Sharon went over and had lunch with Liz and spent the afternoon.
Friday, December 31, 2004
State of Fear
I finished reading Crichton's State of Fear. I am not really sure what to think of the book. It is part thriller and part political statement. The book questions the science behind global warming and includes a number of charts in the text and footnotes to scientific research.
As a thriller, I feel like too many things happen to the protagonist in too short period of time for the story to be believable. Much like Dan Brown's Deception Point, there are just too many outlandish plot twists.
As a political statement, it was more interesting. My emphasis in college was statistics; I got interested in computers using them to build econometric models. It is my experience that you can use statistics to argue almost any side of an issue. Along these lines, the following statement by Crichton in the author's message rings true to me:
As a thriller, I feel like too many things happen to the protagonist in too short period of time for the story to be believable. Much like Dan Brown's Deception Point, there are just too many outlandish plot twists.
As a political statement, it was more interesting. My emphasis in college was statistics; I got interested in computers using them to build econometric models. It is my experience that you can use statistics to argue almost any side of an issue. Along these lines, the following statement by Crichton in the author's message rings true to me:
"We know astonishingly little about every aspect of the environment, from its past history, to its present state, to how ot conserve and protect it. In every debate, all sides overstate the extent of the existing knowledge and its degree of uncertainity."
Thursday, December 30, 2004
BitTorrent
Wired 13.01: The BitTorrent Effect: "Analysts at CacheLogic, an Internet-traffic analysis firm in Cambridge, England, report that BitTorrent traffic accounts for more than one-third of all data sent across the Internet. "
"BitTorrent does not require the wires or airwaves that the cable and network giants have spent billions constructing and buying. And it pounds the final nail into the coffin of must-see, appointment television. BitTorrent transforms the Internet into the world's largest TiVo. "
"BitTorrent does not require the wires or airwaves that the cable and network giants have spent billions constructing and buying. And it pounds the final nail into the coffin of must-see, appointment television. BitTorrent transforms the Internet into the world's largest TiVo. "
Disaster Relief
I made a donation to the American Red Cross for disaster relief at this Amazon.com page.
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
North Shore Day 3
We never seem to be able to get up and going very early when we are on vacation. Well, almost never... By the time, we got up, got packed and were checked out of the hotel, there was not enough time to stop and have breakfast before getting Jack to his skiing lesson. We ended up dashing into a supermarket in Tahoe City and getting Starbuck's coffee and bagels for breakfast.
Jack took a private ski lesson for almost an hour and a half at Granlibakken. This was his first time on skis. Jack had complained about the idea of skiing for days, but once he got going he did great. One of my goals for the trip was to get Jack into a lesson; I was very pleased to have gotten it done.
By the time, we got back to the car, it was about 1:30 p.m. and we started for home. We stopped and got a couple of fast food burgers in Truckee and then joined the long line of cars trying to get on the freeway. The chain control was right at the base of the grade leaving Truckee going west. Once we got on the freeway, the traffic crawled up the grade. It snowed pretty heavy all the way to Applegate. It ended up taking us about 5 hours to get home with two short stops.
Jack took a private ski lesson for almost an hour and a half at Granlibakken. This was his first time on skis. Jack had complained about the idea of skiing for days, but once he got going he did great. One of my goals for the trip was to get Jack into a lesson; I was very pleased to have gotten it done.
By the time, we got back to the car, it was about 1:30 p.m. and we started for home. We stopped and got a couple of fast food burgers in Truckee and then joined the long line of cars trying to get on the freeway. The chain control was right at the base of the grade leaving Truckee going west. Once we got on the freeway, the traffic crawled up the grade. It snowed pretty heavy all the way to Applegate. It ended up taking us about 5 hours to get home with two short stops.
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
North Shore Day 2
Sharon spent some time logged on and answering e-mails using the PCMCIA cellular card in her laptop and then on the phone with a client, while Jack and I read our books. The plan for the day was to get Jack into a ski lesson. By the time, we had breakfast and got to Diamond Peak all of the group and private lessons were sold out for the next two days.
One of the problems with going to Tahoe during the week between Christmas and New Year's is that there are a lot of people everywhere! We may decide next year to try and take this trip at a different time.
We did some shopping and then had lunch at the Cafe Echo. This restaurant was next door to where we stayed last year. We both had fish tacos and the food was excellent again.
Afterwards, we ended to Granlibakken and spent a couple of hours sledding. As we left, I made a reservation for Jack to have a private ski lesson the following day.
Years ago (1997?) at a Western Farm Credit Legal Conference, Sharon and I had dinner at the Crystal Bay Steak and Lobster House. She had been very impressed with the food. We had dinner there on Tuesday night. The food was again up to Sharon's standards!
One of the problems with going to Tahoe during the week between Christmas and New Year's is that there are a lot of people everywhere! We may decide next year to try and take this trip at a different time.
We did some shopping and then had lunch at the Cafe Echo. This restaurant was next door to where we stayed last year. We both had fish tacos and the food was excellent again.
Afterwards, we ended to Granlibakken and spent a couple of hours sledding. As we left, I made a reservation for Jack to have a private ski lesson the following day.
Years ago (1997?) at a Western Farm Credit Legal Conference, Sharon and I had dinner at the Crystal Bay Steak and Lobster House. She had been very impressed with the food. We had dinner there on Tuesday night. The food was again up to Sharon's standards!
Monday, December 27, 2004
North Shore Day 1
We had a lazy morning and got a late start, not leaving the house until 12 noon.
It was an easy drive up through Truckee. We stopped at Squaw Creek Resort. I had mentioned to Sharon that Morgan, Drew and I had ice skated there ten years ago. This was probably a tactical error on my part. It is a very nice hotel; Sharon liked it a lot. We will probably look for an opportunity to stay there at some point. We ice skated for about an hour and a half.
