Sunday, May 31, 2015

Off on his Jesuit Christian Service Immersion

Up at 3:30 am, we got to the airport at 4:30 am. Jack is traveling to Kansas City for a week with a group of twelve other Jesuit students (including Jason) plus faculty leaders Joe Potulny and Paul LeBoeuf for his Christian Service Immersion.

The group will be spending the week at Jerusalem Farm. This service-retreat is focused around four cornerstones: prayer; community; service, and; simplicity. Service has a emphasis on home repair. This includes the construction or repair of wheel chair ramps, decks, roofs, siding and painting.

We went to a presentation of all of the different immersion options last October. The parent meeting for the Kansas City immersion was held in January.

Saturday, May 30, 2015

Breaking Bad: Season 3

Sharon and I finished watching Season 3 of Breaking Bad. We finished Season 1 in September and Season 2 in February.

The third season of Breaking Bad premiered on March 21, 2010 and concluded on June 13, 2010. It consisted of 13 episodes.

This season received seven Emmy Award nominations with two wins. Bryan Cranston won his third consecutive award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series and Aaron Paul won for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series after being nominated the previous year.

I found the second half of the third season more engaging than the first half. We are going to make an attempt to bang out the fourth and fifth seasons before the end of the summer.

Friday, May 29, 2015

California Historical Landmark #915

Working out of St. Helena from January through November of 2015, I have started exploring California Historical Landmarks in Napa, Sonoma and Lake Counties, including: Site of Stone and Kelsey Home [#426], The Battle of Bloody Island [#427], Sulphur Bank Mine [#428], Lower Lake Stone Jail [#429], Stone House [#450], Old Bull Trail Road and St Helena Toll Road [#467], Chiles Grist Mill [#547], Schramsberg [#561], Charles Krug Winery [#563], Site of York's Cabin [#682], Site of Hudson Cabin [#683], Sam Brannan Store [#684], Sam Brannan Cottage [#685], Site of Kelsey House [#686], Beringer Brothers Winery [#814], Old Lake County Courthouse [#897], Petrified Forest [#915] and Litto's Hubcap Ranch [#939]. I visited all seven of the California Historical Landmarks in Lake County and finished visiting all of the Napa landmarks.

Petrified Forest
California State Historical Landmark #915

See this location on Yahoo Maps in Flickr
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This landmark is located at 4100 Petrified Forest Road, 5 miles northwest of Calistoga, California. There are 26 other California State Historical Landmarks in Sonoma County. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 38° 33.347 W 122° 38.335.

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

California Historical Landmark #915

The petrified forest, historically and scientifically significant as the state's only petrified forest dating from the Eocene period, is unique in its size, scope, and variety of petrification. Discovered in 1870, the forest is about a mile long by half a mile wide.

California Historical Landmark #915

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Goose & Gander

Spending the night with me in Napa, Sharon and I had a nice dinner at the Goose & Gander in St. Helena. We split a Radish Salad, Hudson Valley Torchon of Foie Gras, Wild King Salmon and Grilled California Sturgeon "Au Poivre." We had beet cake for dessert!?!

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu

I finished reading The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu and translated by Ken Liu. Orginally published in Chinese in 2008, the book was translated into English and then published in late 2014. It is nominated for both the 2015 Hugo and Nebula Awards for Best Novel.

Apparently, Cixin Lui is the most prolific and popular science fiction writer in the People's Republic of China. Liu is an eight-time winner of the Galaxy Award (the Chinese Hugo) and a winner of the Nebula Award. Prior to becoming a writer, he worked as an engineer in a power plant in Yangquan, Shanxi.

The beginning of the story is set in the Chinese Cultural Revolution that started in 1966. It follows the impact of the Cultural Revolution on scientists and other intellectuals. The book gradually shifts to become the story of an engineer trying to decipher a mystery and then morphs again in a story of first contact with an advanced alien race.

I enjoyed the book. The backdrop of the Chinese Cultural Revolution and Chinese Society gave the book a very different feel than most of the science fiction that I have read. This is the first book of a trilogy. I have pre-order the second volume of the trilogy; the translated version will be published in August.

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Lord Huron - Fool For Love

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

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Lord Huron - Fool For Love

Code Expiration: August 18, 2015

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Lonely Planet - An Innocent Abroad

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

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Lonely Planet - An Innocent Abroad

Code Expiration: August 18, 2015

Sunday, May 24, 2015

Kingsman: The Secret Service

After hiking in the East Bay at the Redwood Regional Park on Saturday, Sharon, Jack and I watched Kingsman: The Sercet Service.

The film is a 2015 British spy action comedy film based on the comic book The Secret Service, created by Dave Gibbons and Mark Millar. It stars Colin Firth, Samuel L. Jackson and Michael Caine.

When Sharon and I were banging out the Oscar nominated films in January and February, I must have seen the trailer for the movie a dozen times.

Sharon described the film as bizarrely amusing...

