California Historical Landmark #287

Back working in Sonora in June, July, August, September, October, November and December of 2014, I started exploring the California Historial Landmarks in Calaveras County. Sites that I visited included: Valley Springs [#251], San Andreas [#252], I.O.O.F. Hall [#256], Fourth Crossing #258, Congregational Church [#261], Stone Corral [#263], Chili Gulch [#265], Jenny Lind [#266]; Mokelumne Hill [#269]; Pioneer Cemetery [#271], Douglas Flat [#272]; Carson Hill [#274], Robinson's Ferry [#276], Angels Camp [#287], Altaville [#288], Vallecito Bell Monument [#370]; Old Mining Camp of Brownsville [#465], Red Brick Grammar School [#499], Angels Hotel [#734] and Birthplace of Archie Stevenot [#769].

Angels Camp
California State Historical Landmark #287
See this location on Yahoo Maps in Flickr
See this location on Google Maps
This landmark is located northeast corner of Main Street and Birds Way, Angels Camp, California in Calaveras County. There are 40 other California State Historical Landmarks in Calaveras County. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 38° 04.105 W 120° 32.365.

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

Founded in 1849 by George Angel, who established a mining camp and trading store 200 feet below this marker. A rich gravel mining area and one of the richest quartz mining sections of the Mother Lode. Production records of over 100 million dollars for Angels Camp and vicinity. Prominent in early day California history. Townsite established in 1873. The locale of Mark Twain's famous story, The Jumping Frog of Calaveras County. Frequented by Joaquin Murieta, Black Bart, and other early-day bandits.

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Lia Ices - Higher

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



Code Expiration: December 23, 2014

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Ray Charles & Norah Jones - Here We Go Again

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



Code Expiration: December 23, 2014

Milo Greene's New Album - Control - 1/27/15

At long last, the new Milo Greene album--Control--will be out 1/27/15!

White Lies, the fifth track on the album, is premiering today. Watch it here!

You can pre-order the album on iTunes here and download a copy of White Lies.

White Lies by Milo Greene

White Lies from Milo Greene's new album: Control.

Slow Motion - Jack in the batting cage

As the coach discussed in Feburary, Jesuit is shifting from fall baseball to winter baseball this year. With the longer layoff this fall, I have been making sure that Jack is in the batting cage at least once a week working on his swing.


Slow motion from heringermr on Vimeo.

Davis Ranch

With Jack driving there and back, we made our annual pilgrimage to Davis Ranch to get fall decorations. We have gone there for a car load of stuff every fall for eleven straight years [2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013]. One of my favorite pictures from those trips is here.

Like last year, we were both surprised by the number of people. In the last two years, Davis Ranch has expanded to include a number of food and craft vendors. Unfortunately, the selection of large pumpkins was not good.

Jesuit Auction Sign-Up Party

Sharon and I went to a sign-up party that we purchased at the silent auction last March. Titled the River Runs Through It, the party was held at the beautiful home of a Jesuit alumni on the bluffs along the American River in Fair Oaks. The backyard had an amazing view to the south.

In one of those small world stories, the person at the registration desk was a college roommate of Devan and part of the week one group at Almanor. It has been years (decades?) since I have seen Jody, but she thought that she recognized my name and texted Devan. [Note to self: There is not a picture of Devan anywhere on the blog?!? Additionally, there are literally only two other references to her… Update: Devan is in one group picture from 1990.]

We had a nice evening. We ran into the Sogards and the Walbecks at the party.

College Fair for Private and Parochial Schools

Sharon and Jack went to the Sacramento College Fair for Private and Parochial Schools hosted on the Jesuit High School campus this year and sponsored by Christian Brothers, Cristo Rey, Jesuit High School and St. Francis High Schools. They got a chance to meet with admission representatives from nearly 100 different colleges and universities, public and private, in-state and out-of-state.

Jack is interested in the business programs at Rutgers University, New York University and University of South Carolina.

Liz's Progress on the Way of St. James - Day 15

We got another great email titled You never walk alone from Liz on Thursday as she travels along the Camino de Santiago. She has made it to Burgos. The city has the second largest cathedral in Spain.

An interactive version of the map of Liz's journey is here!

Future Stars

Jack, Sharon and I spent an hour at Future Stars with Scott Hamilton. Future Stars is a college counseling center designed to guide families through the college admissions process. This is our third session [9/9/2013, 1/14/2014].