Our hotel reservation was at the Cal Neva Resort [not as nice as the Squaw Creek Resort :-)], just over the Nevada border on the way to Incline Village. After checking in and getting settled, We headed out for dinner.
The place that Sharon wanted to go was closed on Monday nights. After stopping one other place that was booked, We ended up at Jason's Beachside Grille in Kings Beach. After a hour wait in the bar during which time we fed Jack, neither of us were very hungry and ended up having burgers.
It was an easy drive up through Truckee. We stopped at Squaw Creek Resort. I had mentioned to Sharon that Morgan, Drew and I had ice skated there ten years ago. This was probably a tactical error on my part. It is a very nice hotel; Sharon liked it a lot. We will probably look for an opportunity to stay there at some point. We ice skated for about an hour and a half.
Our hotel reservation was at the Cal Neva Resort [not as nice as the Squaw Creek Resort :-)], just over the Nevada border on the way to Incline Village. After checking in and getting settled, We headed out for dinner.
The place that Sharon wanted to go was closed on Monday nights. After stopping one other place that was booked, We ended up at Jason's Beachside Grille in Kings Beach. After a hour wait in the bar during which time we fed Jack, neither of us were very hungry and ended up having burgers.
Sunday, December 26, 2004
Kings versus Warriors
Sharon, Tim, Jack and I went to the Kings versus Golden State Warriors game. The Warriors made the Kings look old and slow winning 98 to 94. The Kings had 2 wins and 3 losses on their recent homestand.
Saturday, December 25, 2004
Christmas Day 2004
We had a great Christmas morning. Jack is at the perfect age for the holiday.
One of the things that Santa brought Jack was an ESPN Game Station [21 electronic, arcade-style games featuring baseball, basketball, football, hockey, golf and soccer]. After opening the presents and having breakfast, Jack and I dragged the box up to the bonus room to put it together.
I got a little bit of a shock when we sat down with the manual. The assembly instructions included 87 steps and the suggested assembly time was 2 1/2 to 5 hours! Three hours later, it was up and running. Sharon and I had talked about trying to put it together Christmas Eve after got back from her brother's; I am sure glad that I did not try to start then.
Given that we went out to dinner for Thanksgiving, Sharon decided to cook a turkey dinner for Christmas. After dinner, the three of us watched Elf.
One of the things that Santa brought Jack was an ESPN Game Station [21 electronic, arcade-style games featuring baseball, basketball, football, hockey, golf and soccer]. After opening the presents and having breakfast, Jack and I dragged the box up to the bonus room to put it together.
I got a little bit of a shock when we sat down with the manual. The assembly instructions included 87 steps and the suggested assembly time was 2 1/2 to 5 hours! Three hours later, it was up and running. Sharon and I had talked about trying to put it together Christmas Eve after got back from her brother's; I am sure glad that I did not try to start then.
Given that we went out to dinner for Thanksgiving, Sharon decided to cook a turkey dinner for Christmas. After dinner, the three of us watched Elf.
Friday, December 24, 2004
Christmas Eve 2004
We went to Christmas Eve Mass at Good Shepherd. Afterwards, we headed to Sharon's brother Tom's house. The group included Sharon's parent, her brothers Tom and Tim and their families, Jim Dunn and Sharon, Jack and I. We had a nice dinner and exchanged presents afterwards.
Thursday, December 23, 2004
Christmas Letter
Dear Family and Friends,
2004 has been an exciting and varied year for us!
Sharon spent the first three months of the year working as in-house counsel for Tower Records on a temporary assignment. She had a great time; while we were fixing dinner one night, Sharon noted with glee that "I get to call Peter Frampton's attorney tomorrow."
In spite of their father’s complete lack of musical ability, Drew and Morgan continue to shine artistically. Drew got cast in a musical theater review of Steven Sondheim songs that was lead by the director of the UCI musical theater program. Morgan continues to excel at the piano and play in the high school jazz band.
In March, Mark traveled to Arizona for baseball spring training and a side trip to Sedona.
Jack played his second season of baseball. After playing T-ball in 2003, he played in the Rookie Division of the Elk Grove Cal Ripen League this year. Next year, he is looking forward to moving up to Single A.
In May, Mark flew with friends to Cabo San Lucas to celebrate Connor’s impending marriage. He landed a 7 ½ foot striped Marlin in the Gulf of Mexico!
Sharon had a wonderful time serving as the Art Docent for the afternoon kindergarten class at Jack’s school. She is looking forward to doing it again in the next school year.
Mark finished up his sixth year at Sutter Health. It has been an exhilarating and rewarding place to work. Sutter Health’s IT Department was rated 44th overall and 4th in healthcare in the 2004 Information Week Top 500 Innovators rankings!
In July, we traveled to the northwest for the Wallen’s 25th Wedding Anniversary. It was a great party in a gorgeous setting at the Wallen’s home on Puget Sound.
August was a very busy month! We took our seventeenth annual trip to Almanor with the Tomasins, Wallens, Hunters and Chabriers.
Afterwards, Sharon, Jack and Mark spent fifteen days dodging hurricanes and covering 1,500 miles in 15 days in Florida. Highlights of the trip include: DisneyWorld; snorkeling with manatees in Homosama; watching the sunset on the gulf of Mexico in Naples; an airboat ride in the everglades; snorkeling in the coral reef off of Key Largo; South Beach; Key West and; the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables.
Drew returned to the University of California at Irvine for his sophomore year as a theater major, Morgan started her senior year of high school at Union Mine and Jack started first grade at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School.
In the fall, Jack played his first season of soccer. He had a great season and scored 14 goals in eight games.