Saturday, May 23, 2015

Redwood Regional Park Hike

Redwood Regional Park

Sharon, Jack and I headed to the East Bay for the day. The plan was to hike in the Redwood Regional Park. After a stop for sandwiches in Lafayette, we got to the Skyline Gate Staging Area about 11:30 am. We ended up hiking almost 7.5 miles. We took the West Ridge Trail to the French Creek Trail. We followed the French Creek Trail for three miles. We then took the Chown Trail back up to the West Ridge Trail. We followed the West Ridge Trail past Redwood Bowl and made a quick stop outside the Chabot Space and Science Center before continuing to the car. We were back at the car about 3:15 pm.

There are a number of nice stands of second growth redwoods along the trail. Nevertheless, both Sharon and I were disappointed with the view; we were expecting to get some views of the bay and San Francisco, but never did.

I was also amazed at the number of dogs. As Jack pointed out, on the French Creek Trail, we would see the dogs come around the corner on the trail before we saw the people.

The traffic on the way back to Carmichael was heavy. We didn't get home until about 6:15 pm.

A Google Map and a view in Google Earth of the hike are here.

Friday, May 22, 2015

California Historical Marker #245

Location of the Famous Mussel Slough Tragedy
California State Historical Landmark #245

See this location on Yahoo Maps in Flickr
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This landmark is located at 5833 14th Ave, between Everett and Elder Avenues, 1.5 miles southeast of Hardwick, California. There are 2 other California State Historical Landmarks in Kings County. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 38° 58.703 W 122° 50.604.

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

California Historical Landmark #245

Here on May 11, 1880, during a dispute over land titles between settlers and railroad, a fight broke out in which seven men-two deputy U.S. marshals and five ranchers lost their lives. The legal struggle over titles was finally settled by a compromise.

California Historical Landmark #245

Kings County Landmarks


California State Historical Landmarks
in Kings County

NO. 206 EL ADOBE DE LOS ROBLES RANCHO
*NO. 245 Location of the Famous Mussel Slough Tragedy - [map] - {36.388794,-119.708817}
NO. 270 KINGSTON

List of California Counties

Thursday, May 21, 2015

ESPN 30 for 30 Shorts: The Anti-Mascot

Grant land and ESPN Films have released the thirty-third film in their 30 for 30 documentary short series.

30 for 30 Shorts: The Anti-Mascot

The latest film, directed by Colin Hanks, tells the story of how a bad team and an even worse idea were an ugly combination in San Francisco.


You can find The Anti-Mascot on the ESPN web site at http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=12876146.

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

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Bill Simmons Is Officially Done Working at ESPN

Bill Simmons Is Officially Done Working at ESPN, but Will Get Paid Through September | Vanity Fair

We’ve known for a week and some change that ESPN was not renewing its contract with sports journalist Bill Simmons, but it’s now clear that Simmons will not publish any work or appear on any television programs or podcasts for the duration of his contract.

Jalen and Jacoby acknowledge the departure of Bill Simmons at the beginning of their May 18, 2015 podcast [link to video version of the podcast]

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Judge Fred J. Cassibry Square

I wandered by this waymark while we were in New Orleans.

Judge Fred J. Cassibry Square
Louisiana Historical Marker

See this location on Yahoo Maps in Flickr
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This historic place is located at 701 St. Louis Street, New Orleans, in the Parish of Orleans, Louisiana. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 29° 57.378 W 090° 03.974.

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

Judge Fred J. Cassibry Square

Fred J. Cassibry (1918-1996), U.S. Navy WWII veteran, served on the New Orleans City Council, Orleans Civil District Court, U.S. District Court, E.D. La., and the Louisiana Economic Development and Gaming Corporation. Throughout his 40 years of public life, Judge Cassibry personified the definition of a dedicated public official. He never forgot he was a servant of the people. Square dedicated by 1999 La. Acts 708.

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Rules!

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

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Rules!

Code Expiration: August 11, 2015

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - NYTimes Crossword

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

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - NYTimes Crossword

Code Expiration: August 11, 2015

Monday, May 18, 2015

So What Exactly Doomed Bill Simmons at ESPN?

So What Exactly Doomed Bill Simmons at ESPN? | Vanity Fair

ESPN president John Skipper found himself literally backed into a corner at the Minskoff Theater on Tuesday morning by reporters asking about his abrupt decision last week to set the network’s star columnist and commentator, Bill Simmons, adrift once his current contract expires this fall.

Sunday, May 17, 2015

Mad Men - Season Seven

Sharon and I watched the final episode of Mad Men. The seventh and final season of the television drama series Mad Men consists of 14 episodes split into two, seven-episode parts. The first part of season 7 begins in January 1969, several weeks after the Thanksgiving 1968 ending of season 6 and ends in July 1969. The second part of season 7 takes place between April and November 1970.

One of the things that I enjoyed about the first couple of seasons was how it tied the events of the 60's into the arc of the show. Unfortunately, the show somewhat moved away from this in the last couple of seasons.

The show ends with the groundbreaking 1971 "Hilltop" television advertisement for Coca-Cola, created by McCann Erickson. I didn't realize until this week that McCann Erickson was a real ad agency.

Sharon enjoyed the last season and the final episode a lot more than I did. While the quality of the production and the acting remained very good, I felt that the series lost its sense of direction in the last season plus.

