Monday, September 30, 2013

A Life of Picasso: The Triumphant Years, 1917-1932

I finished reading A Life of Picasso: The Triumphant Years. The third volume of a planned four volume set, this book covers Picasso's middle years. I read the first volume [The Prodigy] in 2009 and the second volume [The Cubist Rebel] in 2011.

One of the things that spurred me to read the first two volumes was the variety of Picasso's work that I have seen over the years. This book expands upon this theme. I never realized that he spend time designing sets and costumes for ballets. In addition to a dizzying variety of paintings during this period, his work included sculptures, tapestry, lithographs and the patterns for some furniture!

I also surprised by how successful his was. Picasso had a large apartment in Paris, an estate in the country and vacationed in the south of France every summer. He and his first wife Olga [a Russian ballerina] were very much a part of high society. They enjoyed formal dinner parties and all the social niceties attendant to the life of the rich in 1920s Paris.

I had forgotten how much I had struggled with the second volume two years ago. Like that volume, I labored through the first half of this book. I ended up putting the book aside in August and reading something else; this is something that I can't remember doing in the last twenty-five years. Flying to Seattle and back, I got a chance to refocus on the book. The second half was definitely more readable for the causal reader than the first half. The first half of the book was just too involved with all of the machinations of the high society life that Picasso was living.

I don't recommend this book for the causal reader. Nevertheless, I am interested in getting the fourth volume which is supposed to be published next year. I am interested finishing the story of Picasso's life.

Sunday, September 29, 2013

2013 Sacramento Farm-to-Fork Tower Bridge Dinner


Sharon and I went to the 2013 Sacramento Farm-to-Fork Tower Bridge Dinner. Sharon got the tickets through her work. We sat with the Ralph's. After dinner, we ran into Tim and Kathleen. It was a very nice event. Definitely something that we would be interested in doing again in the future!

Saturday, September 28, 2013

2013 Jesuit Homecoming



Jack went to the Jesuit Homecoming with Sammie. The group of five couples met at Pat and Kristi's house for pictures. In one of those odd twists, Kristi was a law clerk for Sharon more than twenty years ago. From there, the group went to Palermo Ristorante Italiano for dinner. While the kids were at dinner, we met Pat and Kristi at Mikuni's.

Julie [David's mom] and Denise [Eric's mom] took the group to the dance. After the dance, the kids went to Denise and Ed's house. They spent some time in the hot tub and then watched a movie. Jack and Andy spent the night. When I picked Jack up the next morning, Ed said that the kids stayed up past 2:30 am!


Jesuit Homecoming

Friday, September 27, 2013

ESPN 30 for 30 Vol II Trailer: The Legend of Eddie Aikau

The ninth film--The Legend of Eddie Aikau--in ESPN's 30 for 30 Volume II premieres Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at 8 pm ET.

California Historical Landmark #339

New Almaden Mine
California State Historical Landmark #339

See this location on Yahoo Maps in Flickr
See this location on Google Maps

This landmark is located on north bound old Highway 101 (Monterey Rd), 1/2 mile south of Ford Road, San Jose, California. There are 42 other California State Historical Landmarks in Santa Clara County. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 37° 14.906 W 121° 47.400.

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

California Historical Landmark #339

The Indians used pigment from this cinnabar hill for paint. Mercury was mined as early as 1845. The gold discovery made mercury indispensable, and the mine, the most productive in America, became world famous. It sold for $1,700,700 in 1864.

California Historical Landmark #339

Thursday, September 26, 2013

ESPN 30 for 30 Shorts: Collision Course

Grantland and ESPN Films have released the thirteenth film in their 30 for 30 documentary short series.

30 for 30 Shorts: Collision Course

The latest film, from acclaimed director Billy Corben, tells the story of fast times, faster boats, and the man in the middle of it all


You can find Collision Course on the ESPN web site at http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=9694677.

More about the film at: http://espn.go.com/30for30/film?page=collisioncourse-the-murder-of-donaronow

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Jesuit Fall Ball Cardinals versus Woodland Wolves


Jack played in his first game for the Jesuit Fall Ball Cardinals. They played against the Woodland Wolves at Woodland High School. The Cardinals have a large roster and the coaches are using different groups against different teams. The team tonight included 3 seniors, 7 juniors and 4 sophomores [Alex and Sam at catcher, Bryce at first base and Jack].