Sharon finished the year expanding her business to include processing of Small Business Administration loans.
Wishing you a happy new year,
Mark and Sharon Heringer
2004 has been an exciting and varied year for us!
Sharon spent the first three months of the year working as in-house counsel for Tower Records on a temporary assignment. She had a great time; while we were fixing dinner one night, Sharon noted with glee that "I get to call Peter Frampton's attorney tomorrow."
In spite of their father’s complete lack of musical ability, Drew and Morgan continue to shine artistically. Drew got cast in a musical theater review of Steven Sondheim songs that was lead by the director of the UCI musical theater program. Morgan continues to excel at the piano and play in the high school jazz band.
In March, Mark traveled to Arizona for baseball spring training and a side trip to Sedona.
Jack played his second season of baseball. After playing T-ball in 2003, he played in the Rookie Division of the Elk Grove Cal Ripen League this year. Next year, he is looking forward to moving up to Single A.
In May, Mark flew with friends to Cabo San Lucas to celebrate Connor’s impending marriage. He landed a 7 ½ foot striped Marlin in the Gulf of Mexico!
Sharon had a wonderful time serving as the Art Docent for the afternoon kindergarten class at Jack’s school. She is looking forward to doing it again in the next school year.
Mark finished up his sixth year at Sutter Health. It has been an exhilarating and rewarding place to work. Sutter Health’s IT Department was rated 44th overall and 4th in healthcare in the 2004 Information Week Top 500 Innovators rankings!
In July, we traveled to the northwest for the Wallen’s 25th Wedding Anniversary. It was a great party in a gorgeous setting at the Wallen’s home on Puget Sound.
August was a very busy month! We took our seventeenth annual trip to Almanor with the Tomasins, Wallens, Hunters and Chabriers.
Afterwards, Sharon, Jack and Mark spent fifteen days dodging hurricanes and covering 1,500 miles in 15 days in Florida. Highlights of the trip include: DisneyWorld; snorkeling with manatees in Homosama; watching the sunset on the gulf of Mexico in Naples; an airboat ride in the everglades; snorkeling in the coral reef off of Key Largo; South Beach; Key West and; the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables.
Drew returned to the University of California at Irvine for his sophomore year as a theater major, Morgan started her senior year of high school at Union Mine and Jack started first grade at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School.
In the fall, Jack played his first season of soccer. He had a great season and scored 14 goals in eight games.
Sharon finished the year expanding her business to include processing of Small Business Administration loans.
Wishing you a happy new year,
Mark and Sharon Heringer
Kings versus Heat
Sharon, Jack, Joe Larkin and I went to the see the Sacramento Kings play the Miami Heat. Larkin and I sat in one of the suites during the first half, while Sharon and Jack sat in our season ticket seats. During the second half, all of us camped in the suite. Donna Gainsley and her friend Laurel wandered over to visit at half time. The Kings sizzled at the end to lose the game by a score of 109 to 107. I am increasingly impressed with Dwayne Wade.
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
wrist surgery
Jackson needs wrist surgery - Kings - sacbee.com: "Jackson needs wrist surgery; The Kings energetic guard and sparkplug off the bench is expected to miss three months."
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Telemarketing Calls from India
Before the implementation of the National Do Not Call Registry, we might have gotten three or four telemarketing calls some nights. These completely disappeared under the new program.
We are now starting to get telemarketing calls from India. The first one surprised me and I hung up on them. Starting with the second one, I begun asking them what country they are calling from; all of the calls are coming from India. The most recent call was for Discover card.
I am concerned that this is a loophole in the law. I sent e-mails to Boxer, Feinstien and Ose complaining about getting telemarketing calls from India and asking if this was legal under the current law.
Is anyone else getting telemarketing calls from India?
We are now starting to get telemarketing calls from India. The first one surprised me and I hung up on them. Starting with the second one, I begun asking them what country they are calling from; all of the calls are coming from India. The most recent call was for Discover card.
I am concerned that this is a loophole in the law. I sent e-mails to Boxer, Feinstien and Ose complaining about getting telemarketing calls from India and asking if this was legal under the current law.
Is anyone else getting telemarketing calls from India?
Patience
Some things require patience.
Armstrong, Lance. Every Second Counts. New York: Broadway Books, 2004. page 231
Armstrong, Lance. Every Second Counts. New York: Broadway Books, 2004. page 231
Monday, December 20, 2004
Back from Holland
One of Sharon's closest friends, Liz Deuso, has lived in Holland for the better part of the last 17 years. In the last week, she has moved back to Sacramento. Sharon and Liz met for dinner at Monterey Bay Canners Restaurant & Oyster Bar. Sharon commented on how dead the restaurant was [there was one other person in the bar] and how bad the food was.
New Harry Potter Book
During 2004, I have read all five of the Harry Potter books. The sixth novel in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, will go on sale in Britain and the United States on July 16.
Sunday, December 19, 2004
Yet another Xmas Party
With the house decorated for Christmas, we decided at the last minute to put together a small Christmas party. We invited the Wongs, the Bells and the Gainsleys.
The Wongs have a boy the same age as Jack. The two of them had a great time playing basketball, hockey, football and video games.
The Wongs have a boy the same age as Jack. The two of them had a great time playing basketball, hockey, football and video games.
Saturday, December 18, 2004
More Christmas Parties!
Saturday night, we went to Andrea Turner's Christmas Party. Andrea is Jack's godmother. Jeana and Larry Hultquist were at the party. We also ran into Rose Campbell and Carla DeNijis; they worked at the Western Farm Credit Bank during the 1990's. We had a great time and stayed later than we originally intended given that we had Jack with us.