After we finished watching the final episode, Sharon watched the pilot. Set in early 1960, it is astonishing how much cigarette smoking there is in the first episode.

All of my Mad Men posts can be found here, including:

[Mad Men - Season Five]
[Mad Men - Season Four]
[Mad Men - Season Three]
[Mad Men - Season Two]
[Mad Men - Season One]

Saturday, May 16, 2015

St. Francis versus Franklin

Sharon, Jack and I went to the St. Francis versus Franklin Sac Joaquin section D-1 girls soccer championship game at Cosumnes Oaks High School. Bridget plays forward for St. Francis.

St. Francis lost the game by the score of 3 to 0. Kristie said that they had split during the regular season, wining 1 to 0 and losing 3 to 1. Although Jack disagreed with me, St. Francis looked outmuscled. They spent most of the game on their heels playing defense.

I was fascinated by the fact that two of the Franklin players were playing with bubble wrapped arms. One of the Franklin forwards played with her forearm, wrist and hand wrapped in bubble wrap. Eventually drawing a yellow card, she seemed to be effectively using it as a club on the St. Francis players. I am curious about the rules regarding playing with a cast or a brace.

DSC_0194

DSC_0199

DSC_0201

After the game, Sharon and I had dinner at the Lido Cafe in Carmichael. The food was only so so. Sharon liked the live music.

Friday, May 15, 2015

ESPN FiveThirtyEight Signals: By The Numb3rs

FiveThirtyEight and ESPN Films have released the four film in their Signals digital short series.

FiveThirtyEight Signals: By The Numb3rs

Personal trainers have been a part of professional sports for decades. Personal data analysts are newer.

As a trained mathematician, Justin Zormelo provided Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder with personalized analytics during Durant’s MVP season. And in his most recent undertaking, Zormelo is training a 17-year-old, 7-foot-1-inch Sudan native named Thon Maker.


You can find By The Numb3rs on the ESPN web site at http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id= 12377719 .

Thursday, May 14, 2015

ESPN 30 for 30 Volume 3 Episode Guide

I have really enjoyed Volumes 1 and 2 of ESPN 30 for 30. An episode guide for Volume 1 is here; my ranking of those films is here. An episode guide for Volume 2 is here. In fall of 2011, ESPN ran a series of ESPN Films that continued the spirit of 30 for 30. A list of those film is here.

ESPN has announced plans to make more 30 for 30 episodes. Films for 30 for 30 Volume 3 include:

1. Trojan War directed by Aaron Rahsaan Thomas - Tuesday, October 13, 2015 at 9 p.m.
When Pete Carroll took over the football program at USC after the 2000 season, the once-great Trojans were under siege. But thanks to his football knowledge, upbeat personality and recruiting skills, Southern Cal was soon back atop the college football world as home attendance skyrocketed, Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush won Heismans and the Trojans put together a 34-game winning streak. As it would be later discovered, though, the program was committing sins that would result in lost scholarships, victories and one of those Heismans. But those revelations didn’t come until after the national championship game in the 2006 Rose Bowl between USC and the University of Texas. Featuring interviews with Carroll, Leinart and others inside the USC program at the time, “Trojan War” looks at Carroll’s nine-year USC reign through the prism of that game, considered one of the greatest in college football history. It was also the beginning of the end.
2. The Prince of Pennsylvania directed by Jesse Vile - Tuesday, October 27, 2015 at 9 p.m.
Back in the 1980s, the road to the Olympics was long and hard for an amateur wrestler. But then along came John du Pont, an eccentric heir to the family fortune with a passion for wrestling. His 800-acre Foxcatcher Farm outside Philadelphia became the hub of the sport, with state-of-the-art training facilities, free accommodations, generous stipends and the support of America’s best freestyle wrestlers, brothers Mark and Dave Schultz. It all seemed too good to be true – and tragically it was, with a savage ending. Featuring fresh testimonials and never-before-seen footage, “The Prince of Pennsylvania” is the story of a paradise lost to the madness of its creator, a man who had the means to buy anything except for the one thing he truly wanted.
3. The Gospel According to Mac directed by Jim Podhoretz - Tuesday, November 3, 2015 at 9 p.m.
Football is a religion to many people. But few know the depths of both faiths as well as Bill McCartney, the former head football coach of the University of Colorado and the founder of Promise Keepers, a Christian men’s ministry. “The Gospel According to Mac” tells the truth-is-stranger-than-fiction story of Coach Mac’s controversial national championship run – two seasons that followed multiple arrests and strife between his mostly African-American players and the Boulder police, continued with McCartney’s own daughter becoming pregnant by the team’s quarterback before seeing that same quarterback struck by cancer, and culminated in consecutive Orange Bowl match-ups against Notre Dame. Bill McCartney’s passionate and often polarizing beliefs have made him many enemies and many admirers, but it’s difficult to deny that he embodies the essential issues facing football in America to this day.
4. Chasing Tyson directed by Steven Cantor - Tuesday, November 10, 2015 at 8 p.m.
With his outsized personality and ferocious punches, Mike Tyson cast a commanding shadow over boxing in the 1980s and ’90s. Even when “Iron Mike” was in prison, the heavyweight division belonged to him. Meanwhile, like Ahab patiently waiting to reel in his giant whale, Evander Holyfield endured years of delay for the opportunity to take down Tyson. Though he captured the heavyweight title when he knocked out Buster Douglas, the prevailing view of the mild-mannered Holyfield was that he was a journeyman – the heavyweight champion, but never a truly great one. Though Holyfield dramatically lost and recaptured the heavyweight crown, and then lost it again, even he understood that his career would ultimately be defined by how he stood up to Tyson – if he ever got his chance. By the time of their much-hyped and oft-delayed heavyweight title bout in November of 1996, Holyfield was 34 and considered past his prime. Four years younger, Tyson was heavily favored to be standing over another meek and easily vanquished opponent at the end. Instead, we got two of the sport’s most memorable fights – but for very different reasons.
5. Four Falls of Buffalo directed by Ken Rogers - Saturday, December 12, 2015 at 9:30 p.m. ET
From 1990-1993, the Bills went on an unprecedented run of AFC Championship victories, appearing in a record four straight Super Bowls. Of course, that isn't what the Bills are mostly remembered for. This is the story of a team that went down in history not for herculean achievement of making four straight Super Bowls, but for losing them all.
6. The ’85 Bears directed by Jason Hehir - Thursday, February 4, 2016 at 9 p.m. ET
The film will look at perhaps the most famous football team of all-time – the Super Bowl XX champion Chicago Bears – on the 30th anniversary of their epic triumph. The birth of Buddy Ryan’s 46 Defense, the sweet-revenge victory over the 49ers, the loss to the Dolphins that ruined their perfect season and the “Super Bowl Shuffle” that was filmed the day after, are all topics explored in this film about a group of misfits who became the toast of football.
7. Fantastic Lies directed by Marina Zenovich - Sunday, March 13, 2016 at 9 p.m. ET
This film will return to the night of March 13, 2006, when Duke University lacrosse players threw a team party that ended up changing lives, ruining careers, tarnishing a university’s reputation and even jeopardizing the future of the sport at the school. It will premiere on the 10th anniversary of the party that ignited what became a national firestorm and resulted in a highly-charged legal investigation. Usually confined to the sports section, lacrosse suddenly appeared on the front pages of newspapers because of the lurid details of the case and the hot buttons that it pushed: sex, race, class, violence.
8. This Magic Moment directed by Erin Leyden and Gentry Kirby - Thursday, April 14, 2016 at 9 p.m. ET
In the 1990s, the Orlando Magic, Shaquille O'Neal and Penny Hardaway were the talk of the NBA not only on the court, but off it as well. So how did a partnership that burned so bright get extinguished so quickly?
9. Believeland - May 13, 2016 at 9:30 pm. ET
It was only a matter of time. ESPN is dedicating an episode to Cleveland sports. Akron native Kris Belman, who did the LBJ documentary More Than a Game, will direct 30 for 30 on the Cleveland sports fan. ESPN Cleveland says this version of the outstanding documentary series will focus on the unique experience of being a Cleveland sports fan. Next year marks 50 years without a championship in Cleveland.
10. Doc & Darryl by Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio - July 14, 2016 at 9:00 pm ET
When they were good, they were the biggest stars on a team that captured New York City and the 1986 World Series. But when they were bad, Doc Gooden and Darryl Strawberry broke the hearts of Mets fans. "They were going to be our guys for years," laments Jon Stewart in this evocative yet searing 30 for 30 documentary directed by Judd Apatow ("Trainwreck") and Michael Bonfiglio ("You Don't Know Bo"). Reunited at a diner in Queens, the pitcher and the power hitter look back on the glory days of the mid-'80s and the harrowing nights that turned them from surefire Hall of Famers into prisoners of their own addictions. Listening to Doc talk about missing the parade down the Canyon of Heroes, or Darryl counsel others at his ministry, you can only wish that these two very different men had not followed the same destructive path.