We spent most of the session getting organized for the SAT and ACT tests next nine months. Scott gave Jack practice tests to take. Depending on the results of the practice tests, Jack will take an on-line prep class for one of the tests over the next couple of months.

It is hard to believe that in a year Jack will be applying for college!?!

ESPN 30 for 30 Shorts: Fields of Fear

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

30 for 30 Shorts: Fields of Fear

The latest film, from award-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney, tells the story of how a mental trauma can take the game away from a professional athlete

You can find Fields of Fear on the ESPN web site at http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=11537464.

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

California Historical Landmark #252

Back working in Sonora in June, July, August, September, October, November and December of 2014, I started exploring the California Historial Landmarks in Calaveras County. Sites that I visited included: Valley Springs [#251], San Andreas [#252], I.O.O.F. Hall [#256], Fourth Crossing #258, Congregational Church [#261], Stone Corral [#263], Chili Gulch [#265], Jenny Lind [#266]; Mokelumne Hill [#269]; Pioneer Cemetery [#271], Douglas Flat [#272]; Carson Hill [#274], Robinson's Ferry [#276], Angels Camp [#287], Altaville [#288], Vallecito Bell Monument [#370]; Old Mining Camp of Brownsville [#465], Red Brick Grammar School [#499], Calaveras County Courthouse and Leger Hotel [#663], Angels Hotel [#734]; Prince-Garibardi Building [#735], and; Birthplace of Archie Stevenot [#769].

San Andreas
California State Historical Landmark #252
See this location on Yahoo Maps in Flickr
See this location on Google Maps
This landmark is located northwest corner of State Highway 49 and Main Street, San Andreas, California in Calaveras County. There are 40 other California State Historical Landmarks in Calaveras County. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 38° 11.781 W 120° 40.860.

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



Settled by Mexicans in 1848 and named after the Catholic parish St. Andres, the town has been a noted mining camp since early days. Gold from the surrounding ancient river channels and placer mines contributed greatly to the success of the Union during the Civil War. The first newspaper was published here on September 24, 1846. Destroyed by fire June 4, 1858, and in 1863, San Andreas became the seat of Calaveras County in 1866. It was said to be a rendezvous for Joaquin Murieta - notorious stage robber Black Bart was tried here and sent to prison.

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Hyper Square

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



Code Expiration: December 16, 2014

Starbucks ITunes Pick of Week - 4: John Paul George Ringo

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



Code Expiration: December 16, 2014

Virtually Biking Across America - Day 98

On Day 98, I rode 20.0 miles across central Missouri. Starting at the intersection of Outlook Trail and Shooters Club Road, I rode parallel to Highway 50 and Business Highway 50 to the far side of Jefferson City. The iFit software won't let you build a route on the freeway so I had to jump through some hoops to build the route. I rode on Outlook Trail to Old Highway 50. Jumping across the freeway, I picked up West St. Martins Boulevard. Crossing back over the freeway, I followed Rabbit's Run to Country Club Drive. Jumping back to the other side of the freeway, I followed Missouri Boulevard which turns into Business 50 in Jefferson City. I turned right on East Dunkins street, left on Chesnut Street and then right on East Elm Street. I finished the ride at the corner of East Elm and Houchin Streets.

I am planning to parallel Highway 50 all the way to St. Louis. I have got to figure out a plan for simplifying the route.

The trip log for Virtually Biking Across America is here.

ESPN Films 30 for 30 Vol II Trailer: Playing for the Mob

The twentith film--Playing for the Mob--in ESPN's 30 for 30 Volume II premieres Tuesday, October 7, 2014 at 9 pm ET.

Milo Green Pic #4

Chapel of the North American Martyrs

Sharon, Jack and I toured the Chapel of the North American Martyrs. This is the new chapel that has been built on the campus of Jesuit High School.

Milo Greene Song in Movie Trailer for Tim Burton's "Big Eyes"

Post by Andrew Dawson Heringer.

Check It out : our @milogreene song Perfectly Aligned is in the trailer for the upcoming Tim Burton… http://t.co/vvRMhYouaI
— andrewheringer (@andrewheringer) September 19, 2014

Liz's Progress on the Way of St. James - Day 10

We got another great email titled The Agony and the Ecstasy from Liz on Thursday as she travels along the Camino de Santiago. She has made it to Navarette.

An interactive version of the map of Liz's journey is here!

