Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Sarah Jarosz - Over the Edge

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



Code Expiration: January 7, 2013

ESPN Films - Nine for IX - The Runner

In August, I watched Runner. This is the seventh 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. With everything going in at work and home, I have gotten behind in writing about the Nine for IX films and watching the new 30 for 30 films that came out in October.

Runner is the story of Mary Decker. From 1972 to 1985, Decker dominated her sport, holding U.S. records in every distance from 800 to 10,000 meters. During her career, she won gold medals in the 1500 meters and 3000 meters at the 1983 World Championships, and set 17 official and unofficial world records and 36 US national records. During this era, she was the only American to regularly out sprint the Russian and Eastern European middle-distance runners.

Despite her accomplishments, she never won an Olympic medal. She was too young for the 1972 games, had stress factures in 1976 and missed 1980 due to the Soviet boycott.

Decker is most remembered for the 1984 Olympics and the 3,000 final. On the third lap of the race, she tangled with 17-year-old South African Zola Budd, fell and couldn't continue. This race with Zola Budd is the centerpiece of the film. The documentary spends some time looking at Zola Budd's rise to fame. Amazingly, Decker also qualified for the 1988 and 1996 Olympics.

This is one of the better Nine for IX films. I was particularly interested in this story because I had some two degrees of separate from Mary Decker. For two years in college, I dated Laurie Littenberg. Laurie ran cross country in at Davis. While in high school, she trained with Mary Decker on the Blue Angels track club in Southern California.

Runner is available on iTunes.

17 years plus Drew and Nicki

Sharon and I were married seventeen years ago today. Although we celebrated our anniversary with a trip to New York last weekend, I got her a turquoise bracelet.

After Jack worked out with Matt Walbeck, we had a late lunch with Drew, Nicki and Drew's roommate Spencer at Piatti's. Drew and Nicki were in town to see a production that Spencer is producing called The Deadly Harvest. It was nice to have lunch with Morgan and Beau last weekend and then Drew and Nicki this weekend!

Davis Ranch

With Jack overnight at a friend's, Sharon and I made our annual pilgrimage to Davis Ranch to get fall decorations. We have gone there for a car load of stuff every fall for ten straight years [2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012]. One of my favorite pictures from those trips is here. We were both surprised by the number of people that were there compared to past years. Additionally, there were food and craft vendors and a lot of other activities that we have not seen there in the past. It turns out that it was the weekend of the Davis Ranch Harvest Festival.

Harry Truman's Excellent Adventure by Matthew Algeo

On the plane on the way to New York, I finished reading Harry Truman's Excellent Adventure: The True Story of a Great American Road Trip by Matthew Algeo. I stumbled across the book while browsing on Amazon. I didn't realize until after I read it that it was written by the same author as The President is a Sick Man. This is part of my project to read books about all of the presidents.

In June of 1953, less than six monthes after he left the White House, Harry Truman and his wife Bess took a 2,500 mile road trip from their home in Independence, Missouri to New York City and back. The couple traveled alone; at this time in history, ex-presidents did not receive secret service protection. Truman created a quite stir wherever he showed up.

Matthew Algeo traces Trumans' route. Where possible, he stays in the same hotels and eats at the same diners. Even sixty years later, some of these places still exist. The author actually talks to some people who actually met Truman on the trip. Along the way, the book wanders off into topics such as the postwar American auto industry, McCarthyism, the nation’s highway system, and the decline of Main Street America.

I enjoyed the book as a lighter diversion after fighting my way through the third volume of the Picasso biography. Nevertheless, this is not a particularly tightly written book. It has a very casual first person style. It does provide an interesting look at Truman, as well as a simpler time in the recent history.

At the 2013 Sacramento Farm-to-Fork Tower Bridge Dinner

Post by Comstock's magazine.

At the 2013 Sacramento Farm-to-Fork Tower Bridge Dinner

Jesuit Fall Ball Cardinals versus Grant

Jack played in his fourth game for the Jesuit Fall Ball Cardinals. They played against Grant at Jesuit High School.