11. Phi Slama Jama directed by Chip Rives - Tuesday, October 18, 8 p.m. ET on ESPN
They were the most popular fraternity on the campus of college basketball in the early 1980s. Led by a Nigerian soccer player named Hakeem Olajuwon and a lightly recruited hometown kid named Clyde Drexler, the University of Houston Cougars not only electrified the NCAA Final Four with three straight appearances (1982-84), but they also helped transform the game itself. In this 30 for 30 film, director Chip Rives brings back the high-flying circus act under ringmaster Guy V. Lewis and spins a tale of true greatness and crushing heartbreak. But while exploring that larger narrative, Rives also focuses on the disappearance of enigmatic role player Benny Anders and the lasting brotherhood that compels teammates and 1981-82 co-captains Eric Davis and Lynden Rose to try and find him after more than two decades of mystery.
12. Hit It Hard directed by David Terry Fine and Gabe Spitzer - Tuesday, November 1, 8 pm ET
If professional golf were put to country music, then the song would be about John Daly. Ever since he shocked the sports world by winning the PGA Championship at Crooked Stick 25 years ago, the blond bomber from Dardanelle, Arkansas, has been one of the most popular—and polarizing—figures in a sport that cherishes its traditions and minds its manners. In this revealing and rollicking 30 for 30 film, directors Gabe Spitzer and David Fine cover Daly’s rise and fall, his redemption at the British Open in St. Andrews in 1995, and his struggles with booze, food, gambling, women and depression. They also uncover a person whose story runs much deeper than his motto of “Sip It, Grip It, Rip It.”
13. Catholics vs. Convicts directed by Patrick Creadon - Saturday, December 10, 9 pm ET
On October 15, 1988, Notre Dame hosted the University of Miami in what would become one of the greatest games in college football history. It was tradition vs. swagger, the No. 4-ranked Fighting Irish versus the No. 1-ranked Hurricanes, one coaching star, Lou Holtz, versus another, Jimmy Johnson. But the name still attached to the contest came from a t-shirt manufactured by a few Notre Dame students: “Catholics vs. Convicts.” In this 30 for 30 documentary, director and narrator Patrick Creadon (Wordplay, I.O.U.S.A.) doesn’t just look back on the epic game. He explores the deeper narrative as a Notre Dame senior at the time, a close friend to the young men in the middle of the “Catholics vs. Convicts” controversy (Joe Fredrick and Pat Walsh) and a fellow classmate of the player behind center for the Fighting Irish (quarterback Tony Rice). The coaches and players open up about the fight that started the game, the highly debatable calls that are still being talked about and the insensitive aspects of the irresistibly popular t-shirt. As compelling as the tale of Notre Dame’s dramatic victory is—even losing quarterback Steve Walsh calls it “a helluva ballgame”—the backstory is just as riveting.
14. This Was the XFL directed Charlie Ebersol - February 2, 2017
How two longtime friends, pro wrestling impresario Vince McMahon and NBC Sports president Dick Ebersol (Charlie Ebersol's father), teamed to form the XFL, a football league widely ridiculed during its brief run yet also appreciated as a forerunner of modern-day sports broadcasts.
15. One and Not Done directed by Jonathan Hock - April 13, 2017
The life and career of John Calipari, one of the most polarizing figures in modern college basketball, weaving his story around that of his 2015–16 Kentucky team.
16. Celtics/Lakers: Best of Enemies - June 13 and 14, 2016 at 8:00 p.m. ET
"There are rivalries, and then there is the Celtics vs. the Lakers.
17. Mike and the Mad Dog directed by Daniel H. Forer - July 13, 2017 at 9:00 p.m. ET
Mike Francesa and Chris Russo, and their "Mike and the Mad Dog" show ruled afternoon sports talk for 19 years. When all was said and done, they changed sports radio forever.
18. George Best: All By Myself directed by Daniel Gordon - July 20, 2017
He was the Beatles of soccer - a handsome, charismatic lad from Belfast, Northern Ireland who worked wonders with the ball and thrilled Great Britain.
19. What Carter Lost directed by Adam Hootnick - August 24, 2017
In any other year, the 1988 team from Dallas' Carter High School would have gone down as one of the greatest in Texas football history, featuring 28 players who received college scholarship offers, eight of whom would eventually play professional football. Fighting off racial prejudice and a grades controversy — not to mention the team that would overshadow them in book and film (Odessa Permian) — Carter would claim the state title, only to be rocked to their core when six of their players were involved in an armed robbery that changed the community's reputation to this day.
20. Year of the Scab directed by John Dorsey - September 12, 2017
During the 1987 players' strike, the Washington Redskins field a roster of replacement players that goes 3-0 and helps pave the way for the Redskins' Super Bowl victory. Thirty years on, those players bear the stigma of being dismissed as "scabs" by fans in general and Redskins management in particular.
21. Tommy directed by Gentry Kirby and Erin Leyden - September 13, 2017
The unlikely rise and sudden fall of boxer Tommy Morrison.
22. Nature Boy directed by Rory Karpf - November 7, 2017
The life and times of professional wrestling legend Ric Flair.
23. The Two Bills directed by Ken Rodgers - February 1, 2018
A look at the relationship between NFL coaches Bill Parcells and Bill Belichick. Co-produced with NFL Films.
24. The Last Days of Knight directed by Robert Abbott - April 12, 2018
The saga surrounding Indiana University firing coach Bob Knight in 2000.
25. Seau directed by Kirby Bradley - September 20, 2018
The life of NFL legend Junior Seau, from his upbringing in a Samoan immigrant family, through his path to NFL superstardom and status as a league icon, ending in his seemingly inexplicable suicide in 2012.
26. 42 to 1 directed by Ben Houser and Jeremy Schaap - December 11, 2018
Chronicles Buster Douglas' shocking knockout of the then-undefeated Mike Tyson at the Tokyo Dome on February 11, 1990.
27. Deion's Double Play directed by Ken Rodgers and Erik Powers - January 31, 2019
A look at Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, focusing especially on a 24-hour span in 1992 when he sandwiched an NFL game between a pair of Major League Baseball postseason games in cities separated by 1,000 miles.
28. The Dominican Dream directed by Jonathan Hock - April 30, 2019
Chronicles the highs and lows of St. John’s star and professional basketball player Felipe López’s career.
29. Qualified directed by Jenna Ricker - May 28, 2019
How Janet Guthrie faced scorn, skepticism, and subpar equipment to shock the racing world by becoming the first female driver to qualify for the Indianapolis 500.
30. The Good, The Bad, The Hungry directed by Nicole Lucas Haimes - July 2, 2019
A look at one of the biggest rivalries in sports, that of competitive eaters Takeru Kobayashi and Joey Chestnut.