Friday, December 17, 2004
Christmas Parties!
Sharon went to the Christmas lunch for the Sacramento office of the US AgBank FCB at Il Fornaio. The lunch included Dave Parker, Dan Mattos, Randy Pattani, Roger Lown, Jeana Hultquist and Sharon Vestal. The US AgBank was created by a merger of the Farm Credit Bank of Wichita and Western Farm Credit Bank. Sharon worked for the Western Farm Credit Bank from late 1988 through early 2002. She continues to do some contract work for US AgBank.
Afterwards she went to a Christmas party at T0wer Records. Although it tailed off for awhile, Sharon has been doing more work for them lately.
Afterwards she went to a Christmas party at T0wer Records. Although it tailed off for awhile, Sharon has been doing more work for them lately.
Thursday, December 16, 2004
2004 SEAS Christmas Program
We attended the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School Christmas Program. Jack's class sang Do You See What I See!
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
Long Day
Long day... I drove 2 1/2 hours down to the bay area, participated in a six hour meeting, drove 2 1/2 hours home and then took Jack to a Cub Scout Pack Meeting.
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
More Itunes
Over the last couple of nights, I installed Itunes on both of Sharon and my laptops. The HP Media Center PC in the den has about 1,600 songs in Itunes. Using Itunes capabilities, it is possible to access this library from either laptop when connected to the home network. The laptop can play these songs on the speakers attached to the laptop or select the speakers connected to the Airport Express and play music on those speakers.
Last night, I was sitting at the island in the kitchen working a Christmas letter on my laptop, connected wireless to the home network, selecting songs off the computer in the den and playing the music on the speakers attached to the Airport Express in the kitchen.
Last night, I was sitting at the island in the kitchen working a Christmas letter on my laptop, connected wireless to the home network, selecting songs off the computer in the den and playing the music on the speakers attached to the Airport Express in the kitchen.
Monday, December 13, 2004
Drew
Drew finished up his fall quarter at UC Irvine and drove back to Northern California.
On Sunday, Drew went on a casting call for extras for the next two Pirates of the Caribean Movies. He said that they had advertised in Harley Davidson magazine for pirate looking men with long hair. As a result, there were some very interesting looking characters in line (e.g. long hair, missing teeth, ...).
On Sunday, Drew went on a casting call for extras for the next two Pirates of the Caribean Movies. He said that they had advertised in Harley Davidson magazine for pirate looking men with long hair. As a result, there were some very interesting looking characters in line (e.g. long hair, missing teeth, ...).
Great Lunchtime Run
I had a great run at lunchtime. I covered 6.30 miles in 52 minutes and 5 seconds; this is an average pace of 8:16. The splits were: 8:30; 8:20; 8:11; 7:58; 7:53; 8:40, and; 8:36 (0.30). These are chasing Wallen times. This is a personal best over this training course.
Sunday, December 12, 2004
Santa
Jack and I went to Mass, while Sharon shopped, then cooked and took food to her parents.
One of Jack's classmates had a Christmas party in the afternoon. The party featured an appearance by Santa.
One of Jack's classmates had a Christmas party in the afternoon. The party featured an appearance by Santa.
Saturday, December 11, 2004
Pavilions 2004
Sharon insisted that we needed to go to Arden Fair Shopping Mall so she could return something. My idea of a good time does not include going to the mall on a Saturday before Christmas.
Afterwards, Sharon, Jack and I went to the Pavilions Shopping Center on Fair Oaks for the afternoon. Santa makes an appearance and they have complimentary carriage rides. This is the third year in a row we have spent an afternoon at Pavilions during the Christmas season.
After taking a carriage ride and wandering through a few shops, we had an appetizer at Piatti's and then went to dinner at Bandera.
Afterwards, Sharon, Jack and I went to the Pavilions Shopping Center on Fair Oaks for the afternoon. Santa makes an appearance and they have complimentary carriage rides. This is the third year in a row we have spent an afternoon at Pavilions during the Christmas season.
After taking a carriage ride and wandering through a few shops, we had an appetizer at Piatti's and then went to dinner at Bandera.
Friday, December 10, 2004
2004 Holiday Lunch
Christine Vaca planned a team holiday lunch for the business system team this afternoon at the Claim Jumpers restaurant in Roseville.
Managed by Donna Gainsley, this team includes about 60 plus people working on implementing and supporting Lawson, Kronos and a couple of smaller applications; more than fifty people made it to the lunch.
Managed by Donna Gainsley, this team includes about 60 plus people working on implementing and supporting Lawson, Kronos and a couple of smaller applications; more than fifty people made it to the lunch.
Thursday, December 09, 2004
Lake Trinity--August 1, 1985
When we were at the Wallen's in July for their 25th wedding anniversary, I saw this picture in a montage on the wall. I asked Jill to scan it and send me a copy.
It was taken August 1, 1985 at Lake Trinity. Drew was eight months old and the group was celebrating Robbie Hunter's first birthday. Right to Left in the picture, it is Tomasin, Nooter, Wallen, Dave Hare and me. Dave Hare died of brain cancer in February of 1992.
It was taken August 1, 1985 at Lake Trinity. Drew was eight months old and the group was celebrating Robbie Hunter's first birthday. Right to Left in the picture, it is Tomasin, Nooter, Wallen, Dave Hare and me. Dave Hare died of brain cancer in February of 1992.
click on the picture for a larger copy!
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
NBA Power Rankings
ESPN ranks the Kings as the fifth best team in the NBA in this week's Power Rankings behind the Spurs, Timberwolves, Suns and Sonics.
Running on the treadmill, I watched the Sonics run out to a 20 point lead on the Spurs and hold on to the win on NBA League Pass on DIRECTV.
