It's a rare year to be able to see two teams cut down the net. For those of you not familiar with basketball, the "cutting down the net" ritual is part of winning a championship. Usually this happens after winning a league championship or after winning a tournament.
Earlier this year, the Cal men's basketball team clinched the Pac-10 conference championship by winning their last home game of the season. I wrote about this earlier on this blog. This was their first conference championship in 50 years so it was only fitting that they clinched the crown at home and had a presentation after the game that included the team cutting down the net.
We decided to attend a Cal women's basketball game for the first time yesterday. It just so happened that they were playing at home for what was the Women's National Invitational Tournament (WNIT) championship. The women's games are general admission meaning that the seating is first come first serve so we got seats four rows behind press row across the Bears' bench.
Harmon seats about 12,000 and usually fills up once or twice each year for men's games. The men's games draw about 9000 or 10,000 people on average. The women's games usually draw fewer than 1000, but on this day the announced crowd was about 2500 although there were times that the place got loud enough to feel like more than the announced crowd. I think that this speaks for the passionate, loyal fan base that the women's team has. Kind of reminds me of the old days with the men's program when Harmon only seated 6600 and had a waiting list for season tickets.
If the men's games had the same kind of boisterous fans on the alumni side of the court as at the women's game, we'd probably have to wear ear plugs for the game. At men's games, often times it takes something really special for the alumni side to give a standing ovation. Not so at women's games. The difference probably is the general admission seating. Perhaps at men's games they should consider making all seats available to anyone in attendance after half time. It's a shame to see empty seats closer to the court.
The women's program seems to have a bright future. They started four freshmen for this game and the first player off the bench was also a freshman. They have another top recruiting class coming in too. With the ticket prices being in the $6/$12 range, I can see more people attending their games in the upcoming years.
Sunday, April 04, 2010
Happy Easter!
We've annually attended Dan'a annual Easter egg hunt at his place. Until this year it was known as Megan's Easter Egg Hunt. Megan is his daughter who has probably not attended one of these events in a few years since she no longer lives at home and is either attending school or working now back east. This was the first year that it was called "Dan's Easter Egg Hunt."
Friday, April 02, 2010
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Taylor Swift Fan Amongst Us
... and it's not who you think it is!
And here's the favorite song of the moment.
Lyrics to You Belong With Me :
You're on the phone with your girlfriend, She's upset
She's going off about something that you said
She doesnt get your humour like I do
I'm in the room, its a typical Tuesday night
I'm listening to the kind of music she doesnt like
And she'll never know your story like I do
But she wears short skirts, I wear t-shirts
She's cheer captain and I'm on the bleachers
Dreaming bout the day when you wake up and find
That what you're lookin for has been here the whole time
If you could see that I'm the one who understands you
Been here all along so why can't you see?
You belong with me
You belong with me
Walkin the streets with you in your worn out jeans
I cant help thinking this is how it ought to be
Laughing on the park bench thinkin to myself
Hey isnt this easy?
And you've got a smile that could light up this whole town
I havent seen it in awhile, since she brought you down
You say you find I know you better than that
Hey, Whatcha doing with a girl like that?
She wears high heels, I wear sneakers
She's cheer captain and I'm on the bleachers
Dreaming bout the day when you wake up and find
That what you're looking for has been here the whole time
If you could see that I'm the one who understands you
Been here all along so why can't you see?
You belong with me
Standin by, waiting at your back door
All this time how could you not know that?
You belong with me
You belong with me
Oh I remember you driving to my house in the middle of the night
I'm the one who makes you laugh when you know you're about to cry
I know your favorite songs and you tell me about your dreams
I think I know where you belong. I think I know it's with me.
Can't you see that I'm the one who understands you?
Been here all along so why can't you see?
You belong with me
Standing by or waiting at your back door
All this time how could you not know that
You belong with me
You belong with me
Have you ever thought just maybe
You belong with me
You belong with me
And here's the favorite song of the moment.
Lyrics to You Belong With Me :
You're on the phone with your girlfriend, She's upset
She's going off about something that you said
She doesnt get your humour like I do
I'm in the room, its a typical Tuesday night
I'm listening to the kind of music she doesnt like
And she'll never know your story like I do
But she wears short skirts, I wear t-shirts
She's cheer captain and I'm on the bleachers
Dreaming bout the day when you wake up and find
That what you're lookin for has been here the whole time
If you could see that I'm the one who understands you
Been here all along so why can't you see?
You belong with me
You belong with me
Walkin the streets with you in your worn out jeans
I cant help thinking this is how it ought to be
Laughing on the park bench thinkin to myself
Hey isnt this easy?
And you've got a smile that could light up this whole town
I havent seen it in awhile, since she brought you down
You say you find I know you better than that
Hey, Whatcha doing with a girl like that?
She wears high heels, I wear sneakers
She's cheer captain and I'm on the bleachers
Dreaming bout the day when you wake up and find
That what you're looking for has been here the whole time
If you could see that I'm the one who understands you
Been here all along so why can't you see?
You belong with me
Standin by, waiting at your back door
All this time how could you not know that?
You belong with me
You belong with me
Oh I remember you driving to my house in the middle of the night
I'm the one who makes you laugh when you know you're about to cry
I know your favorite songs and you tell me about your dreams
I think I know where you belong. I think I know it's with me.
Can't you see that I'm the one who understands you?
Been here all along so why can't you see?
You belong with me
Standing by or waiting at your back door
All this time how could you not know that
You belong with me
You belong with me
Have you ever thought just maybe
You belong with me
You belong with me
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Hip! Hip! Jorge!
Talk about your proverbial taking the team on your back and willing them to victory. This is exactly what Jorge Gutierrez, the lightly recruited super sub sophomore guard out of Las Vegas' Findlay Prep did last evening. This is the same school that produced the much heralded Avery Bradley who laces them up for the Longhorns, but on this evening I would've wanted to have Gutierrez on my team over any of the other more sought after recruits.
With chants of Hip! Hip! Jorge! raining from the rafters, much as the blue and gold confetti would after the Bears' hard fought 62-46 win, it was Gutierrez that showed the team the way to a grinding victory. Montgomery might not have his prototypical beefy inside-oriented team yet, but he has one player who can lead his team to play like the prototypical Montgomery team.
Monte Poole of the Bay Area News Group wrote an article about Gutierrez. Montgomery was quoted as saying, "He's a very quiet kid, unassuming, with a great a sense of how to help in any way he needs to. He'll make a great play that others won't make."
And so it was with the game's outcome still up for grabs with 11:49 left, coming out of a media timeout that Jorge in his own unassuming way put the Bears on his back and figuratively said, "Follow this." The "follow this" was a smooth gliding slash to the basket that ended in the most unbelievable of dunks. I turned to my friends and said, "Wow! Where did that come from?" as the Harmon crowd got to its feet for yet another standing ovation.
After this basket, ASU's McMillan nailed a left wing three to make it 44-42 Bears when Gutierrez was not able to switch out in time. Jorge clearly knew that that one was on him, but did he hang his head? No. On the very next sequence, Jorge made amends by scoring on what could only be called a circus shot that would've made even "Circus King" proud with the ball kissing high off the glass while he was getting shoved out of bounds by Jeren Shipp. Only Pete Newell and others in basketball heaven know how that shot went in. After his free throw completed the three-point play, and another miss by the Sun Devils on a desperation heave as the shot clock was expiring, Jorge drove the key and assisted on a basket by Boykin with 9:48 left in the game. This only gave the Bears a 7-point edge, but for all intents and purposes the outcome of the game would no longer be in question. This was perhaps the most important two minutes in the last 50 years for the Bears from the point of winning championships.
Montgomery took Jorge out of the game at this point to what could only be called the loudest ear-piercing ovation of the evening. It was a well earned rest for the unlikeliest of leaders.
Indeed the Sun Devils would not recover from this onslaught. They would remain stuck on 42 points for another two and half minutes when the Bears had built their lead to 53-42. Then ASU would not score another basket until there were but 31 ticks left on the clock and all of the subs were in the game.
The other half of the story is what Jorge did on the defensive end where he was matched up against the much taller and larger Trent Lockett. ASU's delight at seeing the smaller Gutierrez on Lockett resulted in repeated attempts to post up Lockett. These attempts would only turn to frustration with Lockett even taking a swing at Gutierrez with the officials missing this action because it was at the back end of the play. If Randle is the "Bulldog" on offense, Jorge is the "Bulldog" on defense.