X. Down in the Valley directed by Jason Hehir
What does a sports team mean to a community? For the people of Sacramento, the answer is simple – everything. For three decades, Sacramento has been the improbable home to one of the NBA’s most improbable franchises – the Kings. Through the good, the bad, and the laughably ugly, Kings fans have stood by their team. So when news broke in 2013 that the team was likely leaving for Seattle – the second time in two years that it appeared relocation was inevitable – it sent shock waves through the community. All hope was seemingly lost until the city decided to fight back – again. At the helm was the city’s mayor, Kevin Johnson, a Sacramento native and former NBA All-Star, who seemed uniquely positioned to play point guard for the comeback attempt. “Down in the Valley” follows this historic saga from the locker room to the board room as a city and its favorite son fought to pull off perhaps the most unconventional upset in NBA history.

OJ: Made in America directed by Ezra Edelman - June 2016
The five-part documentary is a miniseries event and the first episodic documentary by ESPN Films, starting a new chapter for the 30 for 30 brand. OJ: Made in America examines the history of race over the last several decades through the lens of OJ Simpson’s rise and fall. It is perhaps the defining cultural tale of 20th-century America, one that centers around two of our country’s greatest fixations: race and celebrity. OJ: Made in America will explore these themes in tracing a personal journey, from how Orenthal James Simpson first became a football star, to why the country fell in love with him off the field, to his being accused of murdering his ex-wife and his subsequent acquittal and why he is now sitting in jail 20 years later for another crime. This 10-hour epic will have its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 22 and will debut on television in five parts in June.


5/14/2015 - ESPN announces plans to make 30 more ’30 for 30′ episodes

9/9/2015 - ESPN Films’ 30 for 30 Volume III to Launch this Fall with a Five-Week Run of New Documentaries

1/5/2016 - ESPN Films Announces New 30 for 30 Documentaries and First-Ever 30 for 30 Miniseries Event “OJ: Made in America”

10/3/2016 - ESPN Films Announces Next Three Documentaries in 30 for 30 Series

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

California Historical Landmark #134

I stopped here on my way home from last year's Petersen Shootout.

Donner Monument
California State Historical Landmark #134

See this location on Yahoo Maps in Flickr
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This site is located in the Donner Memorial State Park, Old Highway 40 at I-80 and Truckee exit, Truckee, California. There are 20 other California State Historical Landmarks in Nevada County. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 39° 19.431 W 120° 13.877.

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

California Historical Landmark #134

Commemorates the ill-fated Donner party of California-bound emigrants, who wintered here in 1846-1847, many died of exposure and starvation.

California Historical Landmark #134

Near this spot stood the Breen Cabin of the party of emigrants who started for California from Springfield, Illinois, in April, 1846, under the leadership of Captain George Donner. Delays occurred and when the party reached this locality, on October 29, the Truckee Pass Emigrant Road was concealed by snow. The height of the shaft of the monument indicates the depth of the snow, which was twenty-two feet. After futile efforts to cross the summit the party was compelled to encamp for the winter. The Graves cabin was situated about three-quarters of a mile to the eastward, the Murphy cabin about two hundred yards southwest of the monument, and the donner tents were at the head of Alder Creek. Ninety people were in the party and forty-two perished, most of them from starvation and exposure.

In commemoration of the pioneers who crossed the plains to settle in California

Monument erected under the auspices of the native sons and the native daughters of the Golden West.


California Historical Landmark #134

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Nevada Historical Marker #72

I stopped here on my way home from last year's Petersen Shootout.

Nevada State Children's Home
Nevada Historical Marker #72

See this location on Yahoo Maps in Flickr
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This marker is located at 673 South Stewart Street, Carson City, Nevada. There are 25 other historical markers in Carson City County. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 38° 57.930 W 119° 50.390.

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

Nevada Historical Marker #72


The Nevada Orphan's Asylum, a privately funded institution, was opened in Virginia City in May, 1867, by Sister Frederica McGrath and two other nuns of the Sisters of Charity. By 1870, most of its functions were taken over by the Nevada Orphans' Home at Carson City, authorized in 1869 by the Legislature and constructed on this site. The first child was admitted October 28, 1870.

In 1903, the first building gave way to a larger one, constructed of sandstone from the state prison quarry east of Carson City. This edifice, a Carson City landmark, served until 1963 as Nevada's home for dependent and neglected children. In the 1940's, its name was changed to the Nevada State Children's Home. During the 1950's, the name "Sunny Acres" was also used.

The stone building was in turn replaced in 1963, in accordance with the modern concept of family- sized groups housed in cottages.


