Tuesday, May 31, 2011

The Tourist

Sharon, Jack and I watched The Tourist on Saturday night as an HD rental on the AppleTV. Starring Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie, much of the movie was filmed in Venice. There are some gorgeous helicopter shots of the city! Sharon and I visited Venice on our honeymoon.

With Jeremy's family heading to Italy this week, both of us have been talking to Patty about our trip to Italy in 1996. Sharon wants to return to Italy next year after Jack's graduation from 8th grade. We have talked about taking Drew and Morgan with us.

With so many places that I want to see in the world, I am generally not keen on the idea of going back somewhere that I have been. Due to some misadventures involving a train strike, we got to Venice very late in the day. We spent one day touring the city and were up early the next day to catch a train to Lake Como. Venice is somewhere that I am interesting in seeing again.

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Eddie Vedder - Longing to Belong

The complete list of Starbucks iTunes picks of the week is here!
Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Eddie Vedder - Longing to Belong

Code Expiration: August 26, 2011

Monday, May 30, 2011

Outlaws OBPs for the Memorial Day Tournament

Given the struggles that the Outlaws had this weekend, I was intellectually curious what the individual OBPs [on base percentages] were. Jack was actually on base in all four games. On Saturday, he was on base in each of the games with one out or less and the Outlaws could not get him home.
Joe M.    - .429
Jack      - .364
Bailey B. - .333
Coop      - .333
Jordan    - .250
Josh      - .200
Trevor    - .182
Jeremy    - .182
Bailey P. - .125
J.J.      - .125
Joe W.    - .000

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Discouraging Weekend [was: 2011 Outlaws Baseball Tournament #8 Day #2]

The Outlaws finished up a discouraging weekend losing two more games on Sunday. Of the four games that they lost, they were tied 1 to 1 in the top of the sixth in the first game, they led 4 to 3 going into the bottom of the fifth in the third game and they led 5 to 1 going into the top of the fifth in the fourth game.

In the first game on Sunday, the Outlaws played the Sacramento Blue Devils. They played the Blue Devils twice before: losing to them in the fall of 2009 and beating them in the fall of 2010.

At the plate, Jack was 0 for 2 with a hit by pitch and a run scored. In his first at bat, he hit a 0 and 2 pitch to the shortstop and was thrown out at first. Jack was hit on the top of his helmet by the first pitch of his second plate appearance. He stole second and went to third on a balk. Jack scored on Josh's sacrifice bunt. In his third at bat, he hit a 2 and 2 pitch into deep left center for an out.

In the field, Jack played six innings at third base. It was an adventure. He had two errors, two assists and a put out. In the first and fourth innings, he handled grounders to the left side and threw the runner out at first. In the third and fourth innings off the same batter, Jack had grounders hit to the left side. Moving to his left, the first one took a big hop and caromed off his glove. The second one took a big hop into his chest and Jack could not find the handle in time to get the runner.

In the second inning with the bases loaded and one out, Jack chased a foul pop up to the fence against the dugout. He gloved the ball right against the fence, but ball popped out of his glove. Jack caught the ball in his bare hand for the out. The other coach was screaming that the ball had bounced off the fence. I asked Jack afterwards and he said he was not sure what happened...

Leading 4 to 3 going into the top of the fifth, the Outlaws gave up four runs on an error and an unsuccessful fielder's choice attempt to get a runner at home. The Outlaws lost by the score of 7 to 4. The box score is here.

The Outlaws turned right around and played the Bay Area Black Sox. The Outlaws played this team twice a month ago in the Fair Oaks Tournament, losing to them in the pool game and beating them in the championship game.

At the plate, Jack was 1 for 3 with a run scored. In his first at bat, Jack popped a 2 and 1 pitch up to the first baseman for an out. With Trevor on third and one out in Jack's second plate appearance, they tried a suicide squeeze. The pitch was outside and Jack was not able to get his bat on it. Trevor was able to get out of the run down and then when the other team relaxed stole home. Jack eventually drove an 0 and 2 pitch through the left side for a single. Jack went to second on Josh's single and then scored on Bailey's home run. Comically, with Josh on first, Bailey almost caught up with Josh at home plate. In his third at bat, Jack grounded a 0 and 1 pitch to the left side and was thrown out at first.

In the field, Jack played six innings at first base. He had 8 assists, including two double plays. Jack took throws from the third baseman, second baseman and shortstop for outs.

Leading by the score of 5 to 1 going into the top of the fifth, the Outlaws gave up six runs and ended up losing by the score of 7 to 5. The box score is here.

All four of the teams that the Outlaws lost to on Saturday and Sunday qualified for the playoffs on Monday, including the #1, #2, #5 and #6 seeds. The Outlaws are not a very deep team. With one of the core players [Breyton] missing for the weekend, it was doubly difficult to compete against some stronger teams.

The Outlaws have 19 wins and 16 losses for the Spring 2011 season. The game log is here.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

2011 Outlaws Baseball Tournament #8 Day 1

The Outlaws played in the first day of the All World Sports Memorial Day Classic. When the team first signed up for this tournament, there were only four teams. It ballooned to 21 12U team in two separate divisions. The Outlaws are playing in the 13 team Gold division with a number of good 12U Major and AAA teams.