Throwback Thursday

I posted this picture before as part of a set of six pictures from a long weekend in Mexico. It was taken in February 1988 at Nooter's bachelor party in Mazatlan.

California Historical Landmark #769

Back working in Sonora in June, July, August, September, October, November and December of 2014, I started exploring the California Historial Landmarks in Calaveras County. Sites that I visited included: Valley Springs [#251], San Andreas [#252], I.O.O.F. Hall [#256], Fourth Crossing #258, Congregational Church [#261], Stone Corral [#263], Chili Gulch [#265], Jenny Lind [#266]; Mokelumne Hill [#269]; Pioneer Cemetery [#271], Douglas Flat [#272]; Carson Hill [#274], Robinson's Ferry [#276], Angels Camp [#287], Altaville [#288], Vallecito Bell Monument [#370]; Old Mining Camp of Brownsville [#465], Red Brick Grammar School [#499], Angels Hotel [#734] and Birthplace of Archie Stevenot [#769].

Birthplace of Archie Stevenot
California State Historical Landmark #769
See this location on Yahoo Maps in Flickr
See this location on Google Maps
This landmark is located 3.7 miles south of Angels Camp on Highway 49, California in Calaveras County. There are 40 other California State Historical Landmarks in Calaveras County. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 38° 01.660 W 120° 30.398.

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

The Stevenot family established the borax industry in California. Archie Stevenot was proclaimed 'Mr. Mother Lode' by resolution of the 1961 session of the State Legislature. Not only he but his father and grandfather lent fame to the Carson Hill region of California.

To Honor 

Archie Stevenot 

"Mr. Mother Lode"

He was born Sept. 25, 1882 on the old Stevenot Homestead, one-half mile west of this marker, son of Emile K. and Sarah E. Stevenot and the grandson of Gabriel K. Stevenot, Calaveras County pioneer who pitched tent there in April, 1850.

Student, salesman, miner, rancher, post master, school board member and General Superintendent of the nearby Carson Hill Mine, he has spent a productive lifetime in this region. He established the Mother Lode Highway Association in 1919, serving as president or director until 1950 when it joined into the Golden Chain Council. One of the organizers of the California State Chamber of Commerce. One of organizers of Mother Lode Baseball League. A native son and one of the states favorites, there is hardly an activity for the benefit of California and the Mother Lode with which he has not been identified.

To our Supreme Noble Grand Humbug of the Grand Council of E. Clampus Vitus, Inc., this marker is affectionately dedicated this 14th day of October, 1961.

Matuca Chapter, E. Clampus Vitus No. 1849

Fall Slate Announced for ESPN Films’ 30 for 30 as Fifth Anniversary of Series Approaches

There is a complete episode guide for ESPN Films 30 for 30 Vol II here.

Fall Slate Announced for ESPN Films’ 30 for 30 as Fifth Anniversary of Series Approaches

ESPN Films today revealed the films that will make up its fall 2014 30 for 30 slate. The series will return for a six-week run Tuesday nights on ESPN beginning October 7, with one additional film in December. This October marks the fifth anniversary of 30 for 30’s launch in 2009.

The upcoming slate will kick off with “Playing for the Mob,” which delves into how mobster Henry Hill once helped orchestrate the fixing of Boston College basketball games. The film is narrated by actor Ray Liotta, who played Hill in the iconic movie “Goodfellas.” Other film topics include: the 1989 San Francisco earthquake shortly before Game 3 of the World Series; the rise, fall and maturation of former Oklahoma All-American linebacker Brian Bosworth; and the incredible story of Livan and Orlando “El Duque” Hernandez, half-brothers who escaped Cuba separately and quickly made themselves into star pitchers in the major leagues. “Brothers in Exile” will premiere in Spanish on ESPN Deportes on Saturday, Nov. 1, at 9 p.m. ET.

Additionally, actor Michael Rapaport takes a look back at the championship teams of the New York Knicks in his film “When The Garden Was Eden,” which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival this year; and “Rand University” will explore the enigma that is former NFL star Randy Moss by going back to where he came from – Rand, West Virginia.

“The U Part 2″ will debut after the Heisman Trophy presentation in December, making it the first 30 for 30 sequel. “The U,” a chronicle of the rise of the University of Miami football program in the 1980s, was one of the first 30 for 30 films, and subsequently became ESPN’s most-watched documentary film in history up to that point. In “The U Part 2,” director Billy Corben picks up where his original film left off, with Miami trying to recover from the devastation left by NCAA sanctions and scandals.

