Saturday, November 30, 2013

DeMarini Top 96 Showcase Day 1



Jack spent a long day at Anderson Field at Occidental College at the Academic West Coast Meets East Coast plus Ivy League Schools DeMarini Top 96 Showcase. The schedule included clinics on hitting and outfield.

Each of the boys was also evaluated by a college coach. In Jack's case, it was Josh Tutwiler from William and Mary. They used the following scale: 5-exceptional; 4-above avg; 3-avg HS; 2-below avg HS; and 1-needs improvement.

Jack did not rate as well in this showcase as he did in July.

In hitting, Jack rated 3 on balance, 2.5 on bat speed, 2.5 on power and 3 on swing path.

Last July, Jack rated 4 on balance, 3.5 on bat speed, 3 on power and 4 on swing path.

In fielding, he rated 2.5 on footwork, 2.5 on fielding, 2.5 on exchange, 3.5 on arm strength and 3.5 on accuracy.

Last July, he rated 3 on footwork, 3 on fielding, 2.5 on exchange, 2.5 on arm strength and 3.5 on accuracy.

They were also timed for 60 yards. We didn't get that time. Hopefully, it will be emailed later.

Sharon and I participated with Jack when the coach talked to him at the end of the day. Sharon was with Jack in July and said that the other coach was much more positive.

The group probably included 80 boys. They were color coded by age. The 2016 graduates wore blue jerseys, the 2015 graduates wore black jerseys and the 2014 graduates wore grey jerseys. There were probably 12 younger boys, 55 juniors and 16 seniors.

While Jack spent the day at the showcase, Sharon and I hiked Eaton Canyon Park in the morning and hung out at the hotel. A picture and maps from the hike are here. After lunch at the hotel, we walked through the Old Mill, the oldest commercial building in Southern California.

Getting to the ball park about 7:30 am, it was after 4:30 pm and getting dark by the time Jack had this interview. We headed back to the hotel to get cleaned up. With Drew and Nicki driving back to Southern California from C@rmel, we met them for dinner at Trattoria Neapolis. It was great to see Drew and Nicki, but everyone thought that the food was only so so.

Friday, November 29, 2013

To Pasadena

At the Langham

Sharon, Jack and I caught a 1:25 pm flight from Sacramento to Burbank. We picked up a rental car and drove to The Langham Huntington Hotel in Pasadena. We will spending the next two nights here. Jack will be playing in a baseball showcase at Occidental College on Saturday and Sunday.

We got to the hotel about 3:30 pm, but the room was not ready. They gave us a voucher for The Tap Room. After about 35 minutes, they called Sharon's cell phone.

Sharon got a very nice room with a great view to the south. We hung out in the room and then finished the evening with dinner at the Royce Restaurant in the hotel. We all had steaks...

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Felix Cartal - Slow Motion (featuring HAERTS)

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

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Felix Cartal - Slow Motion

Code Expiration: February 21, 2013

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Thanksgiving 2013

After running the Run to Feed the Hungry, Sharon made a couple of pumpkin pies. We hit the jacuzzi while the pies were cooking and then got cleaned up.

We took off for Sharon's brother Tim's house in the early afternoon. It was a medium-sized group this year, including: T0m, Becky, Kevin, Jim Dunn, Tim, Kathy, Eileen, Sharon, Jack and I. Tim and Kathy made a great turkey dinner with some cuts that Tim got from a barbecue client. The only downside was that we ended up eating pretty late. The evening included watching parts of the Dallas/Oakland [31 to 24] and Baltimore/Pittsburg [22 to 19] football games.

2013 Run to Feed the Hungry


For the ninth time in the last ten years [20122011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2006, 2005 and 2004], Sharon, Jack and I ran the Run to Feed the Hungry. We entered in 2007, but I was feeling under the weather and we decided not to run before heading to San Francisco for Thanksgiving.

For the second year in a row, we parked on University Avenue and walked across the Guy West Bridge to the campus. Walking up to the starting line with about five minutes to go before the gun, I had to weave my way up to the timed runners section. In the process, I lost contact with Jack. He caught up with me at about the 1.3 mile mark. Jack tapped me on the shoulder and loped by me. I didn't even try to stay in contact with him…

My time was 52:58 for an average pace of 8:35. My 5k pace was 8:28. My splits were: 1-8:29; 2-8:15; 3-8:35; 4-8:47; 5-8:38, and; 6-8:39. I backed off just a bit in mile 4. Last year, I ran a 53:50 for an average pace of 8:40.