The Outlaws played the Bulldogs in the first game. This is a team that they played a couple of times before.

At the plate, Jack was 0 for 2 with a walk. In the bottom of the first with Cooper on third and two outs, Jack grounded the first pitch to the first base man for the third out. Jack walked on five pitches in his second plate appearance. With Jeremy at third and Jack at first, Josh grounded back to the pitcher for an inning ending double play. In his third at-bat, Jack struck out looking on a full count on a very inside pitch. We had the same umpire for both games on Saturday. He had a very wide strike zone.

In the field, Jack played six innings at third base. He had two put-outs and one assist. In the third inning, Jack handled a chopper to the right side and made the throw to first for the out. Two runners were throw out trying to go from second to third. In the fourth inning, a fly ball was hit to right field. J.J. made a nice catch and threw to Jack at third to get the runner trying to tag up and advance. In the fifth, a fly ball got by Joe in left. The runner tried for a triple. Trevor fielded the ball and fired to Jack at third for the out.

With the score tied 1 to 1 in the top of the sixth, the Outlaws gave up five runs on a walk, HBP and two errors. The Outlaws fell to the Bulldogs by the score of 6 to 1. The box score is here.

The Outlaws turned right around and played Norcal Baseball. This is a 12u Major team that they have not faced before.

At the plate, Jack was 1 for 2. In his first at bat, Jack hit a 2 and 1 pitch back through the pitcher mound and up the middle for a single to lead off the top of the second. He went to second on Josh's sacrifice bunt. After Bailey popped up to the pitcher and Jordan struck out, Jack ended the inning at still at second. Jack struck out looking at three straight pitches in his second plate appearance: two pitches off the plate and the third strike way inside. ugghhh....

In the field, Jack played five inning at first base. Although I love to watch him play third, Jack loves to play first. He had six put outs on throws from third, second and the pitcher. In the third inning with runners on second and third and two outs, Jordan fielded a grounder to third. When he let the ball go, I was sure that it was going to be a couple of feet over Jack's head. Jack went straight up and made a nice catch for the out. Afterwards, Jack said it was no big deal; he could have gone much higher. I am sure that no one other than Joe would have had a chance at the play.

In a tight game, the Outlaws lost to Norcal Baseball by the score of 3 to 1. The Outlaws only scratched out two hits [Jack and Cooper]. The box score is here.

The Outlaws have 19 wins and 14 losses for the Spring 2011 season. The game log is here.

The Outlaws will play the Sacramento Blue Devils and the Bay Area Black Sox on Sunday. Only six of the thirteen teams will advance to Monday. With two losses, the Outlaws chances of getting to Monday seem slim.

Friday, May 27, 2011

California Historical Landmark #661

I stopped here on my way to Reno for the Petersen Shootout.

Old Emigrant Road
California State Historical Landmark #661

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

This landmark is located at Lake Caples on State Highway 88, Kirkwood, California. There are 5 other California State Historical Landmarks in Alpine County. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 38° 42.178 W 120° 02.189.

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

California Historical Landmark #661

Here the Old Emigrant Road of 1848 swung down across the meadow now covered by Caples Lake (Twin Lakes) and climbed along the ridge at the right to the gap at the head of the valley. From this summit (9,460 feet) it descended to Placerville. This rough and circuitous section became obsolete in 1863 when a better route was blasted out of the face of the cliff at Carson Spur.

California Historical Landmark #661

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Right Now!: the Cassette Session

Morgan Heringer Music


Live recording session, lo-fi style, recorded on cassette and transferred to digital. Recorded by Mike Rechner, mastered by Major Matt Mason USA.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Outlaws's Year in Review

A year ago, I started scoring the Outlaws using ESPN iScore on the iPad. Including the Cal Ripken pre-state and Northern California Tournaments, the Outlaws have played 71 games during this period. All of the statistics are on line at http://iscorebaseball.com/outlawsBaseball. You can use the drop down menu on the right to get to the statistics for all of the tournaments.

Cooper, Jeremy and Josh played in all 71 games. Trevor played in 70 games, while Jack and Breyton played in 67 of the games. Jordan played in 55 games.

Josh had a team leading batting average of 0.344. He had 52 hits in 151 at bats and 196 plate appearances. Josh led the team with 7 triples.

Breyton had a team leading on base percentage of 0.514. He led the team in walks with 48. In a surprise to no one, Breyton was hit by a pitch a team leading 9 times; it just seems like a lot more.

Jack had a team leading slugging percentage of 0.524. He led the team with 6 home runs and was tied with Josh for doubles with 8.

Jeremy had a team leading 64 RBIs. Jack was second with 61 RBIs. Of the players that have played more than 35 games in the last year, Jeremy had the fewest strike-outs. He struck out only 13 times in 178 at bats and 212 plate appearances.

Cooper had a team leading 62 stolen bases. Trevor and Jeremy were a close second with 60 stolen bases each.

Cooper had a team leading ERA of 2.23. He pitched 48.1 innings in 23 games.

Josh had the second lowest ERA of 2.42. He pitched 82.1 innings in 27 games.

Breyton had the third lowest ERA of 2.75. He pitched 63.1 innings in 21 games.

Breyton had a team leading fielding percentage of 0.983. In 226 put outs and assists, he committed only 4 errors.