“Even though we have been at this for five years now, there is no shortage of incredible moments from the world of sports, so that enables us to continue making 30 for 30 films we’re proud of,” says Connor Schell, vice president and executive producer of ESPN Films and Original Programming. “The new slate takes a look at events and people that may be familiar to viewers,but our intent is to provide a totally different perspective through the visions of our various filmmakers.”

The “Playing for the Mob” debut on October 7 will be immediately followed by a special premiere of a new 30 for 30 Short titled “The Great Trade Robbery,” directed by Stu Zicherman. Launching on Grantland the next day, this short film is a first-person account by Jimmy Johnson of arguably the most significant trade in NFL history—when the Dallas Cowboys built their Super Bowl dynasty 25 years ago by sending star running back Herschel Walker to the Minnesota Vikings.

30 for 30 films will air on ESPN as follows (all times ET):

Tuesday, Oct.7, 9 p.m. – “Playing for the Mob”
Tuesday, Oct. 14, 10 p.m. – “The Day The Series Stopped”
Tuesday, Oct. 21, 9 p.m. – “When The Garden Was Eden”
Tuesday, Oct. 28, 9 p.m. – “Brian and The Boz”
Tuesday, Nov. 4, 9 p.m. – “Brothers in Exile”
Tuesday, Nov. 11, 8 p.m. – “Rand University”
Saturday, Dec. 13, 9 p.m. – “The U Part 2”

Milo Green Pic #3

Starbucks ITunes Pick of the Week - Next-Numbers

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



Code Expiration: December 9, 2014

Starbucks ITunes Pick of the Week - Circle ~

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



Code Expiration: December 9, 2014

Liz's Progress on the Way of St. James - Day 5

We got an email from Liz on Saturday. She made it to Pamplona ["running of the bulls" land] on Friday night. Liz toured the Cathedral and some of the city's other sites on Saturday morning before heading on down the road.

An interactive version of the map of Liz's journey is here!

Milo Green Pic #2

Tom and Eric for Dinner

With lots of stuff swirling around, we had Sharon's brother Tom and her nephew Eric for dinner. Sharon made her much requested cornflake chicken and scalloped potatoes.

Milo Green Pic #1

2014 Holy Bowl - Jesuit versus Christian Brothers

For the third year in a row [2012, 2013], Sharon, Jack and I went to the Holy Bowl at Hughes Stadium. Although we had intended to get going earlier, we didn't get to the parking garage until after 5:30 pm. Sharon and I tailgated for a bit by the car and then headed to the booster barbecue. With the temperature over 100 degrees, it was very hot on the asphalt.

Sharon and I wandered into the stadium after 6:30 pm. We headed up sitting with the Chappelles for third year in a row. Their son went to SEAS with Jack and he is playing on the varsity team.

Running out to a 35 to 0 half-time lead, the Marauders coasted to a 48 to 21 victory. Brownholtz scored on a 32-yard run and threw to Isaiah Bailey for a one-handed 9-yard TD for Jesuit. Dalvin Jamal-Milton added touchdowns on runs of 27 and 25 yards. Beau Bisharat ran for touchdowns of 3 and 4 yards and scored on a 44-yard pass; he had 101 yards rushing.

We made a reasonably quick exit from the parking garage and were home before 10:30 pm. Getting there early enough to park on the first floor of the parking garage is definitely the secret to being able to get out of there quickly.

California Historical Landmark #274

Back working in Sonora in June, July, August, September, October, November and December of 2014, I started exploring the California Historial Landmarks in Calaveras County. Sites that I visited included: Valley Springs [#251], San Andreas [#252], I.O.O.F. Hall [#256], Fourth Crossing #258, Congregational Church [#261], Stone Corral [#263], Chili Gulch [#265], Jenny Lind [#266]; Mokelumne Hill [#269]; Pioneer Cemetery [#271], Douglas Flat [#272]; Carson Hill [#274], Robinson's Ferry [#276], Angels Camp [#287], Altaville [#288], Vallecito Bell Monument [#370]; Old Mining Camp of Brownsville [#465], Red Brick Grammar School [#499], Angels Hotel [#734] and Birthplace of Archie Stevenot [#769].

Carson Hill
California State Historical Landmark #274
See this location on Yahoo Maps in Flickr
See this location on Google Maps
This landmark is located 3.7 miles south of Angels Camp on Highway 49, California in Calaveras County. There are 40 other California State Historical Landmarks in Calaveras County. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 38° 01.659 W 120° 30.400.