Running on the treadmill, I watched the Sonics run out to a 20 point lead on the Spurs and hold on to the win on NBA League Pass on DIRECTV.
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Sharon took off Tuesday night for El Retiro San Inigo, the Jesuit Retreat House of Los Altos. She is going to spend the day at a retreat titled "O Come, O Come Emmanuel - The O Antiphons."
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
Kings versus Bobcats
Larkin and I went to the Kings versus Charlotte Bobcats game. The Kings won by a score of 109 to 92. We ran into a number of Sutter IT people at the game, including Lew Gasper and John Muncaster.
Last year, we saw got to see LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony play at Arco Arena. Tonight, we got to see Emeka Okafor play. He is probably the early favorite for Rookie of the Year. I was dissappointed not to have a chance to see Gerald Wallace play.
Last year, we saw got to see LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony play at Arco Arena. Tonight, we got to see Emeka Okafor play. He is probably the early favorite for Rookie of the Year. I was dissappointed not to have a chance to see Gerald Wallace play.
Monday, December 06, 2004
Beard
From late 1991 until the middle of 1999, I wore a full beard. Twice in the last six months (during the Florida trip and over Thanksgiving), I started to grow the beard back out again.
An odd thing happened. As my facial hair has gotten grayer over the last five years, it has done so in a pattern. As my beard grew out, there was a distinct stripe on one side: dark above the stripe and grey below. It almost looked like the beard had been dyed that way. I did not like the effect and went back to just a goatee.
An odd thing happened. As my facial hair has gotten grayer over the last five years, it has done so in a pattern. As my beard grew out, there was a distinct stripe on one side: dark above the stripe and grey below. It almost looked like the beard had been dyed that way. I did not like the effect and went back to just a goatee.
Sunday, December 05, 2004
More HDTV plus Kings
Jack and I watched part of the Sunday night football game between Pittsburg and Jacksonville and then switched to the Kings game. I continue to be amazed at the picture quality of ESPN's HD football telecasts. I have watched parts of games on CBS and FOX in HD, but quality and clarity of the Sunday night ESPN and Monday night ABC games seems much higher.
We watched the Kings roar back from a 20 point deficit to beat the Celtics on Comcast SportsNet West. With 11:37 left in the second quarter, the Kings trailed by 20. With 4:01 left in the fourth, they led by 26 (112-86).
We watched the Kings roar back from a 20 point deficit to beat the Celtics on Comcast SportsNet West. With 11:37 left in the second quarter, the Kings trailed by 20. With 4:01 left in the fourth, they led by 26 (112-86).
Second Sunday of Advent
Sharon, Jack and I went to Mass at Good Shepherd and Sharon served as eucharistic minister.
Gerald Wallace
Larkin and I have tickets to Tuesday's game against the Bobcats. I was looking forward to seeing Gerald Wallace play. Unfortunately, he ran into an elbow during practice. Wallace suffered a concussion and will miss at least three games, including what would have been his Arco return Tuesday against the Kings. Wallace has been starting at forward for Charlotte, averaging 11.6 points and 5.9 rebounds.
Saturday, December 04, 2004
More fun with my Explorer
In July, I had the transfer case replaced in the Explorer. Over the last two weeks, the front-end has started to make more and more noise. I took the car in on Friday to have the noise diagnosed. It turns out that the wheel bearings on both of the front wheels are failing. I had to have the bearings and the supporting housings replaced. We picked it up this morning.
The Explorer has almost 148,000 miles on it. I was thinking that I would try to get two more years out of it, but now I am starting to rethink that strategy. In particular, if the automatic transmission fails (something that they expressed concern about when they replaced the transfer case), I am not sure that I am willing to make that investment.
The Explorer has almost 148,000 miles on it. I was thinking that I would try to get two more years out of it, but now I am starting to rethink that strategy. In particular, if the automatic transmission fails (something that they expressed concern about when they replaced the transfer case), I am not sure that I am willing to make that investment.
Friday, December 03, 2004
Kings versus Indiana
Well, we missed the Gainsley's Christmas Party for the third year in a row... We just can not seem to get our act together!
Sharon and Tim went to the Sacramento Kings versus Indiana Pacers game. The Kings spanked the depleted Pacers by a score of 113 to 87.
Sharon and Tim went to the Sacramento Kings versus Indiana Pacers game. The Kings spanked the depleted Pacers by a score of 113 to 87.
Thursday, December 02, 2004
Christmas Tree 2004
We went back to the Cal Expo lot for a Christmas Tree again this year. For at least the last four years, we have bought a flocked tree and the Cal Expo lot has a huge selection of pre-flocked trees.
Afterwards, we went to the Cheesecake Factory restaurant for dinner. I have eaten at this restaurant chain one other time in Las Vegas. Both times, the service was very poor.
Afterwards, we went to the Cheesecake Factory restaurant for dinner. I have eaten at this restaurant chain one other time in Las Vegas. Both times, the service was very poor.
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
ITIL Foundations Day Three
I spent the first half of the day in the last day of the ITIL Foundation for Service Management Class. The class concluded with an hour test given by a separate proctor.
It is a somewhat odd test. There are a number of questions that ask you which answer is the most correct. Additionally, you have to pay close attention to qualifiers like always and maybe. To complicate things even further, the methodology and the exams were originally designed in England. As a result, there are some odd words and phrases.
I did three practice tests last night and never felt good about any of them. Nevertheless, I got a passing score on each of the practice tests, missing only about half of the maximum number of questions that you could miss and still pass the certification exam.
I think I passed the exam, but there were enough curve balls on the exam (things that were not really explicitly in the class) that I left the test with a certain amount of uneasiness.