There are certain players that come along who are just fun to watch. These are players that make the game enjoyable for whatever reason. Jason Kidd was the first such Cal Bear for this writer. Lamond Murray for his prolific dunking from passes from Kidd. Shareef Abdul-Rahim for his coming out of nowhere to dominate the Pac-10 as a freshman. Same for Ryan Anderson. Jerome Randle was the next in line for the "Fun to Watch" tag. Now the baton has seemingly been passed onto Gutierrez. Hip! Hip! Jorge!
With chants of Hip! Hip! Jorge! raining from the rafters, much as the blue and gold confetti would after the Bears' hard fought 62-46 win, it was Gutierrez that showed the team the way to a grinding victory. Montgomery might not have his prototypical beefy inside-oriented team yet, but he has one player who can lead his team to play like the prototypical Montgomery team.
Monte Poole of the Bay Area News Group wrote an article about Gutierrez. Montgomery was quoted as saying, "He's a very quiet kid, unassuming, with a great a sense of how to help in any way he needs to. He'll make a great play that others won't make."
And so it was with the game's outcome still up for grabs with 11:49 left, coming out of a media timeout that Jorge in his own unassuming way put the Bears on his back and figuratively said, "Follow this." The "follow this" was a smooth gliding slash to the basket that ended in the most unbelievable of dunks. I turned to my friends and said, "Wow! Where did that come from?" as the Harmon crowd got to its feet for yet another standing ovation.
After this basket, ASU's McMillan nailed a left wing three to make it 44-42 Bears when Gutierrez was not able to switch out in time. Jorge clearly knew that that one was on him, but did he hang his head? No. On the very next sequence, Jorge made amends by scoring on what could only be called a circus shot that would've made even "Circus King" proud with the ball kissing high off the glass while he was getting shoved out of bounds by Jeren Shipp. Only Pete Newell and others in basketball heaven know how that shot went in. After his free throw completed the three-point play, and another miss by the Sun Devils on a desperation heave as the shot clock was expiring, Jorge drove the key and assisted on a basket by Boykin with 9:48 left in the game. This only gave the Bears a 7-point edge, but for all intents and purposes the outcome of the game would no longer be in question. This was perhaps the most important two minutes in the last 50 years for the Bears from the point of winning championships.
Montgomery took Jorge out of the game at this point to what could only be called the loudest ear-piercing ovation of the evening. It was a well earned rest for the unlikeliest of leaders.
Indeed the Sun Devils would not recover from this onslaught. They would remain stuck on 42 points for another two and half minutes when the Bears had built their lead to 53-42. Then ASU would not score another basket until there were but 31 ticks left on the clock and all of the subs were in the game.
The other half of the story is what Jorge did on the defensive end where he was matched up against the much taller and larger Trent Lockett. ASU's delight at seeing the smaller Gutierrez on Lockett resulted in repeated attempts to post up Lockett. These attempts would only turn to frustration with Lockett even taking a swing at Gutierrez with the officials missing this action because it was at the back end of the play. If Randle is the "Bulldog" on offense, Jorge is the "Bulldog" on defense.
There are certain players that come along who are just fun to watch. These are players that make the game enjoyable for whatever reason. Jason Kidd was the first such Cal Bear for this writer. Lamond Murray for his prolific dunking from passes from Kidd. Shareef Abdul-Rahim for his coming out of nowhere to dominate the Pac-10 as a freshman. Same for Ryan Anderson. Jerome Randle was the next in line for the "Fun to Watch" tag. Now the baton has seemingly been passed onto Gutierrez. Hip! Hip! Jorge!
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Bears Win Pac-10 Championship
We headed to the Cactus Taqueria on College Avenue near the Rockridge BART station after the game. What started as a late lunch turned into a single-course la comida. I don't think any of us wanted to let the feeling of the Bears winning their first Pac-10 title in 50 years leave too quickly.
During a break late the game, AD Sandy Barbour presented the Bears' clock operator, John Mahaffey, with an honorary jersey and game ball. The number on the jersey was 58 to signify the number of years Mr. Mahaffey has been the clock operator at Cal basketball and football games. This was his last game. One of my friends remarked, "He's probably the only one in the building who saw Cal win their last men's basketball championship."
Tayshaun Prince, who was in town because his Pistons had a game later in the evening against the Warriors, was court side to root for his godbrother and fellow Compton native Patrick Christopher. Christopher walked over to bump fists with Prince before the opening tip.
Scott Fujita, former Cal Bears football walk-on and current member of the Super Bowl champion Saints, was also on hand to soak in the electric atmosphere. Kevin Johnson attended with his wife, mother and other family members and also received a loud ovation when he was introduced to the crowd. Others in attendance included Sean Lampley, former coach Dick Kuchen, current head football coach Jeff Tedford, and other basketball alums. It was a night that would not be soon forgotten.
It was an aligning of the stars and ironies no doubt. A game being played on the day after the anniversary of the Bears last conference championship 50 years prior. Senior Day that was seeing off five popular senior players. A match-up of current conference number one versus number two. A match-up of centers who were once roommates at Duke. The first home sell-out of the year. A Cal win would mean that they could be returning to Stanford next week under the leadership of former Stanford coach Montgomery for a chance at an outright Pac-10 championship.
For more on the game, see this link.
During a break late the game, AD Sandy Barbour presented the Bears' clock operator, John Mahaffey, with an honorary jersey and game ball. The number on the jersey was 58 to signify the number of years Mr. Mahaffey has been the clock operator at Cal basketball and football games. This was his last game. One of my friends remarked, "He's probably the only one in the building who saw Cal win their last men's basketball championship."
Tayshaun Prince, who was in town because his Pistons had a game later in the evening against the Warriors, was court side to root for his godbrother and fellow Compton native Patrick Christopher. Christopher walked over to bump fists with Prince before the opening tip.
Scott Fujita, former Cal Bears football walk-on and current member of the Super Bowl champion Saints, was also on hand to soak in the electric atmosphere. Kevin Johnson attended with his wife, mother and other family members and also received a loud ovation when he was introduced to the crowd. Others in attendance included Sean Lampley, former coach Dick Kuchen, current head football coach Jeff Tedford, and other basketball alums. It was a night that would not be soon forgotten.
It was an aligning of the stars and ironies no doubt. A game being played on the day after the anniversary of the Bears last conference championship 50 years prior. Senior Day that was seeing off five popular senior players. A match-up of current conference number one versus number two. A match-up of centers who were once roommates at Duke. The first home sell-out of the year. A Cal win would mean that they could be returning to Stanford next week under the leadership of former Stanford coach Montgomery for a chance at an outright Pac-10 championship.
For more on the game, see this link.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Thanksgiving 2002
One silver lining of our PC crash was discovering old photos and video clips that we had forgotten about. Here's a video from Thanksgiving 2002.
In case you're wondering, the two dancing kids are Naomi and Ethan.
In case you're wondering, the two dancing kids are Naomi and Ethan.
Crash!
Okay, maybe that's too over-dramatic. It was probably more like a whimper in the night. I woke up early a couple Saturdays back and noticed that the computer was left on overnight. It wasn't the blue screen of death that greeted me, but a black screen asking for a boot disk. This didn't bode well either.
Turns out that the hard drive had stopped working. A good friend tried to help me revive the computer enough to retrieve some data, but it wasn't meant to be. We do regular back-ups so we didn't lose much data, but since the automatic back-ups are set for Sunday night we had lost about a week's worth of files. This wouldn't have been too bad, but this particular week included Ethan's science project.
In the end, we recreated Ethan's hard work. This was after we loaded the OS and software on the second hard drive which was still working. We're going to see how much more we can squeeze out of this PC, but we've taken additional precautions like buying an external drive on which we are storing much of our data because we really don't trust the second hard drive after what happened to the first one.
We still may go out and buy that laptop that we've been talking about getting. And we still do have our really old PC that is older than Naomi. A couple years back we upgraded the OS from Windows 98 to XP on this relic of a PC. It only has a 13 GB hard drive so it's really not much use. The kids were using it, but the CD-drive on it failed last year. I bought a replacement drive, but have not installed it yet.
Turns out that the hard drive had stopped working. A good friend tried to help me revive the computer enough to retrieve some data, but it wasn't meant to be. We do regular back-ups so we didn't lose much data, but since the automatic back-ups are set for Sunday night we had lost about a week's worth of files. This wouldn't have been too bad, but this particular week included Ethan's science project.
In the end, we recreated Ethan's hard work. This was after we loaded the OS and software on the second hard drive which was still working. We're going to see how much more we can squeeze out of this PC, but we've taken additional precautions like buying an external drive on which we are storing much of our data because we really don't trust the second hard drive after what happened to the first one.
