50
5 3 5 3 1 7 11

2009 LYB Minor Twins Box Score #1

Twins and Cardinals battle to a 6-6 tie.

The Twins score four runs in the top of the sixth inning to tie the Cardinals. Ian Ryan doubles in one run and scores one run and Tanner Gill scores two runs for the Twins. Jeremy Perez drives in one run and scores two runs for the Cardinals...


Twins vs. Cardinals
3/28/09 Box Score

1 2 3 4 5 6 R H E
Twins 1 0 0 1 0 4 6 2 3
Cardinals 3 0 0 1 2 0 6 5 0

TWINS
Player AB R H RBI
CJ Hoffman 2 1 0 0
T. Gill 1 2 0 0
J. Heringer 3 1 1 0
I. Ryan 2 1 1 1
C. Cunningham 2 0 0 1
T. Neff 2 0 0 1
E. Inouye 1 0 0 0
D. Vajraca 2 0 0 0
T. Sanborn 2 0 0 0
N. Farnetti 1 0 0 0
N. Maidrand 1 0 0 0
N. Roy 1 1 0 0
20 6 2 3

2B: I. Ryan (1)

TWINS
Player IP H R ER BB HBP K
CJ Hoffman 3 3 3 3 2 0 2
C. Cunningham 2 2 3 2 3 0 3
T. Gill 1 0 0 0 0 0 3
6 5 6 5 5 0 8

Tuesday, April 07, 2009

California Historical Landmark #493

Johnson's Ranch
California State Historical Landmark #493

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This landmark is located in Tomita Park on Front Street between Fourth and Main Streets, Wheatland, California. There are 6 other California State Historical Landmarks in Yuba County. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 39° 00.622 W 121° 25.392.

You can log your site to this site at waymarking.com!


 

The first settlement reached in California by emigrant trains using the Emigrant ('Donner') Trail, this was an original part of the 1844 Don Pablo Gutiérrez land grant. It was sold at auction to William Johnson in 1845, and in 1849 part of the ranch was set aside as a government reserve-Camp Far West. In 1866, the town of Wheatland was laid out on a portion of the grant.

 

Yuba County Landmarks

California State Historical Landmarks in Yuba County
{GPS Coordinates of Site Location}

*NO. 320 Timbuctoo - [map] - {39.229333,-121.38283}
*NO. 321 Smartsville - [map] - {39.207166,-121.2975}
*NO. 493 Johnson's Ranch - [map] - {39.010367,-121.4232}
*NO. 799-3 Overland Emigrant Trail - [map] - {39.039633,-121.385033}
*NO. 889 Bok Kai Temple - [map] - {39.13535,-121.588267}
*NO. 934 Marysville Assembly Center - [map] - {39.047257,-121.571675}
*NO. 1003 Site of the Wheatland Hop Riot of 1913 - [map] - {39.012753,-121.418784}

List of California Counties

Monday, April 06, 2009

2009 LYB Minor Twins Game #3

Jack played in his third game of the 2009 Laguna Youth Baseball Minor League Season. The Twins played against the Dodgers. There were two kids on the other team from the Gunners: Niko and Cooper. Niko pitched the first three innings, while Cooper pitched the last two.

Jack had a very rough day at the plate; he was 0 for 3. Ever since the hit-a-thon on Saturday, he has been trying to kill the ball. In his first at-bat against Niko, Jack hit a ball farther than I have seen him hit one all year, but just foul down the left field line. He ended up stiking out swinging. Jack hit a high pop-up to the right side that Niko caught in his second plate appearance. In his third at-bat against Cooper, Jack struck out looking on a slow curve ball.

In the field, he played the first five innings at third. He made a number of good plays, including tagging out two runners trying to steal third and making a nice catch on a pop-up. Jack had a throw to first that was a little low and the first baseman could not handle. He also got ate up on a hard grounder, but kept it in play.