Nevada Historical Marker #72

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - AirPano Travel Book

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Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - AirPano Travel Book

Code Expiration: August 4, 2015

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - SimCity BuildIt

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

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - SimCity BuildIt

Code Expiration: August 4, 2015

Monday, May 11, 2015

Inside the Shocking, Abrupt Divorce of Bill Simmons and ESPN

Inside the Shocking, Abrupt Divorce of Bill Simmons and ESPN | Vanity Fair

The co-author of the definitive history of ESPN, Those Guys Have All the Fun, reports on how the network and its biggest star met their bitter end.

The network’s president John Skipper made it official on Friday when he told Richard Sandomir of The New York Times, “I’ve decided that I’m not going to renew his contract. We’ve been talking to Bill, and it was clear that we weren’t going to get to the terms, so we were better off focusing on transition.
I have been following Bill Simmons since his early days on the Page 2 section of the ESPN web site. Two years ago, Sports Illustrated ranked Simmons as the most powerful figure in the sports media.

Simmons has gone dark since ESPN made this announcement. He has remained silent on his social media sites. It will be interesting to see when and where he is heard from again.

Sunday, May 10, 2015

Back from Reno [Mother's Day 2015]

We packed up and were out of the hotel by 8:30 am and on the road back to the valley by 8:45 am. After stopping at the house, Jack and I took Bridget back to Elk Grove. Although I was a little under the weather, it was a nice quick trip to Reno [less than 24 hours!]. I really enjoyed getting a chance to see Drew.

For Mother's Day, Sharon wanted me to take her shopping. We had a drink and hors d'oeuvres at Seasons 52. Afterwards, she shopped at Black and White. This didn't work out quite the way she envisioned. I need to have a better plan for next year.

I cooked lamb chops on the rotisserie with mashed potatoes and green beans for Mother's Day dinner.

Saturday, May 09, 2015

Milo Green and Foster the People in Reno


Sharon, Janie, Jack, Bridget and I took off just a little after noon for Reno. Milo Greene was opening for Foster the People at the Grand Sierra. After getting checked in, we linked up with the Gainsleys. I had gotten two rooms, including a large mini-suite for the girls. We hung out in the mini-suite. Eventually, we made contact with Drew, Nicky and Kyle.

At some point, we switched to the Gainsleys' room and then wandered down to the venue. Drew let us into the theater. We got a chance to watch Milo Greene set up and do their sound check. Foster the People wanted the room cleared when they did their sound check.

We took a group of seven to dinner at Charlie Palmers [short ribs]. After dinner, we dashed back, got our tickets and went into the theater. I really enjoyed the Milo Greene set. They played for about 45 minutes.

We got a chance to spend a lot of time with Drew and Nicky after Milo Greene played. We stood with them while Foster the People were playing. I had two observations about Foster the People. First, they were really loud. I was surprised by how much louder they were than Milo Greene. Maybe I am just getting old, but I am not sure what the point of how loud they were is. Second, they had an enormous light show accompanying their songs. I would hate to be the road crew that has to tear that down and set it up every day.

Struggling with a cold and feeling a little under the weather, I ended up back in the room and crashing before 11:30 pm. I was really nice to have a chance to see Drew and Nicky!


Friday, May 08, 2015

2015 St. Francis Jr. Prom

Jack and Bridget went to the 2015 St. Francis Prom. After pictures at our house, Kristi took them out to Rancho Murieta to join up with their group. In an odd twist, we were told that parents weren't invited to the house hosting the group. The prom was held at the Haggin Oaks Golf Complex.


Thursday, May 07, 2015

Cerner SmartHospital and SmartRoom

I spent the day in presentations for the SHNV Cerner SmartHospital and SmartRoom implementations. After an overview of the SmartHospital project phases, prerequisites and timeline goals, Cerner presented an overview of CareAware Connect, AlertLink and TemperatureLink, Sotera reviewed Visi Mobile, and CenTrak highlighted the RTLS technology. Cerner finished the day reviewing the components of the SmartRoom project, including MyStation and Roomlink,

Wednesday, May 06, 2015

South Carolina Historical Marker #10-06

While we were exploring Charleston, I stopped at a number of South Carolina historical markers, including: Thomas Smith [#10-03], St. Philip's Church [#10-06], The Siege of Charleston, 1780 [#10-65], The Seizure of the Planter [#10-76], Kress Building [#10-79], Jonathan Jasper Wright Law Office [#10-82] and U.S. Courthouse and Post Office/Briggs V. Elliott [#10-85].

St. Philip's Church
South Carolina Historical Marker #10-06

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This marker is located at the 146 Church Street, Charleston, South Carolina. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 32° 46.724 W 079° 55.758.

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

South Carolina Historical Marker #10-06


Here in the churchyard of St. Philip's are buried/CHARLES PINCKNEY/(1757-1824)/Signer of the United States Constitution and author of the famous/"Pinckney Draught"/Governor of South Carolina/U. S. Senator and Congressman/Minister to Spain/EDWARD RUTLEDGE/(1749-1800)/Signer of the Declaration of Independence/Delegate to First and Second Continental Congresses/S. C. Legislator & Senator/Governor of South Carolina.