At the plate, Jack was 1 for 3 with a single, a fielder's choice, a stolen base and two runs scored. In his first at-bat, Jack hit a 2 and 1 pitch into left field for a single. He stole second and eventually scored on a pair of singles by the Cardinals. Jack hit a grounder back to the pitcher in his second plate appearance. The runner on first was forced out at second, but Jack was hustling up the line and was safe at first. He went to second on an error on the pitcher's pick off throw and scored all the way from second on a single into left field. In his third at-bat, Jack struck out looking on a series of pitches that were very low and outside. A couple of the boys from both teams got victimized by these kinds of calls as the game got late and it started to get darker...

In the field, Jack played four innings in centerfield and four innings in right field. He had no put-outs or assists.

The Cardinals beat the Wolves by the score of 5 to 2.

The Jesuit Fall Ball schedule is here.

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Gold Creek Trail Run

When I was in Bremerton, Wallen and I ran 5 miles along the Gold Creek trail at Green Mountain. Exporting data from the Runkeeper app on my iPhone, I generated the following views of the run in Google Earth and a map in Google Maps. It was an interesting trail run.



View Larger Map

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Kings of Leon - Temple

The complete list of Starbucks iTunes picks of the week is here!

IMG_4720

Code Expiration: December 17, 2013

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Sheryl Crow - Give It To Me

The complete list of Starbucks iTunes picks of the week is here!

IMG_4719

Code Expiration: December 17, 2013

Monday, September 23, 2013

Jesuit Fall Ball Schedule 2013

Cardinal Baseball '13

DATE              OPPONENT               LOCATION                    TIME

Thur Sept 5       Intrasquad             Jesuit                      3:45
Fri Sept 6        Intrasquad             Jesuit                      3:15

Wed Sept 11       Intrasquad             Jesuit                      3:45
Thur Sept 12      Intrasquad             Jesuit                      3:45

Sat Sept 21       Dublin (DH)            Dublin                      9:30

Wed Sept 25       Woodland               Lee JHS                     5:00
Sat Sept 28       De La Salle (DH)       Jesuit                     10:00

Tue Oct 1         Laguna Creek           Laguna Creek                4:30
Thur Oct 3        Franklin               Cosumnes River College      4:15
Sat Oct 5         Davis (DH)             Davis                      10:00

Wed Oct 9         Grant                  Grant                       4:45
Thur Oct 10       Davis                  Jesuit                      3:30

Wed Oct 16        Grant                  Grant                       4:45
Thur Oct 17       Laguna Creek           Jesuit                      4:30
Sat Oct 19        Del La Salle (DH)      Jesuit                     10:00

Wed Oct 23        Laguna Creek           Laguna Creek                4:30
Thur Oct 24       Laguna Creek           Jesuit                      4:30
Sat Oct 26        Rio Americano (DH)     Rio Americano              10:30

Wed Oct 30        Uniform Return         Equipment Room              3:10

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Jesuit Fall Baseball 2013


After deciding not to go back out for football this year and failing to make the soccer team, Jack spend two weeks working out for Jesuit fall baseball. They posted the team last Thursday. Jack was one of five sophomores to make the team. The other four are either catchers [Alex and a new boy named Sam] or pitchers [Wolger and Cosca]. Cosca was the only freshman to play JV baseball last season.

Unlike a lot of schools, Jesuit does not have a baseball program for incoming freshman. The school encourages freshman to play other fall sports. Additionally, there is not a JV fall ball team. There is just one fall team coached by the varsity coaches. Jack indicated that the roster has 28 boys. Apparently, they are not going to take every player to every game. Jack also indicated that there was 7 or 8 players who were pitchers only.

Jack said that he tried to get #21 [the number he wore for Jesuit last spring], but had to settle for #33. He wore #33 for the Gunners and Outlaws over the last five years.