Jack ran the race in 47:38 for a pace of 7:40. Jack's pace for the first 5k was 7:23. Last year, he ran a 50:41 for a pace of 8:10. In an odd twist, Jack ran with Sharon's bib.

The weather was perfect!



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Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Golf with the Sanborns at Ancil Hoffman


Sharon and I played golf with the Sanborns at Ancil Hoffman. Anchored by a couple of pars and a couple of bogeys on the four par threes, I ended up shooting a winter rules 105. I had a 53 on the front nine and a 52 on the back nine. I sunk two long punts [something I rarely do] that helped my score.

I bought a new set of clubs last year, but this was the first time that I have used the irons. More than any other set of clubs I have played with, I honestly felt like the clubs were helping me more than hurting me. There were a number of shots that I felt like I mis-hit and still got a fair result. On the really bad shots, I continue to pull my head up or step out of the swing; no club is going to solve that…

With a 9:52 am tee time, the weather was gorgeous on the back nine. We had a great time and talked about playing again over the Christmas break.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Waikiki Historic Trail Marker #4

Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana'ole Pi'ikio
Waikiki Historic Trail Marker #4

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

This site is located at 2626 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 21° 16.390 W 157° 49.422. There are twenty other markers on the Waikiki Historic Trail.

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

Waikiki Historic Trail Marker #5

This stretch of beach (from Kapahulu groin to the Beach Center) is Kuhio Beach Park. It is named for Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana’ole Pi'ikoi, a descendant of ancient royal families. He was born on the island of Kauai in 1871. After his parents died, he was adopted by his aunt, Kapi'olani, and her husband David Kalakaua. When Kalakaua became king, he named Jonah a prince. He studied to prepare himself for important positions in government, but his dreams were dashed when the monarchy was overthrown in 1893. A staunch royalist, in 1895 he joined an unsuccessful attempt to overthrow the Republic of Hawaii and restore Queen Lili'uokalani to the throne. He was charged with treason and served on year in prison.

Six years after his release, Kuhio was nominated by Hawaii's local Republican Party to be the Territorial Delegate to the United States Congress. Popular among the Hawaiian people and much admired by everyone, he won the election handily and served as Delegate from 1902 to 1922. He is best known for the passage of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, which provided Hawaiians 200,000 acres of land for homesteading and the establishment of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, which still exists today. He lived in a stately home called Pualeilani or Flower from the Wreath of Heaven and was located near where you stand. The property, which included the beach, was given to the City and County of Honolulu upon his death and has been enjoyed by millions since.


IMG_4088-001

Starbucks iTunes Pick of Week - MealBoard

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Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Ski Safari

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

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Ski Safari

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Monday, November 25, 2013

Virtually Biking Across America - Day 74

Day 74

Feeling physically beat up and mentally rundown, I only rode 10.6 miles across Nebraska on Day 74.

Starting the ride on South Osage Avenue near a marker for the 32 Mile Creek Pony Express Station [40° 31' 19.70", 98° 28' 49.30"], I headed south on to West Assumption Road. Turning east, I rode to Highway 281 [American Legion Memorial Highway] and turned south. I turned east on West Monument Road and finished the ride in the middle of nowhere [40° 26.235' 98° 23.200'].

The trip log for Virtually Biking Across America is here.

Walbeck Baseball Academy

Sunday, November 24, 2013

ESPN Films 30 for Vol II: Free Spirits

I watched Free Spirits. This is the tenth installment of ESPN's 30 for 30 Vol II. An episode guide for Vol II is here. With a very busy fall from a personal and professional perspective, I am still trying to catch up on all of the 30 for 30s that were released in October.

Free Spirits looks at the short-lived Spirits of St. Louis of the American Basketball Association. The team played in St. Louis as the Spirits for two seasons: 1974-75 and 1975-76.

The film also looks at the career and life of Marvin Barnes. Barnes was one of the most colorful players on the team. He is interviewed for the film. Other players that played for the Spirits included Moses Malone, Maurice Lacus, Don Chaney and M.L. Carr.