It is a somewhat odd test. There are a number of questions that ask you which answer is the most correct. Additionally, you have to pay close attention to qualifiers like always and maybe. To complicate things even further, the methodology and the exams were originally designed in England. As a result, there are some odd words and phrases.
I did three practice tests last night and never felt good about any of them. Nevertheless, I got a passing score on each of the practice tests, missing only about half of the maximum number of questions that you could miss and still pass the certification exam.
I think I passed the exam, but there were enough curve balls on the exam (things that were not really explicitly in the class) that I left the test with a certain amount of uneasiness.
Kings Record
With the win over Memphis, the Kings have 9 wins and 5 losses (0.643) as of November 30; they have played 7 home and 7 road games.
At the end of November 2003, the team had 12 wins and 4 losses (0.750) with 10 home and 6 road games.
At the end of November 2002, the team had 13 wins and 5 losses (0.722) with 8 home and 10 road games.
At the end of November 2001, the team had 13 wins and 4 losses (0.765) with 7 home and 10 road games.
At the end of November 2000, the team had 10 wins and 4 losses (0.714) with 7 home and 7 road games.
At the end of November 1999, the team had 10 wins and 2 losses (0.833) with 7 home and 5 road games.
At the end of November 2003, the team had 12 wins and 4 losses (0.750) with 10 home and 6 road games.
At the end of November 2002, the team had 13 wins and 5 losses (0.722) with 8 home and 10 road games.
At the end of November 2001, the team had 13 wins and 4 losses (0.765) with 7 home and 10 road games.
At the end of November 2000, the team had 10 wins and 4 losses (0.714) with 7 home and 7 road games.
At the end of November 1999, the team had 10 wins and 2 losses (0.833) with 7 home and 5 road games.
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
ITIL Foundations Day Two
I spent Tuesdsay in the second day of a two and half day training class. We brought a trainer in house to give a ITIL Foundation for Service Management Class. Over the second day, we covered sections on Change Management, Release Management, Capacity Management, Financial Management, Availability Management, Service Level Management and IT Service Continuity Management.
Monday, November 29, 2004
Art Docent
Sharon spent the afternoon serving as the Art Docent for Jack's first grade class. She covered two lessons. The first lesson covered the use of shapes in art. She reviewed lives of three artists: Wassily Kandinsky; Paul Klee; and Salvador Dali. The featured work for each artist included Kandinsky's Lines of Marks, Klee's Viaducts and Dali's Peristence of Memory [shown below].
Sharon pointed out to the class that She and Jack had been to the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Peterburg which boasts the most comprehensive collection of Dali's work in the world.
The second lesson plan was titled "Artists Paint Gatherings." It focused on pictures of people gathering and learning the difference between warm and cool colors. The lesson talked briefly about Eugene Louis Boudin, Camille Pissarro and Berthe Morisot. It highlighted a painting by each Artist: Fair in Brittany by Boudin; Village Market by Pissarro [shown below] and Skating in the Park by Morisot. As part of the lesson, the kids colored pictures of Pilgrims and Indians at the first Thanksgiving gathering using only their warm color crayons.
Sharon pointed out to the class that She and Jack had been to the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Peterburg which boasts the most comprehensive collection of Dali's work in the world.
The second lesson plan was titled "Artists Paint Gatherings." It focused on pictures of people gathering and learning the difference between warm and cool colors. The lesson talked briefly about Eugene Louis Boudin, Camille Pissarro and Berthe Morisot. It highlighted a painting by each Artist: Fair in Brittany by Boudin; Village Market by Pissarro [shown below] and Skating in the Park by Morisot. As part of the lesson, the kids colored pictures of Pilgrims and Indians at the first Thanksgiving gathering using only their warm color crayons.
ITIL Foundations Day 0ne
I spent all day in the first day of a two and half day training class. Yvonne and I and our managers are taking the ITIL Foundation for Service Management Class. Over the first day, we covered sections on the Service Desk, Incident Management, Problem Management and part of Configuration Management. Homework for the class included an hour of reading.
Sunday, November 28, 2004
More Xmas Decorations
Sharon, Jack and I went to Mass at Good Shepherd and Sharon served as eucharistic minister.
We spent most of the rest of the day putting up Christmas decoration inside and cleaning up the house.
We spent most of the rest of the day putting up Christmas decoration inside and cleaning up the house.
Saturday, November 27, 2004
Spongebob Squarepants
We spent part of the day working on the Christmas decorations.
Saturday night, Sharon, Jack and I went to see The Spongebob Squarepants Movie.
Saturday night, Sharon, Jack and I went to see The Spongebob Squarepants Movie.
Friday, November 26, 2004
Xmas Lights
Traditionally, Sharon and I have started to decorate the house for Christmas on the day after Thanksgiving. I dragged all of the Christmas boxes out of storage and spent most of the rest of the day putting up the lights outside.
Morgan came over for dinner. We barbecued some steaks. Afterwards, Morgan, Jack, Sharon and I played a brusing game of basketball on the hoop in Jack's room. It was Sharon and Jack against Morgan and I.
Morgan came over for dinner. We barbecued some steaks. Afterwards, Morgan, Jack, Sharon and I played a brusing game of basketball on the hoop in Jack's room. It was Sharon and Jack against Morgan and I.
Thursday, November 25, 2004
Thanksgiving 2004
For a change, we went out for Thanksgiving dinner this year. Sharon's brother Tom made reservations at a small place called The Family Room. The group included Sharon's parents, Sharon's oldest brother's family and Sharon, Jack and I.