Saturday, September 21, 2013

2013 Holy Bowl - Jesuit versus Christian Brothers


Jack had two classmates from Jesuit [Andy and Carter] spent the night on Friday. Sharon and I plus the three boys took off for Hughes Stadium a little before 2 pm. At this point, it was raining hard. I parked in the parking garage near an exit and close to where I parked last year. While the boys roamed, Sharon and I tailgated by ourselves next to the car. About 3:30 pm, we wandered over to the Jesuit Tailgate party and had an early dinner. Although it sprinkled off and on over the course of the evening, the rain had pretty much stopped at this point.

From there we headed into the stadium and watched the first half of the JV game. Like last year, we sat with the Chappelles. The game was tied 7 to 7 at half-time. At this point, we wandered back out to the parking lot. We caught up with the Renterias. After visiting with them for a while, we headed back into the stadium to watch the end of the JV game. Walking into the stadium, we ran into the Sanborns. The JV team ended up losing by the score of 14 to 7. Michael Chappelle scored the only touchdown on a long pass.

On the strength of Jesuit's Ben Parietti's Holy Bowl-record 280 yards rushing and four touchdowns, Jesuit beat Christian Brothers by the score of 52 to 28. Coming into the game, Jesuit was ranked 18th and Christian Brothers was ranked 19th in the Sacramento area. Jesuit looked much better running the veer than they did last year.

We made a fairly easy get away after the game and were home a little after 10:30 pm.


2012 Holy Bowl

Friday, September 20, 2013

ESPN Films - Nine for IX - The 99ers

I watched The 99ers twice: once by myself and again with Sharon. This is the eighth film in a new series from ESPN films. Called Nine for IX (as in Title IX), the series includes films about women made by women.

The 99ers looks at the women's soccer team that won the 1999 World Cup at the Rose Bowl. The film uses two different vehicles to advance the story.

First, eight of the women from the team had a reunion at the Rose Bowl. They sit as a group on the field and talk about their experience.

Second, Julie Foudy who was the team captain took home video over the course of the 1999 World Cup run. Foudy also serves as the narrator of the film. The behind the scenes video is mixed into footage of the games and the footage of the women sitting and talking. The blend results in a very effective story.

There is some amazing footage of the games and the massive crowds at the games. The short footage of the finals game in Pasadena is remarkable.

I recommend the film. I previously watched Abby Head On. Wambach belongs to the generation of players that followed the 99ers. Abby Wambach appears in a short segment of The 99ers having lunch with the 1999 team. Although Abby Head On is not as powerful as The 99ers, I will probably try to get Sharon to watch that film with me.

The 99ers is available on iTunes.

Thursday, September 19, 2013

California Historical Landmark #888

I stopped at this waymark on the way to dinner after the IBM Briefing. In an odd twist, Jayne had stayed here the night before the briefing.

Hayes Mansion
California State Historical Landmark #888

See this location on Yahoo Maps in Flickr
See this location on Google Maps

This landmark is located at 200 Edenvale Ave, San Jose, California. There are 42 other California State Historical Landmarks in Santa Clara County. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 37° 15.773 W 121° 49.224.

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

California Historical Landmark #888

Jay Orley and Everis A. Hayes built this Mission Revival style mansion, designed by George W. Page in 1904. The Hayes brothers were early San Jose Mercury publishers, prominent valley politicians, and were actively involved in establishing the Santa Clara Valley fruit industry. The mansion consists of 62 rooms, 11 fireplaces, and was paneled in over a dozen different woods.

California Historical Landmark #888
California Historical Landmark #888

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Virtually Biking Across America - Day 68

Virtually Biking Across America - Day 68


On day 68, I rode 19.2 miles across Nebraska. Starting from the corner of Highway 30 and Haythorn Road, I rode along the Lincoln Highway. I turned off the highway in Gothenburg and stopped at the Gothenburg Pony Express station in Ehmen Park.

The trip log for Virtually Biking Across America is here.

Monday, September 16, 2013

Back from Bremerton 2013

I spent the day winding my back to Sacramento. I drove from Bremerton back to Sea-Tac and caught a very full morning Southwest flight. I was back to work in the afternoon.