At the plate, Jack was 1 for 3. In his first at-bat, Jack hit a line drive into center field for a single. He got picked off first base. Jack struck out in his second plate appearance. I finally got there about the fifth inning in time to see Jack hit a 1 and 1 pitch for a grounder to the left side and get thrown out at first. If he was out, it was not by much. He was hassling up the line. Jack said afterwards that the last pitcher for Grant was hasty. He threw mid-80s and had a wicked curve ball. Jack noted that he couldn't imagine how hasty a major league curve ball must look.

In the field, Jack played 6 innings in right field. He did not have a put-out or an assist.

Talking to him after the game, Jack was not sure what the final score was. He said that they played eight innings. In the three innings, I watched Jesuit scored a couple runs, while Grant did not score.

The Jesuit Fall Ball schedule is here.

Jesuit Fall Ball Cardinals versus Davis

On Saturday while Sharon and I were in New York, Kevin took Jack to play in his third game for the Jesuit Fall Ball Cardinals. They played against Davis at Davis High School. I hate it when Jack plays and I am not there to watch.

At the plate, Jack was 1 for 2 with a stolen base, a HBP and a sacrifice bunt. In his first at-bat, he drove a line drive back up the middle for a single. Jack said that he almost took the pitcher's head off. He stole second. Jack was hit by a pitch in his second plate appearance. In this fall ball league, if the batter is walked or hit by a pitch, they will usually have someone else run for them and leave the batter at the plate. Jack put down a successful sacrifice bunt in his continuation of the second plate appearance. In his third at-bat, Jack ground out to the pitcher.

In the field, Jack, Wolger and two juniors rotated between all three outfield positions. He did not have an assist or a put-out.

The Cardinals beat Davis by the score of 6 to 3.

The Jesuit Fall Ball schedule is here.

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Elton John - The Diving Board

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



Code Expiration: December 31, 2013

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Hunter Hunted - End of the World

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



Code Expiration: December 31, 2013

2013 New York City Day 5

Up at 3:55 am, I got a taxi from the hotel to LaGuardia Airport. LaGuardia is a pit. I caught a 6:20 am Southwest flight to Midway. I actually ended up sleeping most of the way.

After an hour and 40 minute layover, I caught a 9:20 am Southwest flight to Sacramento. I finished reading My Fantasy Life by Matthew Berry on the plane. I was on the ground back in Sacramento before 11:45 am and headed into work.

Sharon ended up having lunch with Pat at a restaurant in Rockefeller Center.

I feel like I made one tactical error on the trip. Sharon and I always have guidebooks when we travel. We failed to bring one with us on this trip. [Note to Self: bring a guidebook even for US cities!].

2013 New York City Day 4

Another late morning start... We met the Gainsleys in the lobby of the hotel about 10 am. As a side note, I had some interesting adventures getting coffee on both Saturday and Sunday morning. Each morning, I tried to find a Starbucks that was not absolutely packed. The lines were so long on Saturday morning that I ended up giving up and heading back to the room. Both mornings, I was surprised that how many people were out and about. I had expected it to be quieter on Sunday morning, but the city was hopping.

The plan for the day was to have lunch with Morgan and her boyfriend Beau. We took the subway south to the Brooklyn Bridge and City Hall stop. We spent some time exploring the area around City Hall.

We then headed across the Brooklyn Bridge. Although it was overcast and misy, it was a great walk with some interesting views. We walked down into Brooklyn to Grimaldi's Pizzeria. Kevin found the restaurant on a list of things to do in New York City. Morgan and Beau met us there. We had a great visit with them. It was very nice to see Morgan and catch up.

After lunch, we walked back across the Brooklyn Bridge. We took the subway north and wandered around the area near NYU. From there, we took a cab to Gramercy Tavern. We had a drink there before catching the subway back to the hotel. Sharon ended up coming back to the tavern on Tuesday afternoon for lunch.

We finished the day with dinner at Oceana. Sharon and I split a Shrimp and Oyster Paella. With a very early start on Monday morning, it was the first night that we actually got to bed before midnight on the trip.

2013 New York City Day 3

After a late night, we got a very late start. We met the Gainsleys in the lobby at 10 am. The plan for the day was to rent bikes and ride through Central Park. I had reserved some bikes on line.

We rode the loop around Central Park in a little over an hour. We started back around again and got out of the park at 78th street. We headed on the bikes to a deli that Sharon and Janie visited last year called Pastrami Queen. Sharon and I split an excellent pastrami sandwich and some cold slaw.