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Playing for Change - Redemption Song

The complete list of Starbucks iTunes picks of the week is here!
Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Playing for Change - Redemption Song

Code Expiration: August 19, 2011

Monday, May 23, 2011

California Historical Landmark #805

I stopped here on my way to Reno for the Petersen Shootout.

Pony Express Remount Station at Woodruff's
California State Historical Landmark #805

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

This landmark is located at 290 Old Pony Express Road, Woodruffs, California. There are 5 other California State Historical Landmarks in Alpine County. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 38° 46.584 W 119° 49.366.

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

California Historical Landmark #805

Woodfords became a remount station of the Pony Express on April 4, 1860, when Warren Upson scaled the mountains in a blinding snowstorm and made his way down the eastern slope of the Sierra on his way to Carson City. Five weeks later the Pony Express was rerouted by way of Echo Summit and Luther Pass.
California Historial Landmark #805

Sunday, May 22, 2011

2011 Outlaws Baseball Tournament #7 Day 2

On Sunday, the Outlaws were back at Bartholomew Sports Complex for the second day of the All World May Dayz baseball tournament. They played the Razorbacks in the first game. This is a team from Los Banos that the Outlaws have not faced before.

At the plate, Jack was 3 for 3 with 4 RBIs and 2 runs scored. In his first at-bat with no outs and the bases loaded, he hit a 1 and 0 pitch for a line drive into centerfield for a single and two RBIs. Jack went to second on the throw, to third on Josh's fielder's choice and scored on Breyton's triple. He got up a second time in the first inning with runners on second and third and one out. Jack hit a 2 and 0 pitch for a line drive into left center for a single and two more RBIs. He went all the way to third on the throw and then scored on Josh's ground out. In his third at-bat, Jack hit a 2 and 1 pitch through the left side for a single. He stole second. In an odd sequence, Jack kept running and went to third on an error by the second baseman. He ended the inning there.

In the field, Jack played three innings at third base. He never touched the ball...

The Outlaws blew out the Razorbacks by the score of 18 to 3 in three innings. The box score is here.

The Outlaws turned around and played Blaze Baseball 12U. This is a team from Ceres that the Outlaws have never faced before.

At the plate, Jack was 2 for 3 with 3 RBIs and a run scored. In his first at-bat, he hit the first pitch down the third base line for a single and an RBI. Jack stole second and scored on Josh's single. He struck out looking in his second plate appearance on three pitches; the called third strike was very far off the plate... In his third at-bat with runners on second and third and no outs, Jack drove the first pitch deep into the hole for a single and two RBIs.

In the field, Jack played three innings at third and one inning in centerfield. He had one put-out and two assists. Jack handled two grounders to the left side in the first inning and made throws to first and second for the outs. In the third inning in centerfield, he made a great sliding catch on a sinking line drive.

The Outlaws beat the Blaze by the score of 13 to 4 in four innings. The box score is here.

With a record of 3 wins and 1 loss, the Outlaws advanced to the championship game of the tournament against the Sutter Storm. They had lost to the Sutter Storm on Saturday.

The Outlaws got out pitched and in a repeat of Saturday morning did not execute well in the field. Oddly, the Storm pitched the same pitcher [Garret Buragin] against the Outlaws in both games. The Storm's pitcher threw 125 pitches and 8 innings against the Outlaws in two days. Even more disconcerting, their pitcher throws lots of curve balls. I am personally very uncomfortable with a kid being used this way.

At the plate, Jack was 0 for 2. In his first at-bat, he struck out on a nasty 2 and 2 curve ball off the plate. Jack grounded a 0 and 1 pitch to the third baseman in his second plate appearance and was thrown out at first.

In the field, Jack played three innings at first base and one inning in centerfield. He had two put-outs at first on throws from the pitcher and second baseman.

Letting two batters reach base on dropped third strikes and two batters score from third on passed balls, the Outlaws fell to the Sutter Storm by the score of 8 to 0 in four innings. The box score is here.

The Outlaws have 19 wins and 12 losses for the Spring 2011 season. The game log is here.

Saturday, May 21, 2011

2011 Outlaws Baseball Tournament #7 Day 1

After a three week lay-off, the Outlaws played in the May Dayz All World Sports tournament at Bartholomew Park in Elk Grove. The Outlaws played the Sutter Storm in the first game. They beat in the Storm by the score of 10 to 2 in March.

This was one of those games where the train comes off the track quickly and spectacularly. It was very painful to watch.

At the plate, Jack was 0 for 1. He hit a 3 and 1 pitch for a hard line drive right at the center fielder for an out.

In the field, Jack played three innings at third and one inning at first. It was an adventure. Jack had two errors, two put-outs and one assist. In the top of the first, with one out and a runner on first, Jack made a nice backhand stop on a chopper down the line. His throw pulled Breyton off the bag for an error. On a single into right field, Jack took the cut-off throw from Breyton to tag out a runner who had taken a big turn at third for the third out of the first inning. In the second inning, Jeremy got the runner on first leaning the wrong way. Jack took the throw at first and chased down the runner heading to second for the out. In the third, Jack fielded a grounder to the left side and threw the runner out at first. Jack had another error in the fourth. He made a nice stop on a grounder to the left side, but threw the ball in the dirt to Josh's right at first base.