We still may go out and buy that laptop that we've been talking about getting. And we still do have our really old PC that is older than Naomi. A couple years back we upgraded the OS from Windows 98 to XP on this relic of a PC. It only has a 13 GB hard drive so it's really not much use. The kids were using it, but the CD-drive on it failed last year. I bought a replacement drive, but have not installed it yet.
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Express Lanes
This is a concept that we are preparing to test out where I work. The project is to provide solo commuters the option to use carpool lanes for a fee. This allows more people to be able use the freeway without having to widen the freeway.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
On Winter Wind
I came across this poem that a friend sent to me several years ago. It's called "On Winter Wind" and was written by Bertha Wilcox Smith.
A chestnut mare on a snow-filled road
Pushed on toward the rider's far abode;
Scourged by the gale, in the dark, unsure,
Stung by the ice on flailing boughs
She carried one who would not arouse.
From the somber sleep that claimed his form
As she reached a shelter from the storm;
She had borne him on, a well-loved weight,
And entered at last by a barn's wide door
To stand and grieve on a strawy floor.
Epics are sung on winter wind,
Tumultuous, undisciplined;
In silent, dusky-shadowed woods,
Where lean and ashen trees reach high
To scrawl dark runes on a parchment sky.
I don't know anything about the author, but thought that I'd share it here. I wonder if the sender, who is one of our readers, remembers sending this to me?
A chestnut mare on a snow-filled road
Pushed on toward the rider's far abode;
Scourged by the gale, in the dark, unsure,
Stung by the ice on flailing boughs
She carried one who would not arouse.
From the somber sleep that claimed his form
As she reached a shelter from the storm;
She had borne him on, a well-loved weight,
And entered at last by a barn's wide door
To stand and grieve on a strawy floor.
Epics are sung on winter wind,
Tumultuous, undisciplined;
In silent, dusky-shadowed woods,
Where lean and ashen trees reach high
To scrawl dark runes on a parchment sky.
I don't know anything about the author, but thought that I'd share it here. I wonder if the sender, who is one of our readers, remembers sending this to me?
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Sights and Sounds from the Holidays
This is not exactly timely, but thought that we'd share nonetheless.
=============================================
Ryan: (At bed time) Don't spread the cold blankets on top of me. I want to hold them! The cold blankets are his two favorite blankets. They are "cold" blankets because they feel cold to the touch when first picked up.
Mom: Okay here are your cold blankets.
Ryan: (He holds the blankets up to his face.) They smell like ojiichan and obaachan's.
Mom: Is that a good thing? Do you want me to wash them?
Ryan: No, I like them that way.
=============================================
Ryan: Let me whisper it to you Ethan (leans in to whisper to Ethan).
Ethan: Okay, but you don't have to spit in my ear.
=============================================
We were at a restaurant over the holidays in Seattle. It was one of those restaurants where they serve drinks with straws with only the top of the straw cover intact. I looked over at Ethan drinking from his straw. He had only removed the top of the paper straw cover so that he could get his mouth on the straw.
Dad: What do you have there?
Ethan: What?
Dad: Did you know that you're suppose to take all of the paper covering off the straw?
Ethan: (slightly embarrassed) Ohhhhh, Daaaad.....
==============================================
=============================================
Ryan: (At bed time) Don't spread the cold blankets on top of me. I want to hold them! The cold blankets are his two favorite blankets. They are "cold" blankets because they feel cold to the touch when first picked up.
Mom: Okay here are your cold blankets.
Ryan: (He holds the blankets up to his face.) They smell like ojiichan and obaachan's.
Mom: Is that a good thing? Do you want me to wash them?
Ryan: No, I like them that way.
=============================================
Ryan: Let me whisper it to you Ethan (leans in to whisper to Ethan).
Ethan: Okay, but you don't have to spit in my ear.
=============================================
We were at a restaurant over the holidays in Seattle. It was one of those restaurants where they serve drinks with straws with only the top of the straw cover intact. I looked over at Ethan drinking from his straw. He had only removed the top of the paper straw cover so that he could get his mouth on the straw.
Dad: What do you have there?
Ethan: What?
Dad: Did you know that you're suppose to take all of the paper covering off the straw?
Ethan: (slightly embarrassed) Ohhhhh, Daaaad.....
==============================================
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Ryan Anderson in the NBA
Video clip of former Cal Bear Ryan Anderson who is a reserve for the Orlando Magic.
Ryan Anderson (Jan 2 & 9) from ieeeBear on Vimeo.
Sunday, January 03, 2010
Cal Bears Holiday Wishes
Holiday wishes brought to you by Jamal Boykin (the artist), Brandon Smith (the freshman), Patrick Christopher (the starting guard by way of Compton, CA), and Markhuri Sanders-Frison (the junior college transfer by way of Portland, OR).
* Patrick does apologize for the red jacket at the end of the video.
* Patrick does apologize for the red jacket at the end of the video.
Saturday, January 02, 2010
Homemade Family Photo Shoot
We decided to make our own family photo this year. It took a few takes to get an acceptable shot. Here's what the shoot looked like with a few fun captions added for good measure.
2009 Holiday Season in Pictures
Hope that your holiday was a good one. Ours was a lot about being with family. We did a little cooking and baking. Had a few laughs. Exchanged a few gifts. No snow this year, but no complaints here.
"Hey Soul Sister" by Train
Hopefully, like the character in this video, 2010 has all the right moves.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
A Christmas Riddle
This is for our cousin Tetsuya who lives in Japan and is a fan of riddles.
Q: What goes "Oh, oh, oh"?
A: Santa walking backwards.
Q: What goes "Oh, oh, oh"?
A: Santa walking backwards.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Let it Snow!
What an odd sight this morning seeing cars driving down Ygnacio Valley Road in Walnut Creek with snow piled on their roofs. Here's a photo of one of these cars.
Okay, the picture quality is not too great, but there were several cars that drove by with about two inches of accumulated snow on their roofs. A couple cars had snow covering their back window as if this were a red badge of courage. I'm sure the drivers of these cars could not see anything out the back.
We still have some vegetables growing in our back yard that we have covered. The next storm is due in on Wednesday or Thursday.
It's only appropriate that the Japanese Word of the Day on our blog is "yuki" which means snow!
Let's end this entry with a little Vienna Teng.
The Last Snowfall lyrics
If this were the last snowfall
No more halos on evergreen
If this were the last glimpse of winter
What would these eyes see?
If this were the last slow curling
Of your fingers in my palm
If this were the last I felt you breathing
How would I carry on?
This is not the last snowfall
Not our last embrace
But if I were that kind of grateful
What would I try to say?
Okay, the picture quality is not too great, but there were several cars that drove by with about two inches of accumulated snow on their roofs. A couple cars had snow covering their back window as if this were a red badge of courage. I'm sure the drivers of these cars could not see anything out the back.We still have some vegetables growing in our back yard that we have covered. The next storm is due in on Wednesday or Thursday.
It's only appropriate that the Japanese Word of the Day on our blog is "yuki" which means snow!
Let's end this entry with a little Vienna Teng.
The Last Snowfall lyrics
If this were the last snowfall
No more halos on evergreen
If this were the last glimpse of winter
What would these eyes see?
If this were the last slow curling
Of your fingers in my palm
If this were the last I felt you breathing
How would I carry on?
This is not the last snowfall
Not our last embrace
But if I were that kind of grateful
What would I try to say?
Saturday, December 05, 2009
Cal Basketball Game
We made it a family affair this past weekend when the Cal Bears played the Princeton Tigers. The Bears won the game rather handily, but perhaps the highlight for our kids was seeing a couple of their Ygnacio Wood Seahorses swimming coaches (current Coaches Brian and Anna and former Coach Matt) at the game. It turns out Anna's brother is a starting guard on the Princeton team. So naturally his family and friends were in attendance in number under the name "The Marcus Fan Club."
After the game, we went courtside to say hello to Anna because we saw her sitting courtside during the game. That's Anna on the left in the photo below.
Back to the game. We had two tickets because Uncle John was not attending. Then when we were buying our tickets we scored a freebie so we only had to buy two tickets. What a deal!
Here's a photo after the game from near where we sit. It shortly after this photo that we turned around and Ryan was flying down to the court to say "hello."
Here are a couple more photos from the game.
After the game, we went courtside to say hello to Anna because we saw her sitting courtside during the game. That's Anna on the left in the photo below.
Back to the game. We had two tickets because Uncle John was not attending. Then when we were buying our tickets we scored a freebie so we only had to buy two tickets. What a deal!