After lunch, we took the bikes back towards the park and up to the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art. Our first stop was the rooftop. There are some great views of the city and Central Park. We spent about two hours wandering the Met. I split off from the group and focused on the Temple of Dendur plus Picasso and Caravaggio paintings. While there was only one early Picasso [At the Lapin Agile], I was surprised to find four Caravaggios.

We walked the bikes back across the middle of Central Park and headed back to return the bikes. We dropped the bikes off after 4 pm.

Getting cleaned up, we met in the lobby about 6 pm. We walked next door to the W Hotel and had drinks and appetizers in the Whiskey Blue bar. We caught a cab to Times Square and the Eugene O'Neil Theater to see The Book of Mormon. As I told Drew later, the play was exceptional. I was surprised when we reached intermission. The play was so engaging that the time just flew by.

After the play, we walked through a very crowded Times Square to Sardi's for a late supper. I had a seafood cobb salad, while Sharon and Donna had a small plate of Spinach Cannelloni au Gratin. By the time we caught a cab and were back to the hotel, it was after 12:30 am. Another late night...

2013 New York City Day 2

The original plan for the morning was a tour of the Statue of Liberty. I bought tickets in July! Unfortunately, the government shutdown impacted the National Parks, including the Statue of Liberty. Meeting in the lobby at 9 am, we wandered through Grand Central Station and then took the subway to Battery Park. We walked to the edge of Battery Park and got a hazy view of the statue.

From there, we walked up Broadway to Trinity Church. This parish dates from 1697. The third and current Trinity Church on the site was finished in 1846 and at the time its 281-foot spire and cross was the highest point in New York.

We walked down Wall Street past the New York Stock Exchange. The four of us ended up having an early leisurely lunch at Delmonico's. I think that Sharon and I may have had lunch there when we were in New York in 1998.

After lunch, we headed to the St. Paul's Chapel. This is one of the oldest buildings in New York and dates from 1766. The chapel is in the shadow of the World Trade Center site and is a de facto Memorial to 9/11. George Washington, along with members of the United States Congress, worshipped at St. Paul's Chapel on his Inauguration Day, on April 30, 1789. Washington also attended services at St. Paul's during the two years New York City was the country's capital.

We walked through the 9/11 Preview site and then headed to the main site. After a quick stop across the street, we spent some time touring the 9/11 Memorial. It is an unusual memorial.

Afterwards, we jumped back on the subway and headed to the MoMA. From our trip in 2009, I had a vague memory that Friday evenings were free. We got a free ticket and did a quick tour of the museum. The museum was packed. I have been reading the Life of Picasso and focused on looking for his paintings and sculptures.

Getting cleaned up at the hotel, we walked to Fabio Piccolo Fiore for an Italian dinner. After dinner, we stopped at the Waldorf-Astoria for a drink in the Bull and Bear. The bartender started chatting us up and recommended a couple of other nightspots. We ended up going to Mimi's Italian Restaurant and Piano Bar. The piano player [Chicken Delicious] was a character. It is rumored that there may be video of Kevin and I singing You've Lost That Loving Feeling. By the time we got back to the hotel and down for bed, it was after 1:30 am...

2013 New York City Day 1

Every year, Sharon and I try to take a short trip in October to celebrate our anniversary. Last year, her annual legal conference was in San Francisco and we leveraged our anniversary trip off her business trip. This year, the legal conference is in New York City!

Up at 4 am, Sharon and I caught a 6:25 am Southwest flight from Sacramento to Denver. With a short layover, we were on a flight from Denver to La Guardia in New York City. We were on the ground about 4:30 pm and at the hotel before 6 pm. We will be spending the next few nights at the Marriot Eastside.

The Gainsleys took the red eye and landed at JFK early Thursday morning. They spent most of the day wandering around the city before we got there. The four of us will be spending the next couple of days exploring New York City.

After getting cleaned up, we walked towards Time Square. Sharon had made a reservation at Bobby Flay's Bar Americain. We had dinner there in 2009 with Jack. I had sea bass, while Sharon had a pork loin.

The four of us finished the night wandering around Times Square.