Jack pitched the sixth inning. He threw 31 pitches and gave up two runs. At this point, he was very discouraged with the way the game was going, but eventually got the side out.

The Twins lost the game by a score of 8 to 4 in six innings. The Twins continue to make a number of key errors that are the difference in the game. Their record for the season is 1 win, 1 loss and 1 tie.

Thursday, the Twins play the Rockies. The Rockies have three players from the Gunners and one other All-Star. Jack is scheduled to pitch the first couple of innings.

Sunday, April 05, 2009

2009 PAL Track Meet #1






We would think that we have enough going on, but Jack decided that he wanted to go out for the school Track team. He has been practicing with the team for several weeks. Today, after spending more than two hours working out with the Gunner tournament baseball team in the morning, we went to the first Parochial Athletic League (PAL) Track meet of the 2009 season. It was a long afternoon.

Jack ran the 100 meter and the 220 and did the long jump. On the long jump, he scratched on his first attempt, jumped 8 feet 6 inches on this second attempt and hit 10 feet on his third and final jump. Jack ran the 100 in 17.13 seconds and the 220 in 35.6 seconds.

Saturday, April 04, 2009

2009 Laguna Youth Baseball Picture Day and Hit-a-thon

Jack and I spent the morning at Morse Park getting the individual and team pictures taken. Afterwards, the boys competed in a hit-a-thon. Each player got five batting practice pitches to try and hit the ball as far as he could. The idea was that each player would get pledges and earn money for the league depending on how far he hit the balls.

Over the last year, Jack had completely remade his swing. He has gone from being a contact hitter a year ago to being capable of hitting the ball as hard as anyone on his team. Jack went first for his team, got a couple of high pitches and ended up getting credit for hitting the ball 180 feet. Several of his teammates got credit for rolling it to the 200 foot fence.

Thursday, April 02, 2009

California Historical Landmark #27

Portolá Expedition Camp
First Camp after the Discovery of San Francisco Bay

California State Historical Landmark #27

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This landmark is 500 feet west of the intersection of Skyline and Hillcrest Boulevards, Millbrae, California. There are 33 other California State Historical Landmarks in San Mateo County. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 37° 35.340 W 122° 24.790.

You can log your site to this site at waymarking.com!

 

On November 4, 1769, the expedition of Captain Gasper de Portola, after crossing Sweeney Ridge, beheld the bay of San Francisco for the first time. That night they camped at a small lagoon, now covered by San Adreas Lake. Finding the bay too large to go around and thinking they had bypassed Monterey Bay, the expedition camped here again on November 12, 1789 on thier return to San Diego.


 

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

Thirteen

In March, I finished reading Thirteen by Richard K. Morgan. Over the last three and a half year, I have read three other of Morgan's books, including Altered Carbon, Broken Angels and Market Forces.

Set in the early 22nd Century, the plot includes a very different world geo-political landscape; the United States is divided into three different countries. Mars is being terraformed and settled. During the late 21st century, genetic engineering created a number of different specialized humans. The main character, a Thirteen, is a genetically engineered solider.

Thirteen started slow, but then pulled me in. About 200 pages into the book, someone asked me about the story and I described it as a detective story set in the future. Then about 350 pages into the 550 page book, the story rolled through and past what I thought was going to be the ending. While it remains in part a detective story, on another level it uses the story to comment on society based on how society reacts to the genetically engineered humans.

I am always looking for interesting ideas in books. At one point in the story, the main character talks about "eleven things that I wanted to do at some point in what was left of my life." Essentially, some larger goals to drive him forward. I like this idea. I have started outlining some overarching goals for my life.

Overall, I give the book a lukewarm recommendation: interesting, but not great. Of Morgan's four books that I have read, I recommend Altered Carbon as the best.

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Diana Krall - The Boy From Ipanema

The complete list of Starbucks iTunes picks of the week is here!
Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Diana Krall - The Boy From Ipanema