One of the most surprising things for me was that Bob Costas was the started his career with the Spirits. Hired straight out of college, he was the radio announcer for the team.

When the American Basketball Association disbanded in 1976, four ABA franchises joined the NBA -- the Nets, Nuggets, Pacers and Spurs. But the owners of the Spirits, the brothers Ozzie and Dan Silna, struck an amazing deal to acquire future television money from the teams that joined the NBA. They got a one-seventh share from each franchise in perpetuity. Presently, the Silnas receive $14.57 million a year, despite being owners of a team that hasn't played one minute of basketball in 35 years.

This is definitely a 30 for 30 worth look for. It is one of the best of volume II.

Bill Simmons talked to Bob Costas about the 30 for 30 'Free Spirits' and memories from the ABA on his podcast.

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Sienna Restaurant

Dropping Jack at a birthday party for a classmate/teammate in Serrano on Friday night, Sharon and I had dinner at Sienna Restaurant in El Dorado Hills. This restaurant is where the Masque Ristorante used to be. Sharon had a pork loin special while I had the Thai Chili Mahi Mahi. The food was solid, but not great.

Friday, November 22, 2013

50th Anniversary of the Assassination of JFK

John F. Kennedy was assassinated fifty years ago today.

I was six years old when Kennedy was assassinated. I can remember walking down a hallway at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School in Gridley and hearing two teachers talking about Kennedy being shot. I would have been in first grade.

For a biography of JFK, I recommend An Unfinished Life.

I also recommend The Sins of the Father; this is the story of JFK's father.

Note to self, I still need to read biographies of Bobby and Teddy Kennedy.

On Wednesday night, Sharon and I watched Tom Brokaw discuss his news special, "Where Were You the Day JFK Died?" on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart Show.

On Thursday, I listened to Bill Simmons' podcast with Chris Connelly and Chuck Klosterman to review the many theories being presented at the 50th anniversary of the JFK assassination.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Waikiki Historical Trail Marker #11

Apuakehau Stream and Waikiki Beachboys
Waikiki Historic Trail Marker #11

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

This site is located next to the Duke’s Restaurant patio, 2353 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, Hawaii. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 21° 16.590 W 157° 49.662. There are twenty other markers on the Waikiki Historic Trail.

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

IMG_4101-001

The largest of Waikiki's three main streams emptied into the sea near where you stand today. The Apuakehau (literally, "basket of dew") flowed through the middle of Waikiki between the ancient areas known as Ulukou and Helumoa until the 1920s. Its waters, which flowed down from Manoa and Palolo Valleys, were then diverted into the Ala Wai Canal.

Apauakehau had always been a favorite spot for the ali'i who enjoyed its cool, clear waters after swimming in the ocean. The mouth of the stream carved out a channel in the ocean bottom that is said to have been the ancient surfing area called Kalehuawehe.

The original Outrigger Canoe Club located at this site was formed in 1908 to perpetuate the ocean sports of surfing and canoe paddling. A rival club, the Hui Nalu ("club of the waves") was formed by Duke Kahanamoku and other Hawaiians and part-Hawaiians in 1911. Many of it members became the first beach boys.

This area was once a favorite sport for Waikiki famed beach boys, a group of men whose lives were a definitive part of Waikiki's romantic past. Known by lively nicknames such as Steamboat, Turkey, Splash, Colgate and Panama, these water sports enthusiasts were instructors, companions, musicians, and goodwill ambassadors. Their clients included Hollywood celebrities and royalty. Today, beach boys are licensed by the State of Hawaii to teach surfing and other water sports and must be qualified in life-saving skills. Here on Waikiki Beach they continue the traditions of this unique and colorful profession.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

ESPN 30 for 30 Shorts: The Great Imposter

10/29/2014 Update: Grantland and ESPN have taken the older 30 for 30 Shorts down from the Grantland and ESPN web sites. They are now showing them on ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU as 30 for 30 Shorts.

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

More about the film at: http://espn.go.com/30for30/film?page=thegreatimposter.

30 for 30 Shorts: The Great Imposter

The latest film, from director Matt Dilmore, tells the story of how a guy from Detroit was able to con just about every sports league in the country.