I am struggling with the current book that I am reading: the third volume of the life of Picasso. On the flight home, I achieved one of my goals for the weekend. I got to page 400. I now have a chance to finish the book by the end of the month.

Sharon, Jack and I need to make a trip to the Northwest to visit the Wallens and Geselbracht.

Sunday, September 15, 2013

2013 49ers versus Seahawks

Originally, Wallen had talked about running with me in the morning. Begging off with sore legs, I ran by myself for a little less than five miles from their house out to the end of Rocky Point and back. After getting cleaned up, Wallen and I took Jill for a birthday brunch at Anthony's.

Wallen and I caught a 1:45 ferry to Seattle. As we were getting ready to leave, we were talking about taking the cribbage board. Deciding it was too big, I quickly found a cribbage board app for my iPhone. We ended up playing two games on the ferry. I got great cards during the first game. I ended up skunking Wallen by the score of 121 to 73. He was more and more animated over the course of the game. I held on to win the second game by the score of 121 to 115.

We watched the Manning Bowl (Denver/Peyton versus New York Giants/Eli) at Vons. From there we wandered down to the Owl N' Thistle to meet Becky. I still have not had a chance to meet Becky's boyfriend, Tal.

Finally, we wandered to the stadium for the 5:30 pm kick-off. It is a great venue to see a football game. This is the second time that I have been to the stadium. I came up four years ago for a 49er versus Seahawks. For the first year, Wallen has season tickets (section 135, row W, seat 11 and 12). Wallen's business partner, Greg, and his wife, Bev, were there.

It was a very odd disjointed game. Neither team looked effective initially. There was then an hour delay for lightening in the first half. The Seahawks led by the score of 5 to 0 at halftime!


The second half was not much better. There were 22 penalties for 205 yards. The 49ers had 5 turnovers: three interceptions and two fumbles. The Seahawks ended up winning the game by the score of 29 to 3.

Wallen and I caught the 10:30 pm ferry back to Bremerton. I actually fell sound asleep on the boat. We were back to their house about 11:45 pm.

Except for the final score of the game, it was a very nice day. I enjoy Wallen's company a great deal.

Saturday, September 14, 2013

To Bremerton 2013

Celebrating Jill's Birthday

Up early again, it has been a long couple of weeks. I caught a 8 am flight from Sacramento to Seattle. They have moved the rental car facility off site since the last time I flew into Seattle/Tacoma. After a short ride to the rental car facility, I walked to my Hertz Gold rental and headed towards the Wallens. I have not been in the Northwest to visit them in four years. When Wallen and Jill were down for Hunter's birthday, he and I started talking about me coming up to see the Seahawks and 49ers football game and that got me motivated. I rolled up to the Wallens about 11:30 am.

I asked to Wallen to wait for me to get there to go for a run. We drove west up towards Green Mountain and ran 5 miles on the Gold Creek Trail. It is a nice wooded trail through a variety of terrain. Google Earth views of the run and a Google Map are here.

Back at the house, we got cleaned up and headed to the Boat Shed. We watched the Alabama versus Texas A&M football game and enjoyed a couple of adult beverages. Alabama beat Texas A&M and Johnny Manzel by the score of 49 to 42.

Wallen organized a barbecue for Jill's birthday on Saturday night. The group included Nate and Sam, Jill's parents and Jim and Joy Paige. When Wallen and I were planning the trip, I didn't realize that this was Jill's birthday weekend. I probably should have.

The low cloud cover burned off. It was gorgeous evening. Everyone sat on the dock in Phinney Bay and soaked up the sun. John barbecued some steak for dinner. Whipped from the last couple of weeks, I crashed hard a little after 10 pm...

Friday, September 13, 2013

Virtually Biking Across America - Day 67

Virtually Biking Across America - Day 67

On day 67, I rode 19.8 miles east across Nebraska. Leaving Buffalo Bill's Ranch, I followed North Buffalo Bill Avenue to Highway 30. Riding through North Platte, I traveled along the Lincoln Highway and stopped at the corner of Highway 30 and Haythorn Road.

This was another fast downhill ride. I averaged 21.21 miles per hour.

The trip log for Virtually Biking Across America is here.