2013 Jesuit High School President's Club Dinner

Sharon and I went to the 2013 Jesuit High School President's Club Dinner. We ran into the Sanborns, the Laskins and Denny Dalton.

Jesuit Fall Ball Cardinals versus Laguna Creek

Jack played in his second game for the Jesuit Fall Ball Cardinals. They played against Laguna Creek at Laguna Creek High School. Josh and Niko were playing for Laguna Creek. Jack played with them on the Gunners and Outlaws over the last five plus years.

At the plate, Jack was 0 for 2 with a walk. In his first at-bat against Josh, Jack walked. They had Alex run for Jack and let him bat again. He ended up lining out to centerfield; the outfielder made a nice diving catch. Jack grounded out to the left side in his second plate appearance against Josh.

In the field, Jack played seven innings alternating with Wolger in Left and Center field. He had one put-out on a long fly ball.

The Cardinals got stomped. Josh pitched 5 innings and giving up 2 hits, 2 walks and no runs. Conversely, the Cardinal pitching got hit hard. Combined with more than a few errors, the Cardinals lost the game by the score of 12 to 0.

The Jesuit Fall Ball schedule is here.

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Wide Sky

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



Code Expiration: December 24, 2013

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Runtastic PRO GPS

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



Code Expiration: December 24, 2013

A Life of Picasso: The Triumphant Years, 1917-1932

I finished reading A Life of Picasso: The Triumphant Years. The third volume of a planned four volume set, this book covers Picasso's middle years. I read the first volume [The Prodigy] in 2009 and the second volume [The Cubist Rebel] in 2011.

One of the things that spurred me to read the first two volumes was the variety of Picasso's work that I have seen over the years. This book expands upon this theme. I never realized that he spend time designing sets and costumes for ballets. In addition to a dizzying variety of paintings during this period, his work included sculptures, tapestry, lithographs and the patterns for some furniture!

I also surprised by how successful his was. Picasso had a large apartment in Paris, an estate in the country and vacationed in the south of France every summer. He and his first wife Olga [a Russian ballerina] were very much a part of high society. They enjoyed formal dinner parties and all the social niceties attendant to the life of the rich in 1920s Paris.

I had forgotten how much I had struggled with the second volume two years ago. Like that volume, I labored through the first half of this book. I ended up putting the book aside in August and reading something else; this is something that I can't remember doing in the last twenty-five years. Flying to Seattle and back, I got a chance to refocus on the book. The second half was definitely more readable for the causal reader than the first half. The first half of the book was just too involved with all of the machinations of the high society life that Picasso was living.

I don't recommend this book for the causal reader. Nevertheless, I am interested in getting the fourth volume which is supposed to be published next year. I am interested finishing the story of Picasso's life.

2013 Sacramento Farm-to-Fork Tower Bridge Dinner

Sharon and I went to the 2013 Sacramento Farm-to-Fork Tower Bridge Dinner. Sharon got the tickets through her work. We sat with the Ralph's. After dinner, we ran into Tim and Kathleen. It was a very nice event. Definitely something that we would be interested in doing again in the future!

2013 Jesuit Homecoming

Jack went to the Jesuit Homecoming with Sammie. The group of five couples met at Pat and Kristi's house for pictures. In one of those odd twists, Kristi was a law clerk for Sharon more than twenty years ago. From there, the group went to Palermo Ristorante Italiano for dinner. While the kids were at dinner, we met Pat and Kristi at Mikuni's.

Julie [David's mom] and Denise [Eric's mom] took the group to the dance. After the dance, the kids went to Denise and Ed's house. They spent some time in the hot tub and then watched a movie. Jack and Andy spent the night. When I picked Jack up the next morning, Ed said that the kids stayed up past 2:30 am!

Jesuit Homecoming

ESPN 30 for 30 Vol II Trailer: The Legend of Eddie Aikau

The ninth film--The Legend of Eddie Aikau--in ESPN's 30 for 30 Volume II premieres Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at 8 pm ET.

California Historical Landmark #339

New Almaden Mine
California State Historical Landmark #339
See this location on Yahoo Maps in Flickr
See this location on Google Maps
This landmark is located on north bound old Highway 101 (Monterey Rd), 1/2 mile south of Ford Road, San Jose, California. There are 42 other California State Historical Landmarks in Santa Clara County. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 37° 14.906 W 121° 47.400.