The Outlaws gave up 9 unearned runs in the top of the first on four errors and two HBPs. The Sutter Storm won the game by the score of 10 to 0 in four innings. The box score is here.

The Outlaws turned right around and played Team Combat. This is a local 11U team that the Outlaws have played and scrimmaged on a number of occasions.

At the plate, Jack was 1 for 3 with a run scored. In his first at-bat, Jack hit a 1 and 1 pitch for a fly ball down the first base line. The right fielder made a nice catch for the out. Jack grounded a 1 and 1 pitch to the left side in his second plate appearance. The third base threw Jeremy out at second for a fielder's choice. In his second at-bat, Jack hit a high fly ball on a 3 and 0 pitch into right center. There was some confusion by the outfielders and the ball dropped for a single. Jack stole second. With two outs, he scored from second when the second baseman misplayed Breyton's grounder to the right side.

In the field, Jack played three innings at first, two innings at third and one inning in center field. He had one error and six put-outs. In the bottom of the first, a soft grounder was hit to the left side. Jack ranged far to his left in front of Aaron Wong at shortstop, but did not make the play. I ended up scoring it as an error; it should have been Aaron's ball. At first, Jack had five put-outs on throws from the pitcher, shortstop and second baseman. In the second inning, he made a nice backpedaling catch on a high pop-up high behind first base.

Behind Cooper's complete game, the Outlaws bounced back from the loss to the Storm to beat Team Combat by the score of 7 to 1. The box score is here.

The Outlaws have 17 wins and 11 losses for the Spring 2011 season. The game log is here.

The Outlaws will play the Blaze and Razorbacks on Sunday.

Friday, May 20, 2011

2011 Service Awards Banquet

Sharon and I went to the 2011 SHSS Service Awards Banquet at the Sheraton Grand in downtown Sacramento. Last year for the first time, they did the oddest thing; they changed the policy so that unless you were receiving an award you could not bring a guest. I went by myself. They reversed the policy this year so I was able to bring Sharon.

Each group was assigned to a specific table of set of tables. Technical Services had three tables. As part of the program, I had the responsibility of going around, talking to seven employees who work in my service line and thanking them for their service. One of my employees--Teddy Michel--got a 40 year service award!

The CIO served as the master of ceremonies for the event. We finished the evening visiting with the Gainsley's.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

California Historical Landmark #40

I stopped here on my way to Reno for the Petersen Shootout.

Kirkwood's
California State Historical Landmark #40

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

This landmark is located on Highway 88 in Kirkwood, California in Amador County. There are 24 other California State Historical Landmarks in Amador County. The GPS coordinates for the plaque are N 38° 42.164 W 120° 04.344.

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

California Historical Landmark #40

Resort, stage station, and post office were originally built by Zack Kirkwood in 1864. When Alpine County was formed from Amador County, the division left the barn and milkhouse in Alpine, while the Alpine-El Dorado line went directly through the barroom of the inn. Kirkwood's was one of the first resorts operated in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

California Historical Landmark #40

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Culinary Institute of America

I spent the evening at the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena with a group from work. We took a short class entitled Taste Like a Chef: Calibrate Your Palate, got a tour of the facility and finished the evening with hors d'oeuvres and wine on the patio in front of the restaurant.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

2011 Amgen Tour of California


In three of the last four years, I have seen part of the Amgen Tour of California. In 2007, I watched one of the stages finish in downtown Sacramento. In 2008, Sharon, Jack and I went to Modesto to watch the start of Stage 3. In 2009, Sharon, Jack and I watched all of the Prologue in downtown Sacramento. In 2010, Sharon was sick and we ended up not going.

This year, Sharon went to the finish of Stage One in downtown Sacramento and then watched part of Stage Two along Auburn-Folsom Road. I had intended to try to catch one of the stages, but just got too busy at work.

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Chris Bathgate - No Silver

The complete list of Starbucks iTunes picks of the week is here!
Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Chris Bathgate - No Silver

Code Expiration: August 12, 2011

Monday, May 16, 2011

Nevada Historical Marker #30

Sunday morning when I was in Reno for the Petersen Shootout, I spent an hour wandering around looking for five different Nevada Historical Landmarks, including; Reno #30; Nevada-California-Oregon Railroad Depot #210; Lake Mansion #227; Frederick Joseph DeLongchamps #245; and Site of Nevada's First Public Library #247.

Reno
Nevada Historical Marker #30

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

This marker is located at 187 South Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada. There are 41 other historical markers in Washoe County. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 39° 31.454 W 119° 48.741.

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

Nevada Historical Landmark #30

Before the coming of white man, roving Washoe and Paiute bands inhabited the Truckee Meadows. The first whites passed through the area with the Stevens-Murphy emigrant party in 1844 and settlement began in the early 1850's. Charles William Fuller established a river ferry across the Truckee in the fall of 1859 and completed a bridge and hotel by the spring of 1860. Myron C. Lake acquired Fuller's holdings in 1861, rebuilt the bridge and established Lake's Crossing. In 1868, Lake offered land for a depot to the Central Pacific Railroad and the town was laid out. The community's name honors a civil war officer, General Jesse Lee Reno.

Reno's transcontinental railroad connection and its rail link to the Comstock Lode helped lay the foundation for the economy, as did the lumber industry and the surrounding ranches and farms.