Here's a photo after the game from near where we sit. It shortly after this photo that we turned around and Ryan was flying down to the court to say "hello."
Here are a couple more photos from the game.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Here Comes the Train!
We were finally able to set up the train track set that we got from Ojiichan and Obaachan a couple years ago. It's a set with Disney characters painted on the sides of the cars.
2009 Pictures of Autumn
We have kept a busy schedule during this 2009 autumn season. The weather has cooperated for the most part. Not much rain and moderate temperatures.
Starting from the upper left: Ryan as a construction worker helping to clean up the back yard; Ethan with friends Ben (wearing Cal sweat shirt) and Cal at Chabot Observatory school field trip; the three kids with their pumpkin carvings under the gazebo; Ethan at Karate belt test; Ethan as clone trooper, Ryan as an army man and Naomi as a witch; Ethan and Naomi with Auntie Betty and Uncle Alden; Naomi as "Jupiter" in School House Rock musical at school; Ethan with Den Leader Louis and Nate on Scouting for Food; and Naomi in group photo after piano recital.
Starting from the upper left: Ryan as a construction worker helping to clean up the back yard; Ethan with friends Ben (wearing Cal sweat shirt) and Cal at Chabot Observatory school field trip; the three kids with their pumpkin carvings under the gazebo; Ethan at Karate belt test; Ethan as clone trooper, Ryan as an army man and Naomi as a witch; Ethan and Naomi with Auntie Betty and Uncle Alden; Naomi as "Jupiter" in School House Rock musical at school; Ethan with Den Leader Louis and Nate on Scouting for Food; and Naomi in group photo after piano recital.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Cal Bears Spoil Roses for Cardinal
Ethan had a belt test today at Bay Area Mountain Martial Arts & Fitness, where he was going for his blue belt in their Dragons Karate program. Ethan's belt test was as good as the Bears' game today.
Yes, today was Big Game Saturday. The underdog Cal Bears against the red hot Cardinal. The game was a late afternoon game on the Farm with Rose Bowl hopes on the line for one team.
Cardinal Colors Man: Do you think your team will do it?
Cal Bears Man: I don't know, but that's why they play 'em.
Cardinal Colors Man: I think that Stanford team will take it. They look pretty good.
Cal Bears Man: They look good, but it's the Big Game. You kind of have to throw all the stats out.
This was an exchange immediately after the belt test. The game was not available in my cable package. To get the game, I would have to upgrade to a digital package costing about $20 per month more. So by the time I remembered the game and looked it up on-line, the Bears were already down 0-14 and they were not out of the first quarter. I could picture the Cardinal side of the house already hedging their bets and placing calls for hotels rooms in Pasadena.
Those hopes were dashed when Stanford's young QB Luck who came into the game leading the Pac-10 in QB rating threw an ill-advised pass under heavy pressure from Cameron Jordan. This is the the same Cameron Jordan who was ragged (from afar and beyond hearing distance) by a couple of my friends at a recent Cal Bears basketball game. "You should not be here. You should be studying film on your next opponent." The Bears would go on that week to get dismantled by the Beavers. Bears are not suppose to lose to Beavers.
The not so Luck-y pass was intercepted near the goal line and the Bears' 34-28 win was preserved. This was a play that was not so dissimilar to the one by Riley two years ago against the Beavers. Young QB under heavy pressure who folds when his team was on the verge of winning or at least extending the game with greater spoils around the corner. How sweet it is!
Yes, today was Big Game Saturday. The underdog Cal Bears against the red hot Cardinal. The game was a late afternoon game on the Farm with Rose Bowl hopes on the line for one team.
Cardinal Colors Man: Do you think your team will do it?
Cal Bears Man: I don't know, but that's why they play 'em.
Cardinal Colors Man: I think that Stanford team will take it. They look pretty good.
Cal Bears Man: They look good, but it's the Big Game. You kind of have to throw all the stats out.
This was an exchange immediately after the belt test. The game was not available in my cable package. To get the game, I would have to upgrade to a digital package costing about $20 per month more. So by the time I remembered the game and looked it up on-line, the Bears were already down 0-14 and they were not out of the first quarter. I could picture the Cardinal side of the house already hedging their bets and placing calls for hotels rooms in Pasadena.
Those hopes were dashed when Stanford's young QB Luck who came into the game leading the Pac-10 in QB rating threw an ill-advised pass under heavy pressure from Cameron Jordan. This is the the same Cameron Jordan who was ragged (from afar and beyond hearing distance) by a couple of my friends at a recent Cal Bears basketball game. "You should not be here. You should be studying film on your next opponent." The Bears would go on that week to get dismantled by the Beavers. Bears are not suppose to lose to Beavers.
The not so Luck-y pass was intercepted near the goal line and the Bears' 34-28 win was preserved. This was a play that was not so dissimilar to the one by Riley two years ago against the Beavers. Young QB under heavy pressure who folds when his team was on the verge of winning or at least extending the game with greater spoils around the corner. How sweet it is!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Fall Piano Recital 2009
Naomi is really enjoying her piano playing. She has a great teacher who is generous enough to offer multiple opportunities for her students to play in public at recitals, senior homes, etc.
In this Fall's recital, Naomi played two pieces.
The first was "Go Tell Aunt Rhody," a American folk song set to music from a French opera by Rousseau called "Le Devin du Village" from 1752. That's Naomi's teacher next to her. Ethan shot this video.
The second was a duet playing of a song called "Carousel" with her friend Natalie. Mom shot this video.
In this Fall's recital, Naomi played two pieces.
The first was "Go Tell Aunt Rhody," a American folk song set to music from a French opera by Rousseau called "Le Devin du Village" from 1752. That's Naomi's teacher next to her. Ethan shot this video.
The second was a duet playing of a song called "Carousel" with her friend Natalie. Mom shot this video.
Legos for Legos
We have a friend who has been blogging about shedding and culling stuff. We've had this same discussion about making room with our kids recently.
We say "making room" because invariably the Christmas season will bring more toys, games, and other "items to amuse us" for our kids. The sense of clutter blankets the boys' room more so than it does Naomi's room. And really it's the amount of Lego pieces in their room. They have buckets and buckets of Lego pieces, each piece at one time being a part of some set, now all cruelly mixed together. "Help, I'm missing my elbow piece," says a former Lego robot. "I'm over here with the Lego car pieces," says the elbow piece. It's funny, they don't want to give up any pieces, but we parents seem to care more about pieces being out of place.
So Christmas will come and go, and the prediction is that we have Lego pieces being replaced by other Lego pieces. Something has to give, doesn't it?
We say "making room" because invariably the Christmas season will bring more toys, games, and other "items to amuse us" for our kids. The sense of clutter blankets the boys' room more so than it does Naomi's room. And really it's the amount of Lego pieces in their room. They have buckets and buckets of Lego pieces, each piece at one time being a part of some set, now all cruelly mixed together. "Help, I'm missing my elbow piece," says a former Lego robot. "I'm over here with the Lego car pieces," says the elbow piece. It's funny, they don't want to give up any pieces, but we parents seem to care more about pieces being out of place.
So Christmas will come and go, and the prediction is that we have Lego pieces being replaced by other Lego pieces. Something has to give, doesn't it?
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Time for a Family Bike Ride
Ethan spent time this afternoon on our street practicing his bike riding. Within an hour or so he was riding on his own. Maybe this will distract him from his talk about wanting to build a fort in our backyard.
His bike a hand-me-down from Naomi. He agreed to take it if we painted it so we spray painted it from its original purple color to blue. We took off the dog spot decals too. We still have to replace the seat which has the matching purple with dog spots theme.
He's added his own touch to the bike by taping a tissue box to the front of the handlebars so that there would be a spot for his teddy bear.
His bike a hand-me-down from Naomi. He agreed to take it if we painted it so we spray painted it from its original purple color to blue. We took off the dog spot decals too. We still have to replace the seat which has the matching purple with dog spots theme.
He's added his own touch to the bike by taping a tissue box to the front of the handlebars so that there would be a spot for his teddy bear.
Monday, November 02, 2009
Questions and More Questions
Kids are really good at stalling when they don't want to do something. They are also very inquisitive. Here's what happened this evening at bedtime:
Ryan: What color are germs? [he's lying in bed]
Me: I guess it might depend on the type of germ. You might see different colors with a microscope.
Ryan: What's a swine flu?
Me: It's a type of flu that came from pigs.
Ethan: What's a swine? [leaning near the edge of his loft bed]
Me: It's another name for pigs. Okay, it's time for bed now.