You can find The Great Imposter on the ESPN web site at http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=10000101.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

2013 Kings versus Suns

Kings versus Suns

Jack and I went to the Sacramento Kings versus Phoenix Suns basketball game. Trailing for most of the game, the Kings outscored the Suns by 9 points in the fourth quarter to win the game by the score of 107 to 104. We sat in section 112, row T, seats 15 and 16.

Somewhat to my chagrin, I have managed to raise a son that is a Phoenix Suns basketball fan, an Indianapolis Colts football fan and a St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. I partially blame satellite television. We have had Directv for the last fifteen years with packages for the three major sports. This means that Jack has been able to follow any team that he wanted.

The Kings were led by DeMarcus Cousins. He had 27 points on 9 for 18 from the field and 9 for 15 from the free throw line. Cousins also had 12 rebounds, 4 steals, 3 assists and 2 blocked shots.

The Suns were led by Gerald Green. He had 23 points on 6 for 13 from the field, 4 for 8 from three point range and 7 for 8 from the free throw line. Jack was disappointed that Eric Bledsoe didn't play. The Suns leading scorer missed the game due to a leg bruise.

There was a Jimmer sighting. After playing in only two of the Kings first eight games, Jimmer played fourteen minutes. Watching Jimmer while he was in the game, I continue to feel that he is not an NBA player.

After averaging almost 10 games a year since 1996, I only saw one game last year. I went to opening night. It will be interesting to see how many games I end up going to this year.

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Big Lens

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

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - 11/19/2013 - Big Lens

Code Expiration: February 11, 2013

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - HAIM - Honey & I

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

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - HAIM - Honey & I

Code Expiration: February 11, 2013

Monday, November 18, 2013

Virtually Biking Across America - Day 73


On day 73, I rode 19.4 miles across Nebraska. Starting in Heartwell, Nebraska, I rode east on Interstate 34 [Grand Army of the Republic Highway]. South of Juniata and West of Hastings, I turned south on South Juniata Road. I ended the ride on South Osage Avenue near a marker for the 32 Mile Creek Pony Express Station [40° 31' 19.70", 98° 28' 49.30"].

The trip log for Virtually Biking Across America is here.

Day 73

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country

Sharon, Jack and I watched Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. After seeing Star Trek into Darkness in June, we started project to start a project to go back and see all of the other Star Trek films in order like we did with the James Bond films.

Released 1991 by Paramount Pictures, the film is the sixth installment based on the Star Trek science fiction franchise. The film marked the final appearance together of the original series' cast. It also marked the last appearance to date of Nichelle Nichols as Uhura in an actual Star Trek movie or TV episode, and the final appearance of DeForest Kelley, who died in 1999, as Dr. McCoy. Kim Cattrall plays Valeris, the Enterprise's new navigator and the first Vulcan to graduate at the top of her class at Starfleet Academy.

In the film, the destruction of the moon Praxis leads the Klingon Empire to pursue peace with their long-time adversary the Federation. The crew of the USS Enterprise must race against unseen conspirators with a militaristic agenda who want to disrupt any peace process.

I liked this film a lot more than the previous two films in the franchise. Sharon did not.

ESPN 30 for 30 Vol II Trailer: Free Spirits

The tenth film--Free Spirits--in ESPN's 30 for 30 Volume II premiered Tuesday, October 8, 2013 at 8 pm ET.

Friday, November 15, 2013

Waikiki Historic Trail Marker #2

Waikiki
Waikiki Historic Trail Marker #2

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

This site is located in Kuhio Beach Park, Honolulu, Hawaii. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 21° 16.290 W 157° 49.370. There are twenty other markers on the Waikiki Historic Trail.

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


Waikiki means "spouting water" because it was a vast marshland fed by man streams. You are in fact standing on what was the mouth of an old stream, the Kuekanunahi. From ancient times Waikiki has been a popular surfing spot which is one of the reasons why the chiefs made their homes and headquarters here for hundreds of years. Though it's been called "the sport of kings," everyone surfed. Surf spots had their special names and the most famous in Waikiki was Kalehuawehe or "take off the lehua." It was so named when a legendary hero took off his lie of lehua blossoms and gave it to the wife of the ruling chief with whom he was surfing. Romance and surfing often went together.