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

The Indians used pigment from this cinnabar hill for paint. Mercury was mined as early as 1845. The gold discovery made mercury indispensable, and the mine, the most productive in America, became world famous. It sold for $1,700,700 in 1864.

ESPN 30 for 30 Shorts: Collision Course

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

30 for 30 Shorts: Collision Course

The latest film, from acclaimed director Billy Corben, tells the story of fast times, faster boats, and the man in the middle of it all

You can find Collision Course on the ESPN web site at http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=9694677.

More about the film at: http://espn.go.com/30for30/film?page=collisioncourse-the-murder-of-donaronow

Jesuit Fall Ball Cardinals versus Woodland Wolves

Jack played in his first game for the Jesuit Fall Ball Cardinals. They played against the Woodland Wolves at Woodland High School. The Cardinals have a large roster and the coaches are using different groups against different teams. The team tonight included 3 seniors, 7 juniors and 4 sophomores [Alex and Sam at catcher, Bryce at first base and Jack].

At the plate, Jack was 1 for 3 with a single, a fielder's choice, a stolen base and two runs scored. In his first at-bat, Jack hit a 2 and 1 pitch into left field for a single. He stole second and eventually scored on a pair of singles by the Cardinals. Jack hit a grounder back to the pitcher in his second plate appearance. The runner on first was forced out at second, but Jack was hustling up the line and was safe at first. He went to second on an error on the pitcher's pick off throw and scored all the way from second on a single into left field. In his third at-bat, Jack struck out looking on a series of pitches that were very low and outside. A couple of the boys from both teams got victimized by these kinds of calls as the game got late and it started to get darker...

In the field, Jack played four innings in centerfield and four innings in right field. He had no put-outs or assists.

The Cardinals beat the Wolves by the score of 5 to 2.

The Jesuit Fall Ball schedule is here.

Gold Creek Trail Run

When I was in Bremerton, Wallen and I ran 5 miles along the Gold Creek trail at Green Mountain. Exporting data from the Runkeeper app on my iPhone, I generated the following views of the run in Google Earth and a map in Google Maps. It was an interesting trail run.

View Larger Map

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Kings of Leon - Temple

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



Code Expiration: December 17, 2013

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Sheryl Crow - Give It To Me

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



Code Expiration: December 17, 2013

Jesuit Fall Ball Schedule 2013

Cardinal Baseball '13

DATE              OPPONENT               LOCATION                    TIME

Thur Sept 5       Intrasquad             Jesuit                      3:45
Fri Sept 6        Intrasquad             Jesuit                      3:15

Wed Sept 11       Intrasquad             Jesuit                      3:45
Thur Sept 12      Intrasquad             Jesuit                      3:45

Sat Sept 21       Dublin (DH)            Dublin                      9:30

Wed Sept 25       Woodland               Lee JHS                     5:00
Sat Sept 28       De La Salle (DH)       Jesuit                     10:00

Tue Oct 1         Laguna Creek           Laguna Creek                4:30
Thur Oct 3        Franklin               Cosumnes River College      4:15
Sat Oct 5         Davis (DH)             Davis                      10:00

Wed Oct 9         Grant                  Grant                       4:45
Thur Oct 10       Davis                  Jesuit                      3:30

Wed Oct 16        Grant                  Grant                       4:45
Thur Oct 17       Laguna Creek           Jesuit                      4:30
Sat Oct 19        Del La Salle (DH)      Jesuit                     10:00

Wed Oct 23        Laguna Creek           Laguna Creek                4:30
Thur Oct 24       Laguna Creek           Jesuit                      4:30
Sat Oct 26        Rio Americano (DH)     Rio Americano              10:30

Wed Oct 30        Uniform Return         Equipment Room              3:10

Jesuit Fall Baseball 2013

After deciding not to go back out for football this year and failing to make the soccer team, Jack spend two weeks working out for Jesuit fall baseball. They posted the team last Thursday. Jack was one of five sophomores to make the team. The other four are either catchers [Alex and a new boy named Sam] or pitchers [Wolger and Cosca]. Cosca was the only freshman to play JV baseball last season.