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

Gold was discovered in the creek just below here in 1848 by James H. Carson, whose name was given to the creek, hill, and town. In November 1854 the largest gold nugget in California, weighing 195 pounds troy, was found. It was worth $43,000 at that time.

Milo Greene Tour EP

At their October shows, Milo Greene will have a brand new tour EP, exclusively pressed for their Fall 2014 dates. It'll feature a song and b-side from their forthcoming album, as well as a live track, and one from our debut LP.

Liz's Progress on the Way of St. James - Day 1

Sharon's friend Liz is hiking the Camino de Santiago. This is the pilgrimage route to the shrine of the apostle St. James the Great in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain. Liz will be hiking almost 500 miles over the next six or seven weeks. Starting from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port on the French side of the Pyrenees, Liz sent an email on Tuesday from Roncesvalles at end of the first stage.

Sharon and I have talked about doing this pilgrimage someday.

Virtually Biking Across America - Day 97

On Day 97, I rode 22.5 miles across central Missouri. Starting at the intersection of Highway 50 and South Broadway Street in Syracuse, I rode east on Highway 50. I took Business 50 (Old Highway 50) through California, Missouri. This road turns into Outlook Trail. I ended the ride at the intersection of Outlook Trail and Shooters Club Road.

The trip log for Virtually Biking Across America is here.

ESPN Films - SEC Storied: The Believer

Traveling for work, I walked into the hotel exercise room and got on the treadmill just as the The Believer by Kenny Chesney and Shaun Silva was starting. This is the twelfth film in the ESPN Films SEC Storied series. An episode guide for SEC Storied is here.

The Believer is a biography of Steve Spurrier. He has had an amazing career as both an athlete and a coach, including:

• In high school, he was an all-state selection in football, basketball and baseball, and an All-American quarterback.
• As a three year starter at Quarterback for the Florida Gators, he won the Heisman Trophy in 1966.
• The San Francisco 49ers selected Spurrier in the first round (third pick overall) of the 1967 NFL Draft.
• Spurrier played for the 49ers for nine seasons, mostly as a punter and backup quarterback to John Brodie, before being traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers expansion team for his final NFL season in 1976.
• In 1983, Spurrier became the youngest head coach in professional football when he was hired to lead the Tampa Bay Bandits of the new United States Football League (USFL).
• From 1987 to 1989, he was the head coach of the Duke Blue Devils, a tenure that included Duke's first bowl game appearance since the 1960 Cotton Bowl Classic and a tie for the 1989 ACC championship, Duke's first ACC football title since 1962.
• During his twelve seasons as head coach of the Florida Gater (1990–2001), Spurrier won one national championship (1997), played for another (1996) and won six SEC championships (1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000).
• He coached the NFL Washington Redskins for a tremulous two years (2002 and 2003) posting a record of 12 and 20.
• Spurrier returned to coach in the SEC in 2004 and has coached the South Carolina Gamecocks for the last ten years, including winning the SEC Eastern Division championship for the first time in school history in 2010

Although I felt like the last ten minutes were more than a little soft, this is a solid biography. Most of the original 30 for 30s were an hour long. Many of the more recent 30 for 30 Volume 2 films have been stretched into an hour and a half or two hours. I think that some of them have suffered from the longer length. The films would be tighter and more effective if they were shorter…

The Believer is not currently available in iTunes or on Amazon.

A trailer for the film is here.

ESPN Films SEC Storied Trailer: The Believer

The twelfth film--The Believer--in ESPN's SEC Storied film series will premiered Wednesday, August 27 at 8 pm ET.

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - BANKS - Drowning

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



Code Expiration: December 2, 2014

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Hiss Golden Messenger - Saturday's Song

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



Code Expiration: December 2, 2014

Jesuit College Fair

Sharon and Jack went to the Jesuit College Fair. The fair included 25 Jesuit colleges from all over the United States. Jack expressed an interest in Loyola University Chicago.

California Historical Landmark #602 Revisited

While Kevin, Donna and Sharon were visiting Evangeline's Costume Mansion, I wandered across the street to take a picture of the recreated Ebner Hotel [California Historical Landmark #602]. The site looks a lot different than it did when I visited it in 2008.