Believe or not, by 1900 surfing had nearly died out in Hawaii partly because of missionary opposition to the sport which took people away from worship and other religious obligations. Waikiki has some of the best summer waves in the world. The swells vary in height from 2 to 8 feet and on rare occasions, have reached as high as 35 feet. A ride can easily extend a hundred yards or so. The longest ride recorded took place in 1917 when the great Duke Kahanamoku caught a 35-foot wave and rode it to shore, a distance of a mile and a quarter.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

ESPN Films 30 for 30 Vol II: Hawaiian: The Legend of Eddie Aikau

Sharon and I watched Hawaiian: The Legend of Eddie Aikau. This is the ninth installment of ESPN's 30 for 30 Vol II. An episode guide for Vol II is here.

This film chronicles the life of Eddi Aikau. This is another excellent 30 for 30 film on a subject--surfing--that I know nothing about; I had never heard of Eddie Aikau.

Eddie Aikau was a legendary Hawaiian big wave surfer, pioneering lifeguard and a crew member of the Polynesian voyaging canoe Hokule'a. During a period when most of the surfers were American or Australian, he became famous for surfing the big Hawaiian surf. There is a lot of footage of Aikau surfing 30 to 50 foot waves, particularly at Waimea Bay on Oahu. He won several surfing contests including the 1977 Duke Kahanamoku Invitational Surfing Championship.

Aikau's life is encapsulated in the phrase "Eddie Would Go."

Interwoven with the story of Aikau is the story of the decline and re-birth of the Hawaiian culture. The film explores both the recent past of the Hawaiian Islands and the roots of the Hawaiian culture.

This is definitely a documentary to look for. It is a little long. Unlike the first set of 30 for 30s, there seems to be more 90 minute films in the 30 for 30 Volume II series.

Hawaiian: The Legend of Eddie Aikau is available on iTunes.

A trailer for the film is here.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Virtually Biking Across America - Day 72

Day72

On day 72, I rode 22.3 miles across Nebraska. Starting on the grounds of Fort Kearney, I rode east on Highway 50A. I turned south on Highway 10 and traveled south to Minden. Turning east on Interstate 34 [Grand Army of the Republic Highway], I rode into Heartwell, Nebraska.

The trip log for Virtually Biking Across America is here.

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Paul McCartney - New

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

Starbucks

Code Expiration: February 4, 2013

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Dark Sky

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

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Dark Sky

Code Expiration: February 4, 2013

Monday, November 11, 2013

All World Sports Edge of Darkness Day 2


Back at the Galt Community Park on Sunday for the second day of the All World Sports Edge of Darkness baseball tournament, the Walbeck Baseball Academy played the Nevada Mavericks. My only wish for the weekend was to avoid the 8 am games. Unfortunately, for the second straight day, the game was at 8 am.

Leading off, Jack was 1 for 2 with a single, a walk, reached on an error, two stolen bases and a run scored. In his first at-bat, Jack hit a 3 and 2 pitch off the end of the bat for an infield single. The ball had a funny spin and landed just pass the pitcher on the right side. He went to second on Cooper's bunt single and stole third. With no outs, they couldn't get him home. Jack ran the count to 3 and 2 and drew a walk in his second plate appearance. He stole second and then scored on Jared's double. In his third at-bat, Jack hit a 1 and 1 pitch to the left side that went through the shortstop's legs for an error. Again, he ended the inning at third.

In the outfield, Jack played the entire game in left field. He had one put-out.

Behind a strong pitching outing by Marco, Walbeck beat the Mavericks by the score of 9 to 3. Macro is a junior at Jesuit and played with Jack on the Cardinals fall ball team.

With a two hour break, we had a big breakfast with the Renterias and the Roesslers at the Velvet Grill and Creamery in Galt. The Walbeck Baseball Academy then played in the semi-final game of the tournament against the East Bay Hackers. They lost to this team in the second game on Saturday.

Leading off, Jack was 1 for 3 with a double and a run scored. In his first at-bat, he struck out swinging on a 3 and 2 pitch. Jack crushed a 3 and 2 pitch for a double to the right center fence in his second plate appearance. He went to third on Cooper's single and scored on Jared's sacrifice to center. In his third at-bat, Jack crushed a 0 and 2 pitch for a very hard line drive right at the right fielder for an out.

In the field, Jack played the entire game in centerfield. He had two put-outs. I would have charged him with an error. With the game tied at 2 to 2 in the fifth inning, the bases were loaded with no outs. With the infield drawn in, a grounder was hit back up the middle. Two runs scored. Jack fielded the ball in shallow center and threw to third in time to get the runner trying to go from first to third, but the throw was high and sailed into the dugout.