Ryan: No, no, no. I have another question.
Me: Okay.
Ryan: Are nails harder than wood?
Me: Yes, nails are harder. That's why you can hammer nails into a piece of wood.
Ethan: So why do nails bend, but boards don't?
Me: That's a good one. Now it is time for bed. [later Dorothy told me that Ethan and Cal were hammering nails into boards the other day over at Cal's house]
Ryan: What color are germs? [he's lying in bed]
Me: I guess it might depend on the type of germ. You might see different colors with a microscope.
Ryan: What's a swine flu?
Me: It's a type of flu that came from pigs.
Ethan: What's a swine? [leaning near the edge of his loft bed]
Me: It's another name for pigs. Okay, it's time for bed now.
Ryan: No, no, no. I have another question.
Me: Okay.
Ryan: Are nails harder than wood?
Me: Yes, nails are harder. That's why you can hammer nails into a piece of wood.
Ethan: So why do nails bend, but boards don't?
Me: That's a good one. Now it is time for bed. [later Dorothy told me that Ethan and Cal were hammering nails into boards the other day over at Cal's house]
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Halloween 2009
That wraps up another Halloween. The perfect weather (last year it rained) probably had a little to do with it, but we had the most trick-or-treaters in all the years that we have lived in our current place. There seemed to be more kids from outside our area walking our neighborhood.
This year Naomi was a witch, Ethan was a clone trooper from Star Wars, and Ryan was an army guy. They met up with friends and spent about two hours walking the neighborhood.
Auntie and Uncle visited afterward to end the evening, bringing over some goodies for the kids. They reported that a larger number of kids than last year came by their house too.
This year Naomi was a witch, Ethan was a clone trooper from Star Wars, and Ryan was an army guy. They met up with friends and spent about two hours walking the neighborhood.
Auntie and Uncle visited afterward to end the evening, bringing over some goodies for the kids. They reported that a larger number of kids than last year came by their house too.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Songs Played After MLB Home Wins
Before the 2009 season is over, let's salute all those wins across MLB stadiums. Some teams like the Red Sox, Yankees, Dodgers, and Giants have played the same song after home wins over several seasons. These songs have come to become synonymous with the team. For a few teams, I was not able to identify a song.
Boston Red Sox – “Dirty Water” by The Standells
New York Yankees – “New York, New York” by Frank Sinatra
Baltimore Orioles – “Orioles Magic” written by Perfect Pitch Inc. (did they play this in 2009?)
Toronto Blue Jays – ????
Tampa Bay Rays – “Feel the Heat Rays” by Living Under Venus
Cleveland Indians – “Rock and Roll All Night ” by KISS
Detroit Tigers – “Celebration” by Kool and the Gang
Minnesota Twins – ????
Chicago White Sox – “Sweet Home Chicago” by The Blues Brothers
Kansas City Royals – “Kansas City” by The Beatles
Oakland A’s – “Celebration” by Kool and the Gang
Seattle Mariners – “Kernkraft 400” by Zombie Nation
Los Angeles Angels – “California Angels A-OK” by Dick and Shirley Winslow
Texas Rangers – “I Like Texas” by Pat Green
New York Mets – “Takin’ Care of Business” by BTO
Philadelphia Phillies – “Goin’ Back to Philadelphia, PA” by Bobby Burnett
Washington Nationals – “Beautiful Day” by U2
Florida Marlins – ????
Atlanta Braves – ????
Chicago Cubs – “Go, Cubs, Go” by Steve Goodman
St. Louis Cardinals – Not sure if there is one song, but the organist often plays “Beautiful Day” by u2
Houston Astros – ????
Milwaukee Brewers –Not sure if there is one song, but Jasen Roby the saxophonist under I-94 plays the “Rocky” theme song after wins
Cincinnati Reds – ????
Pittsburgh Pirates – ????
San Diego Padres – “Rock and Roll Part 2” by Gary Glitter
San Francisco Giants – “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” by Tony Bennett
Los Angeles Dodgers – “I Love L.A.” by Randy Newman
Colorado Rockies – “Rocky Mountain Way” by Joe Walsh
Arizona Diamondbacks – “D-backs Swing” by Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers
Boston Red Sox – “Dirty Water” by The Standells
New York Yankees – “New York, New York” by Frank Sinatra
Baltimore Orioles – “Orioles Magic” written by Perfect Pitch Inc. (did they play this in 2009?)
Toronto Blue Jays – ????
Tampa Bay Rays – “Feel the Heat Rays” by Living Under Venus
Cleveland Indians – “Rock and Roll All Night ” by KISS
Detroit Tigers – “Celebration” by Kool and the Gang
Minnesota Twins – ????
Chicago White Sox – “Sweet Home Chicago” by The Blues Brothers
Kansas City Royals – “Kansas City” by The Beatles
Oakland A’s – “Celebration” by Kool and the Gang
Seattle Mariners – “Kernkraft 400” by Zombie Nation
Los Angeles Angels – “California Angels A-OK” by Dick and Shirley Winslow
Texas Rangers – “I Like Texas” by Pat Green
New York Mets – “Takin’ Care of Business” by BTO
Philadelphia Phillies – “Goin’ Back to Philadelphia, PA” by Bobby Burnett
Washington Nationals – “Beautiful Day” by U2
Florida Marlins – ????
Atlanta Braves – ????
Chicago Cubs – “Go, Cubs, Go” by Steve Goodman
St. Louis Cardinals – Not sure if there is one song, but the organist often plays “Beautiful Day” by u2
Houston Astros – ????
Milwaukee Brewers –Not sure if there is one song, but Jasen Roby the saxophonist under I-94 plays the “Rocky” theme song after wins
Cincinnati Reds – ????
Pittsburgh Pirates – ????
San Diego Padres – “Rock and Roll Part 2” by Gary Glitter
San Francisco Giants – “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” by Tony Bennett
Los Angeles Dodgers – “I Love L.A.” by Randy Newman
Colorado Rockies – “Rocky Mountain Way” by Joe Walsh
Arizona Diamondbacks – “D-backs Swing” by Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers
Saturday, October 03, 2009
Those Darn Raccoons!
We have raccoons tearing up our lawn. This is a new experience for us - one that's been ongoing for a couple of weeks now. Our neighbors actually saw them one evening. She said it looked like a mom and maybe two or three little ones.
They have visited us three or four times now, each time digging up the same part of the lawn. We understand that they are just foraging for food. This happens in the fall when all of the hills are dry and brown, and lawns are not.
We sent an email to Gary Bogue, a newspaper columnist with our local paper, who has assembled a pamphlet on tips for dealing with raccoons. We've added a link to Gary's web site to the Links section of this blog for anyone interested.
We've tried leaving the outdoor light on near where they've been digging. We were told that we could kill the grubs in the lawn that they are after, but we haven't done this yet. We changed the time when the sprinklers come on hoping that they would find the wetter than normal lawn to not be to their liking. Who are we kidding, these are animals that will forage through almost anything. We probably really should turn off the water and dry out the lawn. We'll see what happens.
They have visited us three or four times now, each time digging up the same part of the lawn. We understand that they are just foraging for food. This happens in the fall when all of the hills are dry and brown, and lawns are not.
We sent an email to Gary Bogue, a newspaper columnist with our local paper, who has assembled a pamphlet on tips for dealing with raccoons. We've added a link to Gary's web site to the Links section of this blog for anyone interested.
We've tried leaving the outdoor light on near where they've been digging. We were told that we could kill the grubs in the lawn that they are after, but we haven't done this yet. We changed the time when the sprinklers come on hoping that they would find the wetter than normal lawn to not be to their liking. Who are we kidding, these are animals that will forage through almost anything. We probably really should turn off the water and dry out the lawn. We'll see what happens.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Jeremy Cohen
Yes, we had quite the musical weekend. On Saturday, we took the kids to see the Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra. Besides the price being right, it was also a chance to see Naomi's piano teacher play. The treat of the night was the playing of violinist Jeremy Cohen. He was the starring musician in a set featuring a Duke Ellington medley. It was quite a riveting piece.
Jeremy Cohen is a member of Quartet San Francisco. Here's a link to the video page at their web site that includes a video of the quartet playing "Libertango" by Astor Piazzolla amongst other compositions.
Jeremy Cohen's set that featured the Duke Ellington medley really did steal the show. It even had the kids' attention. After the intermission, the orchestra played the story of "Peter and the Wolf." The idea of a story through music sounds interesting, but Ryan did not see it the same way as he soundly slept his way through the entire number.