Run to Feed the Hungry
Sharon rousted us out of bed early and we went to the Run to Feed the Hungry. We planned to run the 10k and took the jogger for Jack to ride in. At some point while we were at the starting line, Jack decided he did not want to ride in the jogger. He ended up essentially running and walking the whole distance. Jack set a pretty good pace early; we covered one mile at a 12:00 pace. By about 4.75 miles, he started to wear down, but still refused to get in the jogger. It took us 10 minutes to cross the starting line at the start so we covered the 10k in about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Wednesday, November 24, 2004
Angela's Ashes
Over the last twelve plus years, I have kept a database of the books that I have read including observations and plot information. Looking back on this list, there have been books that I have struggled to finish, but I never wanted to stop reading a book in the first 70 pages as many times as I wanted to stop reading Angela's Ashes. The urge to set the book aside was driven by a recurring event in the early years of the author's life.
Ultimately, I am glad I struggled through this section and finished the book. McCourt's description of the abject poverty of his childhood is stunning. Winner of the 1997 Pultizer Prize for a biography, I have never read anything that personalized poverty as this book did.
Ultimately, I am glad I struggled through this section and finished the book. McCourt's description of the abject poverty of his childhood is stunning. Winner of the 1997 Pultizer Prize for a biography, I have never read anything that personalized poverty as this book did.
Bar-coding drugs
There is a story titled Bar-coding drugs helps, Sutter finds in today's Sacramento Bee about our project to put bar codes on patients and their pills. This has been a very successful project to use technology to improve patient safety!
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
Kings versus Rockets
I bought one ticket in Row B of Section 123 off the web for tonight's Kings versus Rockets game. The seat ended up being right behind Doug Christie's wife. Sharon took Mary Maloney and met her brother Tim at the game.
The Kings beat the Rockets in a very close game. The final score was Kings 102 and the Rockets 96. Jack and I watched the game on Comcast Sportsnet West on DIRECTV.
The Kings beat the Rockets in a very close game. The final score was Kings 102 and the Rockets 96. Jack and I watched the game on Comcast Sportsnet West on DIRECTV.
Monday, November 22, 2004
End of season Soccer Party
Sharon, Mary, Jack and I went to his end of season Soccer party at Laguna Pizza. As part of the trophy presentation, the coach made up an award category for each of the kids. He gave Jack the award for the best overall offensive and defensive player on the team.
Sunday, November 21, 2004
Wireless Set-up
With Sharon gone most of the last week, I have been banging around the house after I get the kids to bed working on a couple of projects. Over three years ago, I bought a Linksys Wireless B Broadband Router. I have always struggled to get VPN to run over this router. After spending more hours than I care to admit fussing with the router's configuration over the last couple months, I gave up and bought a new Linksys router/wireless A-G-B access point. I spent one late night reconfiguring the home network. My home wireless network now includes:
- Linksys Dual-Band Wireless A+G Broadband Router
- Linksys Wireless-G PrintServer - This is attached to the printer in Sharon's office so she can print to the printer from anywhere in the house.
- Airport Express with a pair of Altec Lansing speakers and a small subwoofer attached. I can wirelessly stream music from my den PC running iTunes to anywhere in the house. I was not getting very good results with the Airport Express on the old wireless-B access point. I am very happy with the performance with the new router.
- Tivo Series2 DVR with a Linksys Wireless-G USB Network Adapter - Tivo uses the internet to update the program guide. Additionally, from any browser, you can select programs to record and send the command to our DVR.
- Sharon's Dell Laptop in her ofice has a Linksys Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter.
My work Tablet PC is configured so that it automatically attaches to either my home wireless network or the work wireless network depending on where I am. VPN runs great wirelessly over the new router; this means that I can sit anywhere in the house with my work PC and it is just like sitting at my desk at work!
One of the things that I have struggled with is back-ups for Sharon's business. I am looking at adding a Linksys Network Storage Link with a USB hard drive to the network to support back-ups.
Throw Down in Motown
Here is a link to a video of the last six minutes of ESPN's coverage of the Detroit Pistons versus Indiana Pacers game:
The Daily Recycler: Throw Down in Motown
The Daily Recycler: Throw Down in Motown
Saturday, November 20, 2004
Off to Tahoe
After Jack's soccer game, Sharon and Mary took off to meet Janie and Jeana. The four of them have a house rented in South Lake Tahoe for the weekend.
Last Soccer Game
Jack played in his last soccer game of the season. He scored two goals on five shots. Jack played goalie for the first time this season in the last quarter of the game. His team won 5 to 4 and finished the season with a record of 4 wins, 4 losses and 1 tie. Jack scored 14 goals in the 8 games that he played.
I kept Jack out too late last night; it was almost 11:00 p.m. by the time we got from the Kings Game. While it did not seem to effect him physically, he was very emotional.
I kept Jack out too late last night; it was almost 11:00 p.m. by the time we got from the Kings Game. While it did not seem to effect him physically, he was very emotional.
Friday, November 19, 2004
Kings versus Grizzlies
Jack and I went to the Kings versus Memphis Grizzlies basketball game. It was one of the more exciting games we have seen. After leading by as much as 16 points in the first half, the Kings fell behind by 8 points in the 4th quarter. Eventually, the Kings won 107 to 105; the outcome was in doubt right to the end.
Mary Maloney
Mary Maloney is here from the east coast and spending a few days with us. She and Sharon went over to Janie's house and then out to dinner.
Thursday, November 18, 2004
Annulments
After Sharon and I got married, she worked to get both of our first marriages annulled. We got married in the Catholic Church on March 13, 1999.
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
November Pack Meeting
Jack and I went to the November Cub Scout Pack meeting. Since we missed the first pack meeting in September, Jack got his Tiger Cub Totem in a short ceremony. The totem is a tiger paw with space for four strands for totem beads. Jack earns totem beads by working on the five Tiger Cub achievements.