Walbeck ended up losing the game by the game of 7 to 2 and was eliminated from the tournament. The Molina Marauders [who Walbeck beat on Saturday] ended up winning the championship by the score of 2 to 1 over the East Bay Hackers.

Jack had a great weekend. He hit .444 [4 for 9] with an on-base percentage of .583 [7 for 12]. Jack also reached base twice on errors. As result, he was on base 9 of the 12 times that he came to the plate.

Sunday, November 10, 2013

All World Sports Edge of Darkness Day 1


On Saturday, the Walbeck Baseball Academy played in the first day of the All World Sports Edge of Darkness baseball tournament at the Galt Community Park. They played the Molina Marauders in the first game at 8 am. Cooper is now playing with Walbeck; he and Jack played together on the Gunners and Outlaws since 2008. In addition, there were two other players from the Jesuit freshman baseball team: Jared and Kyle.

Leading off, Jack was 1 for 2 with a single, a walk, reached on an error, a stolen base and two runs scored. In his first at-bat, Jack hit a lazy fly ball into left center. The outfielder lost the ball in the rising sun and Jack was safe at first. He stole second, went to third on Kyle's sacrifice fly and scored on Jarred's sacrifice fly. Jack had a great second plate appearance. Running the count to 3 and 2, he fouled off a couple of pitches and then golfed a line drive into centerfield. Jack eventually came around to score another run. In his third at-bat, Jack walked. With the bases loaded and one out, he was forced out at home.

In the field, Jack played the entire game in left field. He had one put-out.

Trailing 4 to 2 in the bottom of the sixth with time running out, Walbeck rallied to score three runs and won the game by the score of 5 to 4.

They turned right around and played the East Bay Hackers. Rod thought that he recognized a couple of names from the Concord Patriots.

Leading off, Jack was 1 for 2 with a single and a walk. In his first at-bat, Jack hit a 1 and 2 pitch for a very high fly ball to right center for an out. Jack ran the count to 3 and 2, fouled off two pitches and then hit a hard ground deep in the hole on the left side for a single in his second plate appearance. The shortstop was able to knock the ball down, but not able to make a throw. In his third at-bat, Jack walked, but ended the inning at first.

In the field, Jack played the entire game in left field. He had two put-outs.

With too many walks and fielding miscues, Walbeck fell to the East Bay Hackers by the score of 8 to 3. At least four of the runs were unearned.

Walbeck finished the day ranked fifth out of the six 16u teams in the tournament. Unfortunately, this means that the boys will be back to play at 8:00 am on Sunday morning… Interestingly, no team had more than one win.

Saturday, November 09, 2013

Romeo & Juliet

Friday night, after going to dinner at the Mighty Tavern, Sharon, Jack and I went to see Romeo and Juliet at the Black Box Theater at Jesuit High School.

Romeo

Friday, November 08, 2013

Waikiki Historic Trail Marker #6

The Stones of Life
Waikiki Historic Trail Marker #6

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

This site is located at 2425 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 21° 16.550 W 157° 49.542. There are twenty other markers on the Waikiki Historic Trail.

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

The Stones of Life

The Stones of Life

Legend says these stones are the living legacy of four powerful Tahitian healers who
once resided near this site at a place called Ulukou. From the court of the Tahitian chief
the names of the four were Kapaemahu, Kahaloa, Kapuni and Kinohi. They came from
Moa'ulanuiakea on the island of Raiatea long before the reign of Kakuhikewa, beloved
Oahu chief during the 1500's.

The fame of the healers spread as they traveled throughout the islands administering
their miraculous cures. When it was times to return to Raiatea, they asked that two stones
be placed at their Ulukou residence and two at their favorite bathing place in the sea. Four
huge stones were quarried from Kaimuki, and on the night of "Kane" thousands transported
the stones to Ulukou. Incntations, fasting and prayers lasted a full cycle of the moon. The
healers then gave their names and mana (spiritual power) to the stones before departing for
their homeland.