South Carolina Historical Marker #10-06

Tuesday, May 05, 2015

California Historical Landmark #683

Working out of St. Helena from January through November of 2015, I have started exploring California Historical Landmarks in Napa, Sonoma and Lake Counties, including: Site of Stone and Kelsey Home [#426], The Battle of Bloody Island [#427], Sulphur Bank Mine [#428], Lower Lake Stone Jail [#429], Stone House [#450], Old Bull Trail Road and St Helena Toll Road [#467], Chiles Grist Mill [#547], Schramsberg [#561], Charles Krug Winery [#563], Site of York's Cabin [#682], Site of Hudson Cabin [#683], Sam Brannan Store [#684], Sam Brannan Cottage [#685], Site of Kelsey House [#686], Beringer Brothers Winery [#814], Old Lake County Courthouse [#897], Petrified Forest [#915] and Litto's Hubcap Ranch [#939]. I visited all seven of the California Historical Landmarks in Lake County and finished visiting all of the Napa landmarks.

Site of Hudson Cabin, Calistoga
California State Historical Landmark #683

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This landmark is located northeast corner of Highway 29 (Foothill Boulevard) and Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, California. There are 16 other California State Historical Landmarks in Napa County. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 38° 34' 31.3" W 122° 34' 49.3".

This site is not marked by a plaque. It is mentioned on the plaque for California Historical Landmark #682.

Untitled

David Hudson was one of the early pioneers who helped develop the upper portion of Napa Valley by purchasing land, clearing it, and planting crops and building homes. Hudson built his cabin in October 1845.

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Calexico - Tapping on the Line

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

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Calexico - Tapping on the Line

Code Expiration: July 28, 2015

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Mikal Cronin - Turn Around

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

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Mikal Cronin - Turn Around

Code Expiration: July 28, 2015

Monday, May 04, 2015

2015 Jesuit Awards Convocation

2015 Jesuit Awards ConvocationSharon, Jack and I went to the 2015 Jesuit Awards Convocation. We went last year. Like last year, Jack got a General Excellence Award.

Jack also got one of the Junior Book Awards. They gave a number of awards by subject to outstanding juniors. Jack won the Frederick Douglas and Susan B. Anthony Award from the University of Rochester. This award is for Humanities and Social Studies.

I wish that there was a list of who won which book award. I know that Matthew won the Science and Math award, but I am confused about which book award Marco won.

I am very proud of Jack's academic accomplishments!

2015 Jesuit Awards Convocation

2015 Jesuit Awards Convocation

Sunday, May 03, 2015

Walbeck Baseball Academy College Prep Player Evaluations

Jack spent Sunday afternoon at the 2015 16U and 18U college prep pre-summer season evaluations for the Walbeck Baseball Academy. The evaluations were held at El Camino High School. He has played for Matt's college prep teams for the last two summers.

There were about 50 boys trying out for the two teams. I was surprised to learn that Trevor and Niko were there. Jack played with them on the Gunners and Outlaws teams.

Great turnout this weekend for our #WBA evaluations, looking forward to our upcoming College Prep Summer Season! #walbeckbaseball #boysofsummer

Posted by Walbeck Baseball Academy on Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Saturday, May 02, 2015

2015 Jesuit Jr Prom

Jack and Bridget went to the 2015 Jesuit Jr Prom. After pictures at our house, we went to Theo's house for group pictures. Although Jack had talked about some struggles with the group dynamics in the week leading up to the prom, I was surprised at how large the group was! The prom was held at the Del Paso Country Club with a buffet dinner.

2015 Jesuit Jr Prom

2015 Jesuit Jr Prom

2015 Jesuit Jr Prom

2015 Jesuit Jr Prom

IMG_8065


2015 Jesuit Jr Prom

From the group pictures, Kristy, Pat, Sharon and I went out to dinner at The Press.

Friday, May 01, 2015

California Historical Landmark #682

Working out of St. Helena from January through November of 2015, I have started exploring California Historical Landmarks in Napa, Sonoma and Lake Counties, including: Site of Stone and Kelsey Home [#426], The Battle of Bloody Island [#427], Sulphur Bank Mine [#428], Lower Lake Stone Jail [#429], Stone House [#450], Old Bull Trail Road and St Helena Toll Road [#467], Chiles Grist Mill [#547], Schramsberg [#561], Charles Krug Winery [#563], Site of York's Cabin [#682], Site of Hudson Cabin [#683], Sam Brannan Store [#684], Sam Brannan Cottage [#685], Site of Kelsey House [#686], Beringer Brothers Winery [#814], Old Lake County Courthouse [#897], Petrified Forest [#915] and Litto's Hubcap Ranch [#939]. I visited all seven of the California Historical Landmarks in Lake County and finished visiting all of the Napa landmarks.

Site of John York's Cabin
California State Historical Landmark #682

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

This landmark is located southwest corner of Highway 29 (Foothill Boulevard) and Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, California. There are 16 other California State Historical Landmarks in Napa County. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 38° 34.506 W 122° 34.838.

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

California Historical Marker #682


Among the first houses in this area was John York's log cabin, constructed in October 1845. Rebuilt as part of the home of the Kortum family, it was used as a residence until razed in 1930. Nearby was the cabin of David Hudson, also built in October 1845. Calistoga was named by Samuel Brannan.

California Historical Marker #682