ESPN 30 for 30 Shorts: The Shining Star of Losers Everywhere

ESPN Films has released the fifty-third film in their 30 for 30 documentary short series.

30 for 30 Shorts: The Shining Star of Losers Everywhere

Haru Urara was a racehorse who could never win a race, but she became a symbol of hope in Japan. And though she never did win, Haru Urawa did accomplish something greater: she saved a racetrack.

You can find The Shining Star of Losers Everywhere on the ESPN web site at http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=15507776.

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Five Minute Journal

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



Code Expiration: August 9, 2016

2016 Warriors versus Thunder

With tickets from Kiki's mom's boss, Jack and Kiki went to the first game of the NBA Western Conference finals playoff game. The Thunder erased a 14 point second half deficit and won the game by the score of 108 to 102.

Larkin and I saw a game in Oracle Arena in 2008. It looks like we sat in almost the same spot!

A Celebration of Life for Betty Wallen

I spent the day winding my way and back to Cobb Mountain in Lake County. I went to the burial and celebration of life for Betty Wallen.

I got to the Loin's Club early and had a chance to visit with the Wallens. Bob, John and I went out to the cemetery to make sure that everything was in order before the service. The Tomasins and Snipes rolled up to the cemetery a little before the service started. After the service, everyone headed back to the Loin's Club. It was a beautiful day and a very touching tribute.

2016 St. Francis Sr Prom

Jack and Kiki went to the 2016 St. Francis Sr Prom. With everyone struggling to find parking, a large group met at the Capitol Rose Garden. The prom was held at the Haggis Oaks Golf Complex with a buffet dinner. Sharon and I wandered over to the K Street Mall and had dinner at Mayahuel afterwards.

Jack's Senior Picture #3

Jack's Senior Pictures

Ancillary Sword by Ann Leckie

My book for May is Ancillary Sword by Ann Leckie. This is a sequel to Ancillary Justice that I read in 2014. I read this book on the Kindle app on my iPhone and iPad.

The book does a nice job of continuing to build out the universe and the main character. While I feel like the main plot was not substantial enough, I probably need to reserve judgement until I read the third book.

Like the first book, society does not distinguish people by gender. In this context, I am not quite sure how to interpret the interactions of some of the characters.

I had an odd experience with the ending of the books. Reading along in the Kindle app, I thought I had about 30 pages left and the story ended somewhat abruptly. The remaining pages were the first chapter of another book that the publisher was promoting... I really didn't expect the book to end where it did.

Overall, I give the book a grade of B-. It is clearly a bridge to the finale of the trilogy. The book moves the characters around and puts them in position for the end of the story. My final grade for this book probably needs to depend on how well the third book wraps up the trilogy. At least, I enjoyed this book more than I did the second book in Cixin Liu's trilogy...

Nevada Historical Marker #71

On my way home from this year's Petersen Shootout, I stopped at six Nevada State Historical Markers, including Bliss Mansion [#70], Methodist Church of Carson City [#71], Orion Clemens' Home [#78], Stewart-Nye Residence [#175], Rinckel Mansion [#252] and The Governor's Mansion [#259].

Methodist Church of Carson City
Nevada Historical Marker #71
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This marker is located at 212 North Division Street, Carson City, Nevada. There are 25 other historical markers in Carson City County. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 39° 09.882 W 119° 46.181.

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

Dedicated in 1867, this church serves a congregation that was organized in 1859 and is often referred to as the "Cradle of Nevada Methodism." Like many other buildings in Carson City, the stone used in its construction was quarried at the nearby State Prison. Reverend Warren Nims (Pastor 1863-1866) was responsible for much of the original construction. Altered extensively over the years, the structure with its octagonal porch posts and pointed-arch windows is still an excellent local example of the Gothic Revival style.

ESPN 30 for 30 Shorts: A.C. Green: Iron Virgin

ESPN Films has released the fifty-second film in their 30 for 30 documentary short series.

30 for 30 Shorts: A.C. Green: Iron Virgin

A.C. Green played in an NBA-record 1,192 consecutive games and won three NBA titles. What's even more impressive is how he managed to navigate the world of the NBA while holding on to his devout Christian beliefs, staying celibate until he finally married at the age of 38.

You can find A.C. Green: Iron Virgin on the ESPN web site at http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=15474292.