Pipi Holo Ka'ao
(Sprinkled, the tale runs)

In 1997, the stones were raised onto a paepae (stone platform), and an ahu (altar) and
fence were built to honor and protect them. The largest stone was estimated to weigh 7.5
tons. As part of the project ceremonies, Tahitians from Raiatea presented a stone from the
healers' homeland which they named Ta'ahu Ea (the life).

These ancient stones are part of the spiritual history of Waikiki and the native Hawaiian
people. They remind us of the need to preserve and honor Hawaii's unique heritage for
generations to come.

Department of Parks and Recreation
City and County of Honolulu
1997

The Stones of Life


The Stones of Life

Thursday, November 07, 2013

ESPN 30 for 30 Shorts: The Scheduler Makers

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

30 for 30 Shorts: The Schedule Makers

The latest film, from documentarian Joseph Garner, tells the story of a husband-and-wife team who managed the MLB calendar for more than two decades.


You can find The Schedule Makers on the ESPN web site at http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=9897968.

More about the film at: http://espn.go.com/30for30/film?page=the-schedule-makers.

Wednesday, November 06, 2013

Virtually Biking Across America - Day 71


On day 71, I rode 21.3 miles across Nebraska. Starting at the old Pony Express Trail marker placed by Phelps County, Nebraska on Highway 183 [+40° 38' 53.94", -99° 22' 49.08"], I rode a short distance north to Road 747. Turning east, I rode 16 miles east on Road 747 to Highway 44. I went a mile south on Highway 44 and then turned east on Highway 50a. I finished the ride on the grounds of Fort Kearney.

With a slight downhill most of the way, this was one of the fastest rides that I have done. I carried an average speed of 21.3 miles an hour.

The trip log for Virtually Biking Across America is here.



Sunday, November 03, 2013

Gainsleys at the Fall Dinner Party

ESPN Films - Nine for IX - Branded

With Sharon in Napa with Janie, I rewatched Branded. Sharon and I had originally watched it two months ago when it first came out, but decided to watch it again before writing about it. This is the ninth film in a new series from ESPN films. Called Nine for IX (as in Title IX), the series includes films about women made by women.

The film explores the marketing of woman athletes. Using specific athletes to examine the issues, the documentary looked at Billy Jean King in the 1960's, Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova in the 1970's, Mary Lou Retton in the 1980's and Anna Kournikova in the 1990's.

Branded shifted gears at that point to look 1999 Women's World Cup Soccer Team. After focusing on Brandi Chastain taking off her shirt in the World Cup Final game, it used this as a spring broad to explore the struggles and challenges of marketing women's team sports.

The documentary then shifted gears back to individuals. It looked at Gabrielle Reece in the early 2000's, Danica Patrick in the late 2000's and "Lolo" Jones in the 2010's.

With I watched the film the first time, I missed the structure of Branded. I didn't really realize that it was moving forward through time. I enjoyed the film much more with the second viewing. While I was thinking that this was one of my least favorite ESPN Films in recent memory, I would now rank it more in the middle of the pack. It makes me that that I should go back rematch some of the other documentaries.

Branded is also available in iTunes.

Saturday, November 02, 2013

Renterias at the Fall Dinner Party

ESPN 30 for 30 Vol II - This Is What They Want

Sharon and I watched This Is What They Want. This is the thirteenth installment of ESPN's 30 for 30 Vol II. An episode guide for Vol II is here. With a very busy October from a personal and professional perspective, I have gotten way behind in watching the new batch of 30 for 30s that were released in October.

This film looks at Jimmy Connors extraordinary run at the 1991 U.S. Open. At time, Connors was 39 years old and ranked 174th in the world. It had been 8 years since his last Grand Slam singles title.

This Is What They Want also explores Connors' background and his relationship with other players. There is some great footage of Connors and John McEnroe interacting. The documentary includes interviews with Connors, McEnroe and a number of the other key figures.

During the first two weeks of September of 1991, I was at the Pacific Coast Banking School on the University of Washington Campus in Seattle. I was in the midst of what was the most tumultuous six month period of my life [August of 1991 to February of 1992]. I have no recollection of this tournament. As a result, it was very engaging to watch the documentary; I was not sure how it was going to end. This 30 for 30 is definitely worth watching.

Bill Simmons talks to Brian Koppelman about his 30 for 30 This Is What They Want, the movie 'Rounders,' and the New York Knicks on the October 31, 2013 BS Report podcast.