Jeremy Cohen is a member of Quartet San Francisco. Here's a link to the video page at their web site that includes a video of the quartet playing "Libertango" by Astor Piazzolla amongst other compositions.
Jeremy Cohen's set that featured the Duke Ellington medley really did steal the show. It even had the kids' attention. After the intermission, the orchestra played the story of "Peter and the Wolf." The idea of a story through music sounds interesting, but Ryan did not see it the same way as he soundly slept his way through the entire number.
The Story of Billy McLaughlin
Billy McLaughlin was the guest musician at our church this weekend. He demonstrated his unique method for playing the guitar. The story about his battle with a neuromuscular disease called focal dystonia was shared, but it was only after checking out his web site that the extent of his battle was really apparent.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
The Very Definition of Inspiration
What if Wynton Marsalis played a set with your high school jazz band, and it was entirely unplanned? This is exactly what happened to the Vaca High Jazz Ensemble at this past weekend's Vacaville Jazz Festival.
The story goes that Wynton Marsalis was driving down I-80 on his way to the Monterey Jazz Festival when he saw a banner for the Vacaville festival. He of the nine Grammys and a Pulitzer Prize quietly joined the high school band on stage. His time included one solo (see video below). As quickly as he joined the band, he was gone after a handful of songs, some autograph signing and other pleasantries.
This is probably something that these kids and their parents are going to remember foe quite some time.
The story goes that Wynton Marsalis was driving down I-80 on his way to the Monterey Jazz Festival when he saw a banner for the Vacaville festival. He of the nine Grammys and a Pulitzer Prize quietly joined the high school band on stage. His time included one solo (see video below). As quickly as he joined the band, he was gone after a handful of songs, some autograph signing and other pleasantries.
This is probably something that these kids and their parents are going to remember foe quite some time.
Sunday, September 06, 2009
Ichiro Gets 2000
Ichiro got his 2000th Major League Baseball (MLB )hit today against the A's. If you combine this with the hits that he got in 9 years playing professional baseball in Japan (starting as an 18 year old) before joining MLB, it would be enough to place him 12th on the all-time MLB list just 5 behind Willie Mays' 3283 hits.
Pete Rose leads the hit parade with 4256 career hits in his major league career. He got a hit about every 3.3 times at bat. Ichiro in just his MLB career has averaged a hit every 3.0 times at bat. If you add his Japanese baseball stats, then it's one hit every 2.93 at bats.
He's made it to 2000 faster than anyone not named Al Simmons who went on to finish with 2927 hits. He'll be 36 when baseball starts next year, when he should have about 2040 hits. By the time he finishes his first season as a 40 year old five years from now, he should be at about 3140 hits.
At one point, it was thought that Ichiro's stats in Japan would be needed to help him get into the MLB Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. This is no longer the case. He's gotten 200 hits in all 10 years in the majors. Pete Rose did not get his 10th 200-hit season until his 17th season. Ichiro also has been a Gold Glove fielder each year in the majors. He's broken the all-time single season hits record. He led the Mariners to their record 116-win season. Now it's just a matter of how many more stats he will amass before he decides to hang up his cleats for good.
Pete Rose leads the hit parade with 4256 career hits in his major league career. He got a hit about every 3.3 times at bat. Ichiro in just his MLB career has averaged a hit every 3.0 times at bat. If you add his Japanese baseball stats, then it's one hit every 2.93 at bats.
He's made it to 2000 faster than anyone not named Al Simmons who went on to finish with 2927 hits. He'll be 36 when baseball starts next year, when he should have about 2040 hits. By the time he finishes his first season as a 40 year old five years from now, he should be at about 3140 hits.
At one point, it was thought that Ichiro's stats in Japan would be needed to help him get into the MLB Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. This is no longer the case. He's gotten 200 hits in all 10 years in the majors. Pete Rose did not get his 10th 200-hit season until his 17th season. Ichiro also has been a Gold Glove fielder each year in the majors. He's broken the all-time single season hits record. He led the Mariners to their record 116-win season. Now it's just a matter of how many more stats he will amass before he decides to hang up his cleats for good.
Ponyo
We went to see this movie with my mom during her visit with us. Now I'll find Ryan humming the theme song from time-to-time. So here is the song with lyrics.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
2009 Summer Road Trip - Part II
Here's a compilation of photos from the second half of our trip. Again, the slide show includes more items for our scavenger hunt.
Monday, August 24, 2009
2009 Summer Road Trip - Part I
The following is a compilation of photos from the "to Seattle" leg of our trip. This slide show includes a few of the photos for our scavenger hunt. How many can you spot? Some are marked, but others are not.
Good luck in spotting our "finds!"
Good luck in spotting our "finds!"
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Road Trip Scavenger Hunt
The local paper ran a scavenger hunt for summer road trips. The hunt ends on August 26, but we've completed our search and have submitted our entries. The following are the items that we were to find over the course of our road trips this summer:
1. Town mascot
2. Gas station adapted for different use
3. Professional fisherman with catch
4. Town square clock
5. Headstone inscribed with date before 1800s (bonus point if before 1700s)
6. Double-decker bus
7. Dog on the beach
8. Traveler from your team assisting street performer
9. A real outhouse (no portable potties allowed)
10. Red barn
11. Sign with Mother's, Mom's or Ma's on it (or foreign equivalent)
12. Cobblestone street
13. Oversized animal sculpture
14. Outdoor pay phone
15. Statue or art made entirely of edible food
16. A sign that is intentionally or unintentionally funny
17. A camel (bonus point if not from a zoo)
18. Town sign with population of 100 or less
19. A former jail
20. Something unusual not on the list
We had to have a photo of each of the items above with one of our travel party in the photo. The photos could not be from locales in the Bay Area.
The places we visited to collect entries for the hunt included items found at or near the following places:
California: Redding, Hilt, Dunsmuir, Humbug, and Truckee
Oregon: Grants Pass, Florence, Newport, Riddle, Wolf Creek, Canyonville, and Winston.
Washington: Seattle (Fisherman's Terminal, Pike Place Market, and Lake View Cemetery)
So as you can see we had an adventurous summer once again.
1. Town mascot
2. Gas station adapted for different use
3. Professional fisherman with catch
4. Town square clock
5. Headstone inscribed with date before 1800s (bonus point if before 1700s)
6. Double-decker bus
7. Dog on the beach
8. Traveler from your team assisting street performer
9. A real outhouse (no portable potties allowed)
10. Red barn
11. Sign with Mother's, Mom's or Ma's on it (or foreign equivalent)
12. Cobblestone street
13. Oversized animal sculpture
14. Outdoor pay phone
15. Statue or art made entirely of edible food
16. A sign that is intentionally or unintentionally funny
17. A camel (bonus point if not from a zoo)
18. Town sign with population of 100 or less
19. A former jail
20. Something unusual not on the list
We had to have a photo of each of the items above with one of our travel party in the photo. The photos could not be from locales in the Bay Area.
The places we visited to collect entries for the hunt included items found at or near the following places:
California: Redding, Hilt, Dunsmuir, Humbug, and Truckee
Oregon: Grants Pass, Florence, Newport, Riddle, Wolf Creek, Canyonville, and Winston.
Washington: Seattle (Fisherman's Terminal, Pike Place Market, and Lake View Cemetery)
So as you can see we had an adventurous summer once again.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Saturday, August 01, 2009
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Negotiating with Ryan
Ryan is following big brother into becoming a Lego nut so it was no surprise when he started picking out what he wanted for Christmas from a Lego catalogue.
Ryan: Hey, Dad, I want this and this and this and... (you get the idea)
Me: What will Santa say if I ask him if you've been naughty or nice?
Ryan: Yes.
Me: No, have you been naughty or nice?
Ryan: Yes.
Me: Your choices are "naughty" or "nice." Do you understand what I'm saying?
Ryan: Naughty?
Me: So if you've been naughty, what do you think you will get from Santa?
Ryan: No, I want you and Mom to buy the Legos for me!
Ryan: Hey, Dad, I want this and this and this and... (you get the idea)
Me: What will Santa say if I ask him if you've been naughty or nice?
Ryan: Yes.
Me: No, have you been naughty or nice?
Ryan: Yes.
Me: Your choices are "naughty" or "nice." Do you understand what I'm saying?
Ryan: Naughty?
Me: So if you've been naughty, what do you think you will get from Santa?
Ryan: No, I want you and Mom to buy the Legos for me!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Cuban Sandwiches in Seattle
One of our best food finds this year during our trip to Seattle was Paseo Caribbean Restaurant in the Fremont District. It's been around since the mid 90s so we've probably driven by the place (which is easy to do).