Unlike a lot of schools, Jesuit does not have a baseball program for incoming freshman. The school encourages freshman to play other fall sports. Additionally, there is not a JV fall ball team. There is just one fall team coached by the varsity coaches. Jack indicated that the roster has 28 boys. Apparently, they are not going to take every player to every game. Jack also indicated that there was 7 or 8 players who were pitchers only.

Jack said that he tried to get #21 [the number he wore for Jesuit last spring], but had to settle for #33. He wore #33 for the Gunners and Outlaws over the last five years.

2013 Holy Bowl - Jesuit versus Christian Brothers

Jack had two classmates from Jesuit [Andy and Carter] spent the night on Friday. Sharon and I plus the three boys took off for Hughes Stadium a little before 2 pm. At this point, it was raining hard. I parked in the parking garage near an exit and close to where I parked last year. While the boys roamed, Sharon and I tailgated by ourselves next to the car. About 3:30 pm, we wandered over to the Jesuit Tailgate party and had an early dinner. Although it sprinkled off and on over the course of the evening, the rain had pretty much stopped at this point.

From there we headed into the stadium and watched the first half of the JV game. Like last year, we sat with the Chappelles. The game was tied 7 to 7 at half-time. At this point, we wandered back out to the parking lot. We caught up with the Renterias. After visiting with them for a while, we headed back into the stadium to watch the end of the JV game. Walking into the stadium, we ran into the Sanborns. The JV team ended up losing by the score of 14 to 7. Michael Chappelle scored the only touchdown on a long pass.

On the strength of Jesuit's Ben Parietti's Holy Bowl-record 280 yards rushing and four touchdowns, Jesuit beat Christian Brothers by the score of 52 to 28. Coming into the game, Jesuit was ranked 18th and Christian Brothers was ranked 19th in the Sacramento area. Jesuit looked much better running the veer than they did last year.

We made a fairly easy get away after the game and were home a little after 10:30 pm.

2012 Holy Bowl

ESPN Films - Nine for IX - The 99ers

I watched The 99ers twice: once by myself and again with Sharon. This is the eighth 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 99ers looks at the women's soccer team that won the 1999 World Cup at the Rose Bowl. The film uses two different vehicles to advance the story.

First, eight of the women from the team had a reunion at the Rose Bowl. They sit as a group on the field and talk about their experience.

Second, Julie Foudy who was the team captain took home video over the course of the 1999 World Cup run. Foudy also serves as the narrator of the film. The behind the scenes video is mixed into footage of the games and the footage of the women sitting and talking. The blend results in a very effective story.

There is some amazing footage of the games and the massive crowds at the games. The short footage of the finals game in Pasadena is remarkable.

I recommend the film. I previously watched Abby Head On. Wambach belongs to the generation of players that followed the 99ers. Abby Wambach appears in a short segment of The 99ers having lunch with the 1999 team. Although Abby Head On is not as powerful as The 99ers, I will probably try to get Sharon to watch that film with me.

The 99ers is available on iTunes.

California Historical Landmark #888

I stopped at this waymark on the way to dinner after the IBM Briefing. In an odd twist, Jayne had stayed here the night before the briefing.

Hayes Mansion
California State Historical Landmark #888
See this location on Yahoo Maps in Flickr
See this location on Google Maps
This landmark is located at 200 Edenvale Ave, San Jose, California. There are 42 other California State Historical Landmarks in Santa Clara County. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 37° 15.773 W 121° 49.224.

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

Jay Orley and Everis A. Hayes built this Mission Revival style mansion, designed by George W. Page in 1904. The Hayes brothers were early San Jose Mercury publishers, prominent valley politicians, and were actively involved in establishing the Santa Clara Valley fruit industry. The mansion consists of 62 rooms, 11 fireplaces, and was paneled in over a dozen different woods.

Virtually Biking Across America - Day 68

On day 68, I rode 19.2 miles across Nebraska. Starting from the corner of Highway 30 and Haythorn Road, I rode along the Lincoln Highway. I turned off the highway in Gothenburg and stopped at the Gothenburg Pony Express station in Ehmen Park.

The trip log for Virtually Biking Across America is here.

ESPN SEC Stored Trailer: The Book of Manning

The ninth film--The Book of Manning--in ESPN's SEC Storied film series premieres Tuesday, September 24 at 8 pm ET.