Old Bale Mill State Historic Park Hike

While the kids were at six flags last Saturday, Sharon and I hiked on the History Trail in the Old Bale Mill State Historic Park. Including touring the grist mill, we covered 2.01 miles in 54 minutes. Using data from Runkeeper on my iPhone, I generated the following Google Earth view of the hike.

Amador County Wine Tasting

At the St Francis auction, Sharon's friend Laura successfully bid on a group vineyard tour and tasting at Vino Noceto in Amador County. Sharon and I met Laura, Laura's parents and Laura's brother and his wife at the winery. It was a nice tour. We walked into the vineyard and stopped and tasted a couple of Sangioveses. We got a chance to sample a number of different varieties of grapes as we walked along. We walked through the winery visiting the fermentation room, barrel room and crush pad and got a barrel taste. Although neither Sharon or I are particularly fond of Amador County wines, we enjoyed the Sangioveses. Sangioveses is the major varietal in Chianti.

Afterwards, Sharon and I made a quick stop at Andries Wines before heading back to Carmichael. The modern tasting room has some great views.

Breaking Bad: Season 1

Sharon and I finished watching the first season of Breaking Bad.

Season one premiered on January 20, 2008 on AMC with the season finale airing March 9, 2008. Originally scheduled to be nine episodes, only seven were written due to the writer's strike.

The pilot episode from season one was nominated for four Emmy's, including Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series [Vince Gilligan] and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series [Bryan Cranston]. Cranston won for Outstanding Lead Actor.

California Historical Landmark #276

Back working in Sonora in June, July, August, September, October, November and December of 2014, I started exploring the California Historial Landmarks in Calaveras County. Sites that I visited included: Valley Springs [#251], San Andreas [#252], I.O.O.F. Hall [#256], Fourth Crossing #258, Congregational Church [#261], Stone Corral [#263], Chili Gulch [#265], Jenny Lind [#266]; Mokelumne Hill [#269]; Pioneer Cemetery [#271], Douglas Flat [#272]; Carson Hill [#274], Robinson's Ferry [#276], Angels Camp [#287], Altaville [#288], Vallecito Bell Monument [#370]; Old Mining Camp of Brownsville [#465], Red Brick Grammar School [#499], Angels Hotel [#734] and Birthplace of Archie Stevenot [#769].

Robinson's Ferry
California State Historical Landmark #276
See this location on Yahoo Maps in Flickr
See this location on Google Maps
This landmark is located at the vista point on State Highway 49, 5.4 miles south of Angels Camp, California in Calaveras County. There are 40 other California State Historical Landmarks in Calaveras County. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 38° 00.545 W 120° 30.285.

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

In 1848 John W. Robinson and Stephen Mead established ferry transport for freight, animals and persons across river. In 1856 Harvey Wood purchased interest and later acquired property which was maintained by Wood Family until 1911. Charges were 50 cents for each passenger, horse, jenny or other animal.

The Causal Angel by Hannu Rajaniemi

In early September, I finished reading The Causal Angel by Hannu Rajaniemi. This is the third book in a trilogy. I read the first book--The Quantum Thief--in 2011 and the second book--The Fractal Prince--in 2013.

I enjoyed the first two books and found a number of the ideas interesting. I found this book more obtuse and less accessible than the first two. It probably would have helped to read the three books one after the other. The relentless terminology cries out for a lexicon. I eventually found one here after I finished the book…

The heart of the book is the battle between two post human upload collectives with differing goals, while the two main characters are caught in the middle trying to decide where their loyalties lie and what their goals are. The idea of a future where human conscious is uploaded into a "computer" is a common science fiction theme. This story pushes the idea to the limit.

The book was a nice interlude between the World War I book that I finished and my next presidential historical novel. I give The Causal Angel a solid "B".

Virtually Biking Across America - Day 96

On Day 96, I rode 21.5 miles across central Missouri. Starting at the intersection of Highway 50 and Highway 65 in Seladia, I continued east on Highway 50. I followed Old Route 50 through Otterville. I finished the ride at the intersection of Highway 50 and South Broadway Street in Syracuse.

The trip log for Virtually Biking Across America is here.

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Counting Crows - Palisades Park

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



Code Expiration: November 25, 2014

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Benjamin Booker - Violent Shiver

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



Code Expiration: November 25, 2014

Dinner with the Gainsleys

We met the Gainsleys at the Virgin Sturgeon. From there, we headed into Old Sacramento and had dinner at the Rio City Cafe. We finished the night wandering through Evangeline's Costume Mansion looking for masks for the fall dinner party.