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Dr. Seuss's ABC - Read & Learn

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



Code Expiration: August 2, 2016

2016 Jesuit Awards Convocation

Sharon, Jack and I went to the 2016 Jesuit Awards Convocation. This is the third year that we have been invited [2014 and 2015]. I am still confused about why Jack didn't get any awards in his freshman year...

Unlike previous years, they didn't give any general excellence awards to the seniors. Instead, they gave out a number of departmental awards. Jack got departmental awards in English and French. I am very proud of Jack's academic accomplishments. It is hard for me to believe that he will be done with high school in a couple of weeks!

Mother's Day 2016

Sunday morning, we went to brunch at Matteo's. Sharon and I had a crab eggs benedict, while Jack had a breakfast burger.

We ran into the Kesslers with their dog; Sharon and I worked with Mary at the Western Farm Credit Bank. [Note to self], we could bring Tiber with us when we eat on the patio at Matteos...

Sharon spent the afternoon shopping at the Arden Fair Mall.

Using some recipes from Sharon's brother Tim, I fixed a successful dinner of marinated cornish game hens, pancetta wrapped asparagus bundles and baked rice. Morgan joined us for dinner. I have really enjoyed having Morgan so close over the last year.

We finished the day with presents and dessert. Presents included: a Georgetown flag; a Georgetown license plate frame; and Paul McCartney tickets. In the homemade Mother's Day cards, we included pictures of Jack's graduation from preschool. Dessert was a lemon cake that I picked up at Whole Foods. Sharon got Morgan some socks as a birthday present.

All in all, it was a very successful Mother's Day!

Jack's Senior Picture #2

Jack's Senior Pictures

2016 Jesuit Sr Prom

Jack and Kiki went to the 2016 Jesuit Sr Prom. An enormous group met at the Teichert Building on American River Drive. Unfortunately, the security guard called the sheriff and eventually ran everyone off. The group migrated down American River Drive to Oak Meadow Park for more pictures. The prom was held at the Del Paso Country Club with a buffet dinner.

Sharon and I finished the night with dinner at Cafe Bernardo. The Kaesers (Greg, wife and oldest daughter, Amanda) joined us. Sharon went to grammar school at St. Marys with Greg. Their daughter Meredith was Carter's date for the prom.

Drew

California Historical Landmark #392-1

Site of Haraszthy Villa
California State Historical Landmark #392-1
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This landmark is located on Castle Road near the Buena Vista Winery, Sonoma, California. There are 26 other California State Historical Landmarks in Sonoma County. The GPS coordinates for this location are 38° 18' 01.4" N 122° 25' 35.7" W.



Here Count Agoston Haraszthy, 'Father of California Viticulture,' built an imposing villa in 1857-58, as his home. California's first formal Vintage Celebration, a masked ball, was held at this site on October 23, 1864. General and Mrs. Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo were guests of honor. While living here, Haraszthy oversaw operations of the Winery and Buena Vista Vinicultural Society.

ESPN 30 for 30 Shorts: Gonzo @ The Derby

ESPN Films has released the fifty-first film in their 30 for 30 documentary short series.

30 for 30 Shorts: Gonzo @ The Derby

The lasting legacy of the 1970 Kentucky Derby has nothing to do with the winner, Dust Commander. Its true impact came from the assignment that "Scanlan's Monthly" gave to a 32-year-old writer from Louisville named Hunter S. Thompson.

You can find Gonzo @ The Derby on the ESPN web site at http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=15421606.

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - LetterGlow

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



Code Expiration: July 26, 2016

Nevada Historical Marker #70

On my way home from this year's Petersen Shootout, I stopped at six Nevada State Historical Markers, including Bliss Mansion [#70], Methodist Church of Carson City [#71], Orion Clemens' Home [#78], Stewart-Nye Residence [#175], Rinckel Mansion [#252] and The Governor's Mansion [#259].

Bliss Mansion
Nevada Historical Marker #70
See this location on Yahoo Maps in Flickr
See this location on Google Maps
This marker is located at 608 Elizabeth Street, Carson City, Nevada. There are 25 other historical markers in Carson City County. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 39° 10.034 W 119° 46.328.

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

Built by Duane L. Bliss
Lumber & Railroad Magnate
1879
In its time the most modern & largest home in Nevada. Entirely constructed of
clear lumber & square nails. First home in Nevada entirely piped for gas lighting.

Corgi Beach Day

Tiber wants to go to Corgi Beach Day!