Starbucks Pick iTunes Pick of the Week - Neko Case - Night Still Comes

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



Code Expiration: December 10, 2013

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Jack Johnson - As I Was Saying

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



Code Expiration: December 10, 2013

Back from Bremerton 2013

I spent the day winding my back to Sacramento. I drove from Bremerton back to Sea-Tac and caught a very full morning Southwest flight. I was back to work in the afternoon.

I am struggling with the current book that I am reading: the third volume of the life of Picasso. On the flight home, I achieved one of my goals for the weekend. I got to page 400. I now have a chance to finish the book by the end of the month.

Sharon, Jack and I need to make a trip to the Northwest to visit the Wallens and Geselbracht.

2013 49ers versus Seahawks

Originally, Wallen had talked about running with me in the morning. Begging off with sore legs, I ran by myself for a little less than five miles from their house out to the end of Rocky Point and back. After getting cleaned up, Wallen and I took Jill for a birthday brunch at Anthony's.

Wallen and I caught a 1:45 ferry to Seattle. As we were getting ready to leave, we were talking about taking the cribbage board. Deciding it was too big, I quickly found a cribbage board app for my iPhone. We ended up playing two games on the ferry. I got great cards during the first game. I ended up skunking Wallen by the score of 121 to 73. He was more and more animated over the course of the game. I held on to win the second game by the score of 121 to 115.

We watched the Manning Bowl (Denver/Peyton versus New York Giants/Eli) at Vons. From there we wandered down to the Owl N' Thistle to meet Becky. I still have not had a chance to meet Becky's boyfriend, Tal.

Finally, we wandered to the stadium for the 5:30 pm kick-off. It is a great venue to see a football game. This is the second time that I have been to the stadium. I came up four years ago for a 49er versus Seahawks. For the first year, Wallen has season tickets (section 135, row W, seat 11 and 12). Wallen's business partner, Greg, and his wife, Bev, were there.

It was a very odd disjointed game. Neither team looked effective initially. There was then an hour delay for lightening in the first half. The Seahawks led by the score of 5 to 0 at halftime!

The second half was not much better. There were 22 penalties for 205 yards. The 49ers had 5 turnovers: three interceptions and two fumbles. The Seahawks ended up winning the game by the score of 29 to 3.

Wallen and I caught the 10:30 pm ferry back to Bremerton. I actually fell sound asleep on the boat. We were back to their house about 11:45 pm.

Except for the final score of the game, it was a very nice day. I enjoy Wallen's company a great deal.

To Bremerton 2013

Up early again, it has been a long couple of weeks. I caught a 8 am flight from Sacramento to Seattle. They have moved the rental car facility off site since the last time I flew into Seattle/Tacoma. After a short ride to the rental car facility, I walked to my Hertz Gold rental and headed towards the Wallens. I have not been in the Northwest to visit them in four years. When Wallen and Jill were down for Hunter's birthday, he and I started talking about me coming up to see the Seahawks and 49ers football game and that got me motivated. I rolled up to the Wallens about 11:30 am.

I asked to Wallen to wait for me to get there to go for a run. We drove west up towards Green Mountain and ran 5 miles on the Gold Creek Trail. It is a nice wooded trail through a variety of terrain. Google Earth views of the run and a Google Map are here.

Back at the house, we got cleaned up and headed to the Boat Shed. We watched the Alabama versus Texas A&M football game and enjoyed a couple of adult beverages. Alabama beat Texas A&M and Johnny Manzel by the score of 49 to 42.

Wallen organized a barbecue for Jill's birthday on Saturday night. The group included Nate and Sam, Jill's parents and Jim and Joy Paige. When Wallen and I were planning the trip, I didn't realize that this was Jill's birthday weekend. I probably should have.

The low cloud cover burned off. It was gorgeous evening. Everyone sat on the dock in Phinney Bay and soaked up the sun. John barbecued some steak for dinner. Whipped from the last couple of weeks, I crashed hard a little after 10 pm...

Virtually Biking Across America - Day 67

On day 67, I rode 19.8 miles east across Nebraska. Leaving Buffalo Bill's Ranch, I followed North Buffalo Bill Avenue to Highway 30. Riding through North Platte, I traveled along the Lincoln Highway and stopped at the corner of Highway 30 and Haythorn Road.