The community's reputation as a divorce center began in 1906 and gambling was legalized in 1931.


Nevada Historical Landmark #30

Washoe County Historical Markers

Nevada Historical Landmarks in Washoe County
{GPS Coordinates of Site Location}

4 - Junction House (First Settlement)
18 - Pyramid Lake
24 - Olinghouse
29 - Chinese in Nevada
*30 - Reno - [map] - {39.524233,-119.81235}
43 - Derby Diversion Dam
62 - Truckee River -- West
63 - Truckee River -- East
68 - Wadsworth
79 - Civil War Plot
81 - Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Tree
88 - Sparks
94 - The Winters Ranch (Rancho Del Sierra)
114 - Franktown
*128 - The Great Train Robbery - [map] - {39.51745,-119.98845}
148 - The Two Battles of Pyramid Lake
149 - High Rock Canyon
152 - Gerlach
166 - Bowers Mansion
169 - Glendale School
189 - Southern Pacific Railroad Yards
*191 - Verdi - [map] - {39.51588,-119.9939}
198 - Steamboat Springs
*210 - Nevada-California-Oregon Railroad Depot - [map] - {39.53098,-119.80947}
211 - Old Geiger Grade (In Canyon Below)
212 - Galena
218 - Geiger Station (Magnolia House)
220 - The Fight of the Century
221 - Sand Harbor
*227 - Lake Mansion - [map] - {39.52267,-119.81607}
230 - Mount Rose Weather Observatory
234 - Moana Springs
238 - Huffaker's
240 - Coney Island
*245 - Frederick Joseph DeLongchamps - [map] - {39.524833,-119.8122}
246 - The Great Incline of the Sierra Nevada
*247 - Site of Nevada's First Public Library - [map] - {39.524817,-119.81225}
248 - Virginia & Truckee Railroad Right of Way
253 - Emigrant-Donner Camp
256 - Historic Transportation...
265 - Governor Emmet Derby Boyle
267 - Galena Creek Fish Hatchery

Sunday, May 15, 2011

2011 Petersen Shootout Day 3

Stuck in Traffic on Interstate 80

Up fairly early, Larkin and I had breakfast at the buffet in the Eldorado. From there we packed up the room.

At this point, I made a tactical error. I knew that it was snowing on Intestate 80 over the summit. Nevertheless, when Larkin rolled out, I spent an hour wandering downtown Reno tracking down half a dozen Nevada historical landmarks.

It was about 10 a.m. by the time I got back to the car. The traffic came to a crawl as I started up the grade west of Truckee. It started to snow hard. I knew I was in for an adventure when I passed a Toyota pickup with oversize tires sliding sideways. Shortly after this near Blue Canyon, traffic came to a complete stop. I ended up sitting for about an hour and fifteen minutes while they cleared an accident. It was about 2:30 p.m. by the time I got home: a four and a half hour trip.

All and all, it was a nice weekend. I always enjoy Larkin's company.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

2011 Petersen Shootout Day 2

At the Lakeridge Golf Course

Although not out as late as some of the boys, Larkin and I were both moving a little slow on Saturday morning. The package for the weekend included a buffet breakfast at the Eldorado. Afterwards, we wandered down to the "Biggest Little City in the World" sign.

The plan for the day was to play golf at the Lakeridge Golf Course. I played here at least once during the annual management conferences when I was working for the Western Farm Credit Bank. Through one of the other guys attending the golf outing, Rod arranged for a bus to take us from the hotel to the golf. While I initially thought that this would be a hassle, it was a great idea.

Larkin and I played in a foursome with Sam and Martin. This is a much different course than the first day; it has a lot more trees and water. The weather was not as nice as Friday. While it never rained or snowed, it got colder and windier as the day wore on.

I struggled from the outset. We were playing a format where you play your own ball from the best drive. I kept hitting my medium irons long and left of the greens. Once we got close to the greens, my short game completely left me. At one point, I think that I chipped into the bunkers around the greens on five of seven holes. By the 13th hole, in spite of the fact that I was driving off the tee pretty well, I was ready to be finished.

The signature hole at Lakeridge is the 15th. It is a long island par three with the tee boxes about 150 feet above the lake. When Sharon asked me at dinner on Sunday what was the high point of the trip, I said that one of the high points was my tee shot on the 15th. With our foursome, the following group and a marshall standing on the tee, I teed off first. Joking about just throwing my ball into the bushes, I hit my tee shot as well as I could hit it. I told sharon that I heard several people gasp. The ball landed about 4 or 5 yards off the back of the green. I think that it may have been the only hole all day that we used my drive.

I finished with a winter rules 107. Even though we were playing from the best drive, this was five strokes worse than Friday...

Taking the bus back to the hotel, we got cleaned up and headed to the group dinner. Last year, the dinner was across the street from the hotel at a restaurant. This year, the group had dinner in the BuBinga Lounge. There were three tables set up in the middle of the small nightclub. It was a very different experience from last year.

After dinner, much of the group headed back up to the hospitality suite. Two members of the group are very talented. With a guitar and a drum box, they played and improvised songs about the groups antics. Larkin and I headed back to the room and crashed sometime after 11:30 p.m.