Thursday, September 12, 2013

IBM Executive Briefing

I spent a long, long day traveling to an IBM Executive Briefing in San Jose and back. Up about 4:30 am, I left the house at 5:30 am. Although slow at several points, I got to the IBM Silicon Valley Lab about 8:30 am. We spent the day getting an overview on IBM's wintel server and cloud strategies.

Afterwards, we had an early group dinner at Scott's in downtown San Jose. Even at 7:00 pm, I had to fight my way through traffic to get out of San Jose. By the time, I got home it was 9:45 pm.

When I attend these types of vendor briefings, I try to find one nugget of information that I can incorporate into my thinking. The thing that struck me most about the day was how hard they were selling against Cisco UCS.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Waikiki Historic Trail Marker #5

Duke Paoa Kahanamoku
Waikiki Historic Trail Marker #5

See this location on Yahoo Maps in Flickr
See this location on Google Maps

This site is located at 2413 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 21° 16.540 W 157° 49.520. There are twenty other markers on the Waikiki Historic Trail.

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



Duke Paoa Kahanamoku

August 24, 1890 – January 22, 1968

Raised in Waikiki, Duke was a full-blooded Hawaiian, who symbolized Hawaii to millions of people. He developed into an Olympic champion and the world’s fastest swimmer. Between 1912 and
1932 he won three gold medals, two silver and a bronze in four Olympics. He is known as the 

“Father of International Surfing.”

Duke introduced surfing to the Eastern Seaboard of America, Europe and Australia. He became a hero when he saved eight lives from a capsized launch at Corona Del Mar, California in 1925 using his surfboard. A movie actor from 1925-1933, he was elected sheriff of Honolulu for thirteen consecutive terms from 1934-1960. He has been recognized as Hawaii’s Ambassador of Aloha since 1962.

“He has honored his name, he has honored his race, he has honored his state, he has honored us all.”

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Dinner with Noel

Sharon and I had dinner with Noel at Pearl on the River. Sharon and Noel had duck, while I had scallops. Noel brought a bottle of Chasseur Pinot Noir.

Starbucks Pick of the Week - Yoga Studio

The complete list of Starbucks iTunes picks of the week is here!
Starbucks

Code Expiration: December 3, 2013

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Gregory Porter - Hey Laura

The complete list of Starbucks iTunes picks of the week is here!
Starbucks

Code Expiration: December 3, 2013

Monday, September 09, 2013

Future Stars

Jack, Sharon and I spent two hours at Future Stars with Scott Hamilton. Future Stars is a college counseling center designed to guide families through the college admissions process. I believe that the company was recommended by Holly, Sharon's old job sharing partner. Scott will be working with Jack over the next two years. The first half of the session was spent walking through the admission criteria for different colleges. Scott spent the second hour working with Jack on an action plan.

Sunday, September 08, 2013

Dinner at the Gainsleys

Sharon and I had dinner at the Gainsleys. They served a great dinner of snapper and vegetables cooked on the grill plus rice. We spent part of the evening talking about the upcoming trip to New York City. The Gainsleys are going to join us there in October. We finished the evening looking at pictures from their recent road trip, including some amazing pictures of Bryce, Capitol Reef and Glacier National Parks.

Saturday, September 07, 2013

2013 Outlaws Baseball Tournament #3 Day #1

Outlaws Baseball versus South County Baseball

For the only the third time this year, Jack played with the Outlaws: Tournament #1, Day #1 and Day #2, and; Tournament #2, Day #2. The Outlaws played in the Super Series West All In Tournament in the 16u division. They played the first game against South County Baseball.

Batting fourth, Jack was 0 for 2. In the first at-bat, Jack ran the count to 1 and 2, fouled off two pitches and then struck out swinging on a high pitch. Jack hit a 2 and 2 pitch for a soft line drive down the first base line in his second plate appearance. The first baseman was just able to make a leaping catch for the out.

In the field, Jack played five innings in centerfield. He had two put-outs.

The Outlaws gave up 6 runs in the top of the first and never got back into the game. Committing four errors and failing to get even one hit, the Outlaws lost the game by the score of 12 to 0. It was pretty ugly...