West Bay IT Integration Meeting
I spent the day going to the bay area and back to attend part of the West Bay IT Integration Meeting.
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
Just Jack and I
With Sharon out of town at the SBA training until late Wednesday night, it has been a hectic couple of days.
Monday, November 15, 2004
IT Thanksgiving Lunch
Annually, the IT department has a Thanksgiving lunch. With everyone's travel schedule, we ended up doing it today. I spent about 45 minutes carving turkeys and then over an hour serving mash potatoes to a couple hundred people.
Sunday, November 14, 2004
Comcast SportsNet West
I was hoping to watch the Kings versus the Nuggets game on NBA TV on Sunday night as I ran on the treadmill, but the game was blacked out in Sacramento on Directv. Facing the prospect of not being able to watch 75% of the Kings games, I was seriously considering either switching to Comcast permanently or getting Comcast cable for a couple of months. I am been a Directv satellite customer since 1996.
As I logged on and started to look at the Comcast on-line sign-up, I found a press release on the Kings site that Directv had signed an agreement with Comcast SportsNet West late Friday night! Beginning Tuesday, Nov. 16, Directv customers can watch Kings games and other Comcast SportsNet sporting events on channel 656!
As I logged on and started to look at the Comcast on-line sign-up, I found a press release on the Kings site that Directv had signed an agreement with Comcast SportsNet West late Friday night! Beginning Tuesday, Nov. 16, Directv customers can watch Kings games and other Comcast SportsNet sporting events on channel 656!
Off to the Airport
Sharon and Wallen both had early flights Sunday morning. Wallen was heading home to the Northwest, while Sharon was heading to Dallas for three days of training. She is going through a training class to get certified to do Small Business Administration Loan processing.
Saturday, November 13, 2004
OATS Reunion
After the morning run, Wallen, Jack and I took off for Davis for an OATS (Old Aggie Tour Side) Reunion. This is a group of guys that we played rugby with at UC Davis during the 1970's.
The group met at a park just off Russell across from Toomey Field for a barbecue. 15 guys showed up, including a number of wives and a bushel of kids. We socialized for about an hour and a half and then headed across the street to watch the UCD Davis versus North Dakota State football game.
The Bison beat the Aggies by a score of 25 to 7. The game was not even as close as the score. UC Davis had five yards of total offense in the first half.
At half time, Tomasin, Wallen, Hunter, Chabrier, Matthew Chabrier, Chris and Michael Tomasin, Jack and I threw a rugby ball around and played a little touch rugby on an IM field south of the stadium.
By the end of the third quarter, Jack had had enough ("This is a boring game, Dad."), I took off and met Sharon in West Sacramento. She took Jack and I headed back to meet up with the group at the park.
Eventually, we headed downtown to a restaurant called Cantina del Cabo. It was kind of an odd place. On the positive side, there was a wide selection of beer on tap. In spite of the name, the place did not serve Mexican food. It had an odd meal that included mostly burgers and steaks.
About 11 p.m., Wallen, Tomasin and I wandered down the street to a place with live music. Wallen and I headed back to my house about 11:30 p.m. and got home a little after midnight.
The group met at a park just off Russell across from Toomey Field for a barbecue. 15 guys showed up, including a number of wives and a bushel of kids. We socialized for about an hour and a half and then headed across the street to watch the UCD Davis versus North Dakota State football game.
The Bison beat the Aggies by a score of 25 to 7. The game was not even as close as the score. UC Davis had five yards of total offense in the first half.
At half time, Tomasin, Wallen, Hunter, Chabrier, Matthew Chabrier, Chris and Michael Tomasin, Jack and I threw a rugby ball around and played a little touch rugby on an IM field south of the stadium.
By the end of the third quarter, Jack had had enough ("This is a boring game, Dad."), I took off and met Sharon in West Sacramento. She took Jack and I headed back to meet up with the group at the park.
Eventually, we headed downtown to a restaurant called Cantina del Cabo. It was kind of an odd place. On the positive side, there was a wide selection of beer on tap. In spite of the name, the place did not serve Mexican food. It had an odd meal that included mostly burgers and steaks.
About 11 p.m., Wallen, Tomasin and I wandered down the street to a place with live music. Wallen and I headed back to my house about 11:30 p.m. and got home a little after midnight.
Early Morning Run
Wallen, Geselbracht and I went out for an early morning run. Wallen has been training for marathons over the last couple of years and is extremely fit. Combined with the fact that he is about 40 pounds lighter than I am, keeping up with him has always been a daunting task for me. For someone like Geselbracht who does not run that much it is an impossible task.
With Wallen setting the pace, we covered the first mile at an 8:07 pace. Geselbracht kept up most of the first mile and then dropped off. The splits for the next four miles were 8:05, 8:08, 8:13 and 8:19. I stayed with Wallen until about 1.25 miles to go. I felt like I had a piano on my back for the last mile and turned in an 8:35 split. I finished about 200 yards behind covering the 6.35 miles in 52:30 for an average pace of 8:16.
With Wallen setting the pace, we covered the first mile at an 8:07 pace. Geselbracht kept up most of the first mile and then dropped off. The splits for the next four miles were 8:05, 8:08, 8:13 and 8:19. I stayed with Wallen until about 1.25 miles to go. I felt like I had a piano on my back for the last mile and turned in an 8:35 split. I finished about 200 yards behind covering the 6.35 miles in 52:30 for an average pace of 8:16.
Friday, November 12, 2004
Late Dinner
Wallen flew down for the weekend. Due to fog in the northwest, his flight was delayed almost three hours. Sharon and I eventually picked him up at the airport about 9:00 p.m. We headed into downtown Sacramento and had a late dinner at the Waterboy Restaurant.
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