My only regret was that I never got a chance to play blackjack with any part of the group. With everything more spread out in Reno than Carson City and how much everyone enjoyed the hospitality suite, the dynamics seemed much different than last year.

Reno

Friday, May 13, 2011

2011 Petersen Shootout Day 1

Larkin at D'Andrea Golf Club

For the second year in a row, Larkin and I played in the Petersen Shootout Golf Tournament. This golf outing is organized by one of the coaches [Rod] from Jack's Outlaws Baseball Team. The group totaled 24 guys. Last year, the tournament was in Carson City. This year, they switched to Reno.

With the intention of making a number of stops at historical markers, I took off early and headed up Highway 88. Although I expected some snow, I was dumbfounded at the amount of snow at the higher elevations. I was only able to make about half the number of stops that I was planning due to the amount of snow covering some of the sites.

From Woodfords, I backtracked into South Lake Tahoe, over the Spooner Lake Grade and through Carson City to Reno. The group played the D'Andrea Golf Club on the first day. Larkin and I played in a foursome with Pete and Rod's brother Scott. After being snowed on last year on the first day, the weather was great. The temperatures were in the mid-70's. The D'Andrea is a very open golf course with very few trees. Located to the Northeast of Reno, it has some great views of the downtown with the mountains in the background.

I was very happy with my play. I ended up with a liberal winter rules 102. It was probably one of the best rounds of golf I have played in years.

After finishing up with the golf, we headed to the Eldorado Hotel and Casino in downtown Reno. We took a quick shower and headed to the hospitality suite. As the organizer, Rod had a room with a large hospitality suite attached.

I eventually dragged Larkin to a late dinner at Louie's Basque Corner about four blocks from the hotel for dinner. Sharon and Tom recommended the place.

We headed back to the suite after dinner. We hung out until after midnight and then headed back to the room to crash.

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Christmas Ornament 1996

I have bought Sharon an ornament for the tree every year since the first Christmas we celebrated together. This posting completes the series of sixteen ornaments stretching from 1995 to 2010.

Unlike most of the others, this ornament has a lot less significant. I had given Sharon a sheep ornament for Christmas in 1995. Doing some last minute Christmas shopping, I wanted to buy her another ornament and this wolf totem caught my eye.

Alpine County

California State Historical Landmarks
in Alpine County

NO. 240 MARKLEE'S CABIN SITE {+38° 41' 38.94", -119° 46' 45.52"}
NO. 315 KIT CARSON MARKER {38° 41' 37.98", -119° 59' 15.00"}
NO. 318 EBBETTS PASS ROUTE {+38° 32' 38.52", -119° 48' 44.28"}
NO. 378 MEMORIAL TO PIONEER ODD FELLOWS {38° 41' 31.74", -119° 59' 15.06"}
*NO. 661 Old Emigrant Road - [map] - {38.702967,-120.036483}
*NO. 805 Pony Express Remount Station at Woodruffs - [map] - {38.776576,-119.822809}

List of California Counties

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

L.A. Unheard: Milo Greene head back to '1957'

There is a nice write-up of Drew's new band--Milo Greene--on the LA Times on-line entertainment site.


Editor's note: Every week, our colleagues at Brand X’s L.A. Unheard column unearth one of L.A.’s best undiscovered acts.

The band: Milo Greene, an L.A. quintet that built its sound during sessions near the Santa Barbara mountains.

The sound: On the pair of tracks the band's released thus far, it embraces the kind of wide-screen acoustic rock sound that we've heard in one form or another from local acts ranging from Lord Huron to Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. "Don't You Give Up on Me" is led by clean lead guitars and rough-hewn vocals; a gold-buttoned blazer over a chambray shirt. "1957" skews more rustic, offering Southern-accented male-female harmonies and a chorus big enough for its own Stagecoach headlining slot.

The details: Milo Greene joins Lord Huron and the Union Line at the Troubadour on Saturday, with a 7-inch release planned for the summer.

The Rest: Download the band's "1957" and stream two tracks over at Brand X.

-- David Greenwald

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Butterfield 8

With Elizbeth Taylor's death in March, Sharon and I started looking at the list of films in which she appeared. At the age of 28, Taylor won the first of two Best Actress awards for BUtterfield 8.

Sharon and I rented the movie on the AppleTV and watched it Saturday night May 2. It is an odd movie. Filmed more than 50 years ago in 1960, it feels very dated. The performance by Laurence Harvey, the leading man in the film, is very stilted. The film also stars Elizabeth Taylor's then husband Eddie Fisher.

It was not nominated for best picture in 1960. The best picture nominees were: The Apartment; The Alamo; Elmer Gantry; Sons and Lovers; and The Sundowners. The Apartment with Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine won best picture.

I only recommend the movie as a curiosity; it is Elizabeth Taylor in her prime.  After BUtterfield 8, Elizabeth Taylor made Cleopatra with Richard Burton.  Cleopatra is on our list to watch in the near future.

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week- Alexander - Truth

The complete list of Starbucks iTunes picks of the week is here!
Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week- Alexander - Truth

Code Expiration: August 5, 2011

Monday, May 09, 2011

More from Bill Simmons on the Maloofs

Adding to the comments I posted last week that Bill Simmons made in his April 26 column and May 5 podcast, he had the following thoughts about the Maloofs in his May 3 column titled Presenting a gift to the 2011 NBA playoffs, courtesy of "The Wire":
15. "He's a cold motherfu**ka."
16. "It's a cold world Bodie."
17. "Thought you said it was getting warmer."
18. "The world goin' one way, people another yo'."