Unfortunately, it appears that Jack strained his groin in the last at-bat. We ended up shutting him down for the day and probably the weekend. Hopefully, Jack will be healthy enough for fall ball practices next week. It appears to be similar to the injury that he suffered in June, but on the other leg.

Friday, September 06, 2013

Virtually Biking Across America - Day 66


On day 66, I rode 17.5 miles east across Nebraska. Starting in Sutherland at the corner of Highway 30 and Park Street, I rode straight on Highway 30 to Scouts Rest Ranch Road. I traveled about a mile along Scouts Rest Ranch Road and stopped at Buffalo Bill's Ranch.

Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park, also known as Scout's Rest Ranch, is a living history state park located west of North Platte, Nebraska. The property includes a home owned by Buffalo Bill, as well as many other historical exhibits.

This was another fast downhill ride. I averaged 20.9 miles per hour.

The trip log for Virtually Biking Across America is here.

Thursday, September 05, 2013

2013 Jesuit Fall Baseball

After not making the soccer team, Jack went out for Jesuit fall baseball. There are about 45 sophomores, juniors and seniors out for the squad. At this point, Jack believes that there is only going to be one fall ball team. He thinks that there will be cuts, but that the squad is going to be larger than a normal spring roster. There are inter-squad games for the next two days.

Jack will playing in a Super Series tournament with the Outlaws this weekend at Mather. It will be the first time that he has had a chance to play with Trevor since fall of 2012. Additionally, we have made a commitment to the Walbeck Academy for the next year. Jack will be playing three tournaments with Walbeck Elite this fall: one in September, one in October and one in November. In all likelihood, Jack will play with the Walbeck college prep team again next summer.

Tuesday, September 03, 2013

California Historical Landmark #1000

Site of Invention of the First Commercially
Practicable Integrated Circuit

California State Historical Landmark #1000

See this location on Yahoo Maps in Flickr
See this location on Google Maps

This landmark is located at 844 East Charleston Road, Palo Alto, California. There are 42 other California State Historical Landmarks in Santa Clara County. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 37° 25.314 W 122° 06.202.

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

California Historical Landmark #1000


At this site in 1959, Dr. Robert Noyce of Fairchild Semiconductor Corporation invented the first integrated circuit that could be produced commercially. Based on 'planar' technology, an earlier Fairchild breakthrough, Noyce's invention consisted of a complete electronic circuit inside a small silicon chip. His innovation helped revolutionize 'Silicon Valley's' semicondutor electronics industry, and brought profound change to the lives of people everywhere.

IMG_3766

Monday, September 02, 2013

ESPN Films - Nine for IX - Swoopes

Sharon, Jack and I watched Swoopes. This is the fifth film in a new series from ESPN films. Called Nine for IX (as in Title IX), the series includes films about women made by women.

Swoopes looks at the life and remarkable basketball career of Sheryl Swoopes. She won a national championship with Texas Tech, three Olympic gold medals, three WNBA MVP awards and four consecutive championships with the Houston Comets of the WNBA. She was the first player to be signed in the WNBA when it was created. Swoopes even had a Nike shoe named after her, the Air Swoopes.

Swoopes personal life has a number of interesting twists and turns. She was married from June 1995 to 1999 to her high school sweetheart and had a son in 1997 just before the start of her first WNBA season. Swoopes later came out as gay and was involved with an assistant coach for the Comets. In the documentary, she was now involved with a male nightclub owner.

Unfortunately, her story also has some echos of the Broke 30 for 30 film. Swoopes indicated that she had earned over $50 million in her career, but is now broke.

When the film finished, Sharon said "that was interesting." I don't follow the WNBA. I frankly didn't realize the breath of Cheryl Swoopes accomplishments.

Swoopes is available on iTunes.

Sunday, September 01, 2013

Monty Python and the Holy Grail



With Sharon in Napa for the day with Janie, Kathy and Leslie, Jack and I watched Monty Python and the Holy Grail on Saturday night.

Released in 1975, I saw the film for the first time almost forty years ago on campus at UC Davis. I would guess that I saw it sometime in late 1976.

I am not sure that I have actually watched it all the way through beginning to end since then...