This was another fast downhill ride. I averaged 21.21 miles per hour.

The trip log for Virtually Biking Across America is here.

IBM Executive Briefing

I spent a long, long day traveling to an IBM Executive Briefing in San Jose and back. Up about 4:30 am, I left the house at 5:30 am. Although slow at several points, I got to the IBM Silicon Valley Lab about 8:30 am. We spent the day getting an overview on IBM's wintel server and cloud strategies.

Afterwards, we had an early group dinner at Scott's in downtown San Jose. Even at 7:00 pm, I had to fight my way through traffic to get out of San Jose. By the time, I got home it was 9:45 pm.

When I attend these types of vendor briefings, I try to find one nugget of information that I can incorporate into my thinking. The thing that struck me most about the day was how hard they were selling against Cisco UCS.

Waikiki Historic Trail Marker #5

Duke Paoa Kahanamoku
Waikiki Historic Trail Marker #5
See this location on Yahoo Maps in Flickr
See this location on Google Maps
This site is located at 2413 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 21° 16.540 W 157° 49.520. There are twenty other markers on the Waikiki Historic Trail.

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

Duke Paoa Kahanamoku

August 24, 1890 – January 22, 1968

Raised in Waikiki, Duke was a full-blooded Hawaiian, who symbolized Hawaii to millions of people. He developed into an Olympic champion and the world’s fastest swimmer. Between 1912 and

1932 he won three gold medals, two silver and a bronze in four Olympics. He is known as the 

“Father of International Surfing.”

Duke introduced surfing to the Eastern Seaboard of America, Europe and Australia. He became a hero when he saved eight lives from a capsized launch at Corona Del Mar, California in 1925 using his surfboard. A movie actor from 1925-1933, he was elected sheriff of Honolulu for thirteen consecutive terms from 1934-1960. He has been recognized as Hawaii’s Ambassador of Aloha since 1962.

“He has honored his name, he has honored his race, he has honored his state, he has honored us all.”

Dinner with Noel

Sharon and I had dinner with Noel at Pearl on the River. Sharon and Noel had duck, while I had scallops. Noel brought a bottle of Chasseur Pinot Noir.

Starbucks Pick of the Week - Yoga Studio

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


Code Expiration: December 3, 2013

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Gregory Porter - Hey Laura

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


Code Expiration: December 3, 2013

Future Stars

Jack, Sharon and I spent two hours at Future Stars with Scott Hamilton. Future Stars is a college counseling center designed to guide families through the college admissions process. I believe that the company was recommended by Holly, Sharon's old job sharing partner. Scott will be working with Jack over the next two years. The first half of the session was spent walking through the admission criteria for different colleges. Scott spent the second hour working with Jack on an action plan.

Dinner at the Gainsleys

Sharon and I had dinner at the Gainsleys. They served a great dinner of snapper and vegetables cooked on the grill plus rice. We spent part of the evening talking about the upcoming trip to New York City. The Gainsleys are going to join us there in October. We finished the evening looking at pictures from their recent road trip, including some amazing pictures of Bryce, Capitol Reef and Glacier National Parks.

2013 Outlaws Baseball Tournament #3 Day #1

For the only the third time this year, Jack played with the Outlaws: Tournament #1, Day #1 and Day #2, and; Tournament #2, Day #2. The Outlaws played in the Super Series West All In Tournament in the 16u division. They played the first game against South County Baseball.

Batting fourth, Jack was 0 for 2. In the first at-bat, Jack ran the count to 1 and 2, fouled off two pitches and then struck out swinging on a high pitch. Jack hit a 2 and 2 pitch for a soft line drive down the first base line in his second plate appearance. The first baseman was just able to make a leaping catch for the out.

In the field, Jack played five innings in centerfield. He had two put-outs.

The Outlaws gave up 6 runs in the top of the first and never got back into the game. Committing four errors and failing to get even one hit, the Outlaws lost the game by the score of 12 to 0. It was pretty ugly...

Unfortunately, it appears that Jack strained his groin in the last at-bat. We ended up shutting him down for the day and probably the weekend. Hopefully, Jack will be healthy enough for fall ball practices next week. It appears to be similar to the injury that he suffered in June, but on the other leg.