Let's give it to the Maloofs... -- they did everything but load T-shirt cannons with horse manure and shoot them at their fans this past season, and then, when their Anaheim move fell through once the league realized that they didn't have the resources to pull it off (and once the Lakers and Clippers mobilized against them), Joe Maloof had the gall to trumpet the team's return to Sacramento for another year by saying, "I think it's the fair thing to do." Even Clay Davis wouldn't have said that. Hey Joe? If you want to be fair, start showing up for home games again, spend more than the salary cap minimum on your roster and stop pretending that Anaheim is a better basketball city than Sacramento just because they have a few wealthy locals who were dumb enough to pay your debts without gaining control of your team.

Sunday, May 08, 2011

Zion National Park South Entrance Sign

Zion National Park
South Entrance Sign

National Register of Historic Places #1986003713

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

This historic place is located at 201 Zion Park Boulevard, Springdale, in the county of Washington, Utah. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 37° 12.078 W 112° 59.313.

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

Zion National Park South Entrance Sign

The sign consists of two locally-quarried red sandstone pillars flanking the south entrance road to Zion National Park, with a horizontal log projecting from one pylon supporting a sign. The sign was designed by the National Park Service Branch of Plans and Designs in 1936 and was built by Civilian Conservation Corps labor from Camp NP-2. It was altered in 1940 to the design of Park Service architects H.W. Young and A.C. Kuehl. The sign reflects a consistent design theme that was developed for many park structures in Zion.


View Larger Map

2011 Mother's Day Redux

With Sharon scrambling to pack and get to the airport to fly to Atlanta, I made her huevos rancheros for Mother's Day breakfast.

Saturday, May 07, 2011

Mother's Day 2011

Last year, Sharon was gone on Mother's Day weekend to Spokane for Kevin's graduation from Gonzaga University. This year, Sharon is traveling on Mother's Day to Atlanta for a conference. As a result, we celebrated Mother's Day on Saturday.

In the afternoon, Sharon had me work in the Northwest corner of the yard; she is planning to put a mediation garden there. Afterwards, we barbecued steaks. For presents, Jack and I got her a Jawbone bluetooth and some cappuccino cups. Jack picked out a cute card that played a quote from the Office.

After dinner, Sharon and Jack rented Step Brothers on the AppleTV.

We got her some flowers that included Calla Lilies. It turned out that Calla Lilies were a favorite of her mother. I am going to try and remember to include them in future Mother's Day bouquets.

Friday, May 06, 2011

Fifth 7th & 8th Grade Dance

Jack went to fifth and last 7th and 8th grade dance of the year. As part of the St. Anthony's Middle School Club, St. Anthony's hosts five dances over the course of the year.

While Jack was at the dance, Sharon and I met Tommy, Becky and Kevin for a great dinner at Taylor's Kitchen. This is the first time that Sharon and I have had dinner here and I would highly recommend it. I had a salmon pappardelle for an entree, while Sharon had handrolled potato gnocchi.

Thursday, May 05, 2011

Kings checkmated by money, luck

Bill Simmons: Breaking down the NBA's small-market woes with a little help from the Maloofs - ESPN
My [Bill Simmons] prediction: the league will pay full price for the Kings (or close to it), use them as lockout leverage (along with the Hornets), then work with Johnson and Sacramento on finding new ownership after the lockout. It's the right move. There's every reason to believe that Sacramento could turn into Oklahoma City or Portland in the right hands. But it needs the right hands. And those hands need to be able to write checks that pay for stuff.

After walking through the Palms last week and reading about some of their financial transactions of the last two years, my prediction [heringer] is that the Maloofs will lose both the casino and the basketball team in the next four years.

Updated 5/7/2011 - In his May 5 podcast with Berry and Abbott at the 1:05:00 mark, Bill Simmons says "they [the NBA] are going to take the team over from the Maloofs... they aren't going to be able to meet the payroll..."

Wednesday, May 04, 2011

Milo Greene Northern California Mini-Tour

Drew's new band is playing in Northern California this weekend!

More Info at http://milogreene.com/live.html

PLACERVILLE, CA - COZMIC CAFE
Saturday - 5.7.11 at 8:30
Tickets are $10 and available at: http://bit.ly/e0Ix0C

SACRAMENTO, CA - GEERY THEATER
Sunday - 5.8.11 at 7pm & 9pm (two shows)
Tickets are $10-$12 with discount code "GREENE"
available at: http://bit.ly/eI2x2B

Both shows are limited seating and will sell out.
Opening the shows will be Aaron Molho: http://aaronmolho.com/

They will also be playing at:

DAVIS, CA 5.7.11 at 2:30pm
on the Cedar Stage at the Whole Earth Festival

Tuesday, May 03, 2011

Discovery of Zion Canyon

Discovery of Zion Canyon
Utah Historical Marker

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

This marker is located at 860 Zion Park Boulevard, Springdale in the county of Washington, Utah. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 37° 11.344 W 112° 59.891.