Be prepared to stand in line to get your eats at Paseo and don't forget to bring cash. They don't take credit cards. Also, don't plan on eating in. They might have enough seats for perhaps 8 people, maybe less.
We went for sandwiches because it was lunch time, but it seems that they serve just about everything on the menu in a sandwich or as a plate. The sandwiches that we got were the Cuban Roast (made with super tender pork shoulder meat - came highly recommended by Chuck's mom), Smokin' Thighs (chicken thighs marinated with the skin on - great flavors!), Fish of the Day (which turned out to be catfish - never had catfish so good!), and Grilled Pork (had to try their original sandwich). We also got an order of rice and beans. Everything was terrific!
They are closed on Sundays and Mondays. They have a second location in the Ballard District. The original location in the Fremont District is at about 43rd Street on Fremont Avenue.
Be prepared to stand in line to get your eats at Paseo and don't forget to bring cash. They don't take credit cards. Also, don't plan on eating in. They might have enough seats for perhaps 8 people, maybe less.
We went for sandwiches because it was lunch time, but it seems that they serve just about everything on the menu in a sandwich or as a plate. The sandwiches that we got were the Cuban Roast (made with super tender pork shoulder meat - came highly recommended by Chuck's mom), Smokin' Thighs (chicken thighs marinated with the skin on - great flavors!), Fish of the Day (which turned out to be catfish - never had catfish so good!), and Grilled Pork (had to try their original sandwich). We also got an order of rice and beans. Everything was terrific!
They are closed on Sundays and Mondays. They have a second location in the Ballard District. The original location in the Fremont District is at about 43rd Street on Fremont Avenue.
Are You Ready to be a Traffic Engineer?
Check out this game from the University of Minnesota to see if you have what it takes to be a traffic engineer. Of course, in most cities the timing of signals is controlled by a computerized system.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Ygnacio Wood Seahorses - 2009
Where's Naomi and Ethan in the photo below. The team photo was taken before Ryan was on the team so he is not in the photo.
The coaches naturally had to cool off after their hard work in lining up 130 or so swimmers for the photo session.
The coaches naturally had to cool off after their hard work in lining up 130 or so swimmers for the photo session.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Ethan Hits His Mark
Ethan has found a comfort zone with karate. Things do get more difficult as one moves up, but Ethan just this past weekend passed the belt test to make it to the purple/blue belt level in the Dragons Program at Bay Mountain Martial Arts here in Concord. We have been very happy with the programs at Bay Mountain. The instructors are terrific with kids and although cramped, the place has a family atmosphere.
Here's Ethan with Sensei Alex at his recent belt test. These tests are fairly involved affairs that could take well over two hours to complete depending on the number of kids testing.
Here's Ethan with Sensei Alex at his recent belt test. These tests are fairly involved affairs that could take well over two hours to complete depending on the number of kids testing.
Ryan Promoted to Swim Team
Ryan was okay with making the swim team next year, but with the 6 and under boys often unable to have enough kids at meets to field a relay team there was a need for more team members. So Ryan made the team and took part in his first meet last week. The requirement to make the team in mid-season is to be able swim the full 25-yard length of the pool unassisted. Swimming against boys who have been swimming all season, he won his first race. At this point, he can only swim free style, but swimming this season means that he will have a leg up on next year.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
The Juggler's Assistant - Twice!
One able-bodied juggler's assistant wanted. No experience necessary. Any takers?
Juggler: Here, can you hold my glasses? [hands his 1980s style sun glasses to Ethan]
Ethan: [turning to me] What do I do with these?
Me: Just hold them, I guess, until he asks for them back.
The juggler starts his ball juggling routine and finishes with a four-ball flourish.
Juggler: Who has my glasses?
Ethan: I do!
Juggler: Come on out here and put them on me.
Juggler: I need another volunteer.
Ryan: Pick me! Pick me!
Juggler: [points to Ryan] You kid. Come on out here!
Juggler: What's your name?
Ryan says something that most of us can't hear. Apparently the juggler dude didn't hear too well either...even though he was right next to Ryan.
Juggler: What's that? Frank? Okay, everyone please give a hand to Frank!
Ryan stands quietly with a somewhat sheepish look on his face. Thought cloud here. [Ryan: He's messed up my name.]
Juggler: Does he understand English? [looking in the general direction of our family]
Dorothy: Yes, he does and his name is Ryan!
Woman in Audience: That sounds better. Who names their kid Frank these days?
Juggler: Here, can you hold my glasses? [hands his 1980s style sun glasses to Ethan]
Ethan: [turning to me] What do I do with these?
Me: Just hold them, I guess, until he asks for them back.
The juggler starts his ball juggling routine and finishes with a four-ball flourish.
Juggler: Who has my glasses?
Ethan: I do!
Juggler: Come on out here and put them on me.
Juggler: I need another volunteer.
Ryan: Pick me! Pick me!
Juggler: [points to Ryan] You kid. Come on out here!
Juggler: What's your name?
Ryan says something that most of us can't hear. Apparently the juggler dude didn't hear too well either...even though he was right next to Ryan.
Juggler: What's that? Frank? Okay, everyone please give a hand to Frank!
Ryan stands quietly with a somewhat sheepish look on his face. Thought cloud here. [Ryan: He's messed up my name.]
Juggler: Does he understand English? [looking in the general direction of our family]
Dorothy: Yes, he does and his name is Ryan!
Woman in Audience: That sounds better. Who names their kid Frank these days?
Friday, July 03, 2009
Kismet On the Road
We finally made it to Seattle on the 4th day after spending three days in Oregon, most of it on the coast. Our overnight stops in Oregon included Medford, Coos Bay and Newport. Each year, Medford seems to be the first stop no matter what time we leave our home. Call it kismet.
One year I think we finally left the house around dinner time. I'm not sure why we bothered to leave, but we did. This year we managed to finally shove off right after lunch. At least we wouldn't have to stop to eat.
On first glance our scavenger hunt checklist looked daunting. Town mascot? Our first thought was Grants Pass, Oregon because of all of the painted bears that they had on display a couple year ago. Surely, the bear must be their town mascot. Little did we know.
Traveler from our team assisting a street performer? We are adventuresome, but volunteering for a street act is usually not in our repertoire. Ryan to the rescue! Actually, both Ryan and Ethan got into the act.
Statue or art made entirely of edible food? Having not checked this one off by the time we arrived in Seattle, we resorted to home made art made of food. Yuki baked up a cake shaped like the U.S. flag for the 4th of July. It was a grand effort, but we still felt maybe it was too much cake and not enough art especially when we tried to hold up the cake pan to take a picture and the flag part of the cake slid down the pole part to half mast. We were saved later when we came across art made of food while on a visit to Pike Place Market. Kismet again.
So the road trip rolled on. We ping ponged around. Learned that the Lake View Cemetery is where many of the founders of the city of Seattle are buried. This is also where Bruce and Brandon Lee are buried.
One year I think we finally left the house around dinner time. I'm not sure why we bothered to leave, but we did. This year we managed to finally shove off right after lunch. At least we wouldn't have to stop to eat.
On first glance our scavenger hunt checklist looked daunting. Town mascot? Our first thought was Grants Pass, Oregon because of all of the painted bears that they had on display a couple year ago. Surely, the bear must be their town mascot. Little did we know.
Traveler from our team assisting a street performer? We are adventuresome, but volunteering for a street act is usually not in our repertoire. Ryan to the rescue! Actually, both Ryan and Ethan got into the act.
Statue or art made entirely of edible food? Having not checked this one off by the time we arrived in Seattle, we resorted to home made art made of food. Yuki baked up a cake shaped like the U.S. flag for the 4th of July. It was a grand effort, but we still felt maybe it was too much cake and not enough art especially when we tried to hold up the cake pan to take a picture and the flag part of the cake slid down the pole part to half mast. We were saved later when we came across art made of food while on a visit to Pike Place Market. Kismet again.
So the road trip rolled on. We ping ponged around. Learned that the Lake View Cemetery is where many of the founders of the city of Seattle are buried. This is also where Bruce and Brandon Lee are buried.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
U.S. Side's Prayers Answered!
In the Confederations Cup tournament underway in South Africa, the U.S. had no business shutting out the Egyptians let alone advancing to the semi-finals. After the first two games of the group stage, the red, white and blue clad Americans found themselves as the bottom shelf team of Group B. No wins, and having scored a single goal while giving up six. Back to the drawing board.