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

Discovery of Zion Canyon

In 1858, Nephi Johnson, one of Brigham Young's scouts, with a party of Indian guides arrived at the mouth of the canyon. Due to superstition, the Indians refused to enter the canyon. Nephi Johnson, alone, followed up river to the Narrows, a place "where the sun is seldom seen," returning to the mouth at nightfall. Isaac Buhannin, an early settler, seeing the spires remarked, "surely this is God's first temple and should be called Zion." William Heaps helped to build homes for the early settlers in the canyon.

Discovery of Zion Canyon

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Beady Eye - The Roller

The complete list of Starbucks iTunes picks of the week is here!
Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Beady Eye - The Roller

Code Expiration: July 29, 2011

Monday, May 02, 2011

Geege

Morgan posted this remembrance on her blog [Hank and Pancakes] after her maternal grandmother passed away.

Geege
My maternal grandmother, Geege, as we called her, passed away in the evening on Easter of this year. She had a massive stroke from which she never awoke. She died, surrounded by family members both close and estranged, in Carmel, California, the town that she had always loved with all her heart. I know that she wanted it that way.

Geege was a living legend, to me and to us all. I never thought she could actually die. She was at once opulently generous and imposingly formidable. I owe to her my love of music, books, and all things elegant and thought-provokingly beautiful. I owe to her my interest in family history, mythology and the realities that exist beyond our physical reality. I see pieces of her in my mother, my aunts, my cousins and myself, and, in memory of Geege and her best qualities, I hope that we might continue to cherish all these things within ourselves throughout our lives.

Sunday, May 01, 2011

NO HITTER! [2011 Outlaws Baseball Tournament #6 Day #2]


The Outlaws were back on Sunday for the second day of the All World Sports 4 Game Grab Tournament. They played the Bay Area Black Sox in the first game. After two softer opponents on Saturday, this team was viewed as tougher competition.

At the plate, Jack was 0 for 2 with an RBI and a run scored. In his first at bat, Jack struck out looking on a 2 and 2 off speed pitch. With Trevor on third, Jack grounded the first pitch of his second plate appearance back to the pitcher for a fielder's choice. The pitcher tried to go home, but Trevor was safe at home and Jack was safe at first. Jack went to second on the throw home. He scored on Josh's double to right.

In the field, Jack played five innings at third. He had two put outs and two assists. Jack handled two grounders to the right side and made the throws to first for the outs. One of the plays was fairly spectacular. Jack backhanded a hard chopper down the third base line and got the out at first. He also caught a pop up to the left side. In the third inning, a runner tried to go from second to third on a single to right. Joe fielded the ball and threw to Josh. Josh turned and threw a strike to Jack at third for the out.

The Outlaws fell apart in the fifth inning and gave up seven runs. It was an odd game. Although the Black Sox ended up with 11 hits, it never seemed like they hit the ball very hard; everything seemed to drop where the Outlaws weren't. The Black Sox won the game by the score of 12 to 3. The box score is here.

The Outlaws turned right around and the played Stealth baseball in the second game of the day. In order to advance to the championship game, they needed to win this game.

At the plate, Jack continued his struggles for the weekend; having not touched a bat in almost two weeks while we were on vacation, Jack looked very out of sync. He was 0 for 3. Jack struck out looking on a 2 and 2 pitch in his first at bat. He chopped a 2 and 1 pitch to the third baseman and was thrown out at first in his second plate appearance. Jack popped out on a 0 and 1 pitch to the pitcher in his third plate appearance.

In the field, Jack played six innings at third base. He had two put outs. On throws from the first baseman and the catcher, Jack tagged out two runners trying to go from second to third.

With the Outlaws clinging to a 3 to 2 lead in the bottom of the sixth and Stealth runners on first and second, Jack tagged out a runner trying to steal third to end the game. The Outlaws won the game by the score of 3 to 2 and advanced to the championship game of the tournament. The box score is here.

The Outlaws turned right around again and played the Black Sox for the second time of the day in the championship game. Although they were the higher seed, the Black Sox elected to be visitors. It was an odd choice that I am still not sure I understand. Breyton shut down the first three batters on 9 pitches and the Black Sox never got on track.

At the plate, Jack was 1 for 3 with an RBI. With two outs and Cooper on third in the bottom of the first, Jack drove a 1 and 1 pitch into right field for a single, an RBI and the first run of the game. Jack went to second on a passed ball and then stole third. He ended the inning there. Jack struck out swinging on a 3 and 2 pitch in his second plate appearance. He grounded a 0 and 1 pitch to the third baseman and was thrown out at first in his third at bat.

In the field, Jack played sixth innings at third base. He had two assists and a put out. Jack handled two grounders to the left side and threw the runners out at first. In the fifth, he had made a play that Sharon describes a lizard catching a fly. The batter hit a hard low line drive to Jack right. He made a diving back hand catch that was maybe two or three inches off the ground. This play as well as several other defensive plays by Cooper, Josh, Jeremy, Bailey and Breyton become very significant.

Breyton threw a 51 pitch perfect game no hitter! The Outlaws scored in the first, second, fourth and fifth innings to win the game and the tournament by a score of 6 to 0. The box score is here.

The Outlaws have 16 wins and 10 losses for the Spring 2011 season. The game log is here.