This is what the Americans needed in their game against the Egyptians on Father's Day to advance to the medal round of what is a tune-up tournament for the World Cup next year:
1. A win against Egypt who had earlier shut out the Italians 1-0.
2. More than a win, a win by at least 3 goals to overtake the Egyptians on the goals scored differential tie-breaker.
3. A loss by the Italians against the Brazilians.
4. More than a loss, a loss of 3-0 or a loss where the Italians are out scored by 4 or more points.
On this Father's Day, the Americans did exactly what they needed to win. My treat to myself was a little bit of time to watch not only the U.S. versus Egypt match, but also the equally important match between two of the world's most elite teams, Brazil and Italy.
The most fitting end was the goal by Clint Dempsey to make the score 3-0. The announcers of the game mercilessly hounded the play of Dempsey, pointing out every misplay of the midfielder. Even almost begging for Dempsey to be subbed out. I thought this hounding was somewhat unnecessary. Then in the 71st minute, what would be the semi-final berth clinching goal was scored on a thread-the-needle header by #8. There would be no more calls for the removal of Dempsey from the game after this goal.
Now it was score board watching time. Since the Brazil - Italy match was a few minutes ahead, the Americans knew exactly their position relative to making it into the semi-finals. With the final score locked in as 3-0 Brazil, the U.S. knew all they needed to do was to protect their 3-0 lead to advance to the medal round. This would be the most improbable of outcomes. Happy Father's Day!
Here come the red-hot Spaniards now. With no one giving the Americans a chance to win, their only hope is probably to play for a scoreless tie and rely on penalty kicks. Let's see what happens tomorrow.
This is what the Americans needed in their game against the Egyptians on Father's Day to advance to the medal round of what is a tune-up tournament for the World Cup next year:
1. A win against Egypt who had earlier shut out the Italians 1-0.
2. More than a win, a win by at least 3 goals to overtake the Egyptians on the goals scored differential tie-breaker.
3. A loss by the Italians against the Brazilians.
4. More than a loss, a loss of 3-0 or a loss where the Italians are out scored by 4 or more points.
On this Father's Day, the Americans did exactly what they needed to win. My treat to myself was a little bit of time to watch not only the U.S. versus Egypt match, but also the equally important match between two of the world's most elite teams, Brazil and Italy.
The most fitting end was the goal by Clint Dempsey to make the score 3-0. The announcers of the game mercilessly hounded the play of Dempsey, pointing out every misplay of the midfielder. Even almost begging for Dempsey to be subbed out. I thought this hounding was somewhat unnecessary. Then in the 71st minute, what would be the semi-final berth clinching goal was scored on a thread-the-needle header by #8. There would be no more calls for the removal of Dempsey from the game after this goal.
Now it was score board watching time. Since the Brazil - Italy match was a few minutes ahead, the Americans knew exactly their position relative to making it into the semi-finals. With the final score locked in as 3-0 Brazil, the U.S. knew all they needed to do was to protect their 3-0 lead to advance to the medal round. This would be the most improbable of outcomes. Happy Father's Day!
Here come the red-hot Spaniards now. With no one giving the Americans a chance to win, their only hope is probably to play for a scoreless tie and rely on penalty kicks. Let's see what happens tomorrow.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Don't Try This at Home
Got this off YouTube. His name is Josh Womack. He was originally drafted by the Seattle Mariners in 2002 in the second round (pick #69) right out of Crawford High School in San Diego.
This is the same draft that produced current major leaguers B.J. Upton (#2), Zack Greinke (#6), Prince Fielder (#7), Jeff Francis (#9), Jeremy Hermida (#11), Joe Saunders (#12), Khalil Greene (#13), Scott Kazmir (#15), Nick Swisher (#16), Cole Hamels (#17), James Loney (#19), Jeff Franccoeur (#23), Joe Blanton (#24), Matt Cain (#25), Micah Owings (#50), Jon Lester (#57), Jonathan Broxton (#60), and Fred Lewis (#66) all before Josh. Seems that this was a loaded draft at least in the first few rounds.
After Josh these players were picked: Curtis Granderson (#80), Josh Johnson (#113), John Maine (#166), Scott Olen (#173), Joel Zumaya (#320), Dana Eveland (#469), Jacoby Ellsbury (#674), and Brad Ziegler (#938) who are also current major leaguers. In all, there were 1482 players selected over 50 rounds, but I'm guessing that only Josh Womack knows this trick:
This is the same draft that produced current major leaguers B.J. Upton (#2), Zack Greinke (#6), Prince Fielder (#7), Jeff Francis (#9), Jeremy Hermida (#11), Joe Saunders (#12), Khalil Greene (#13), Scott Kazmir (#15), Nick Swisher (#16), Cole Hamels (#17), James Loney (#19), Jeff Franccoeur (#23), Joe Blanton (#24), Matt Cain (#25), Micah Owings (#50), Jon Lester (#57), Jonathan Broxton (#60), and Fred Lewis (#66) all before Josh. Seems that this was a loaded draft at least in the first few rounds.
After Josh these players were picked: Curtis Granderson (#80), Josh Johnson (#113), John Maine (#166), Scott Olen (#173), Joel Zumaya (#320), Dana Eveland (#469), Jacoby Ellsbury (#674), and Brad Ziegler (#938) who are also current major leaguers. In all, there were 1482 players selected over 50 rounds, but I'm guessing that only Josh Womack knows this trick:
Monday, June 15, 2009
Conversation With Ryan
Ryan who's 5 yrs old made a special card and insisted on placing a family picture in the middle.
Ryan: Mom, you make sure you keep this and look at it to remember us when we're gone.
Mom: Where are you going?
Ryan: Well, Mom, one of these days Naomi, Ethan and I will be living in another house...not together...I'll have my house and Naomi will have her house and Ethan will have his house. Because one of these days we'll find a girl to marry and live in a different house with.
Mom: Naomi, too?
Ryan: Naomi will find a boy to marry....someone who's not taken. I'd marry you, but you're taken.
Mom: Who's got me?
Ryan: Casey.
(pause)
Ryan: Maybe I'll marry Naomi because she helps me...she helps me take care of the guinea pig.
Mom: Brothers and sisters don't marry each other...they find other special people.
Ryan: Oh.
Ryan: Mom, you make sure you keep this and look at it to remember us when we're gone.
Mom: Where are you going?
Ryan: Well, Mom, one of these days Naomi, Ethan and I will be living in another house...not together...I'll have my house and Naomi will have her house and Ethan will have his house. Because one of these days we'll find a girl to marry and live in a different house with.
Mom: Naomi, too?
Ryan: Naomi will find a boy to marry....someone who's not taken. I'd marry you, but you're taken.
Mom: Who's got me?
Ryan: Casey.
(pause)
Ryan: Maybe I'll marry Naomi because she helps me...she helps me take care of the guinea pig.
Mom: Brothers and sisters don't marry each other...they find other special people.
Ryan: Oh.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Swim Season is Here!
Swim season is underway once again for the Ygnacio Wood Seahorses of Concord, California. Naomi and Ethan are swimming once again and Ryan could make an appearance when he is ready.
Ethan's been working on his dives. That's him below starting his leg of a recent free relay race.
Ethan's favorite stroke is the breast stroke.
Naomi's been making strides too swimming this year with the 9 and 10 year olds. This is the first age group where the swimmers have to swim two lengths of the pool (50 yards) in their races. Here's Naomi going out in a recent 50 yard free style race:
Here she is going for the finish in the same 50 yard free style race:
However, perhaps the best part of recreational swimming is the time spent with friends. There are not many activities around that involve the participation of kids 4 years old up to 18 years old at the same event.
Ethan's been working on his dives. That's him below starting his leg of a recent free relay race.
Ethan's favorite stroke is the breast stroke.
Naomi's been making strides too swimming this year with the 9 and 10 year olds. This is the first age group where the swimmers have to swim two lengths of the pool (50 yards) in their races. Here's Naomi going out in a recent 50 yard free style race:
Here she is going for the finish in the same 50 yard free style race:
However, perhaps the best part of recreational swimming is the time spent with friends. There are not many activities around that involve the participation of kids 4 years old up to 18 years old at the same event.
Planting Trees for the City
Our Boy Scout den volunteered to help plant trees for the City of Concord this past week. It made for a hectic day since it was on what was also the last day of school this past Wednesday.
The kids got in a photo-op with Laura Hoffmeister, the mayor.
In case you were wondering, here's what was on the flag behind us in the picture above.
Yes, the City of Concord has been designated as a Tree City. What does this mean? Here's what the Tree City web site says:
The Tree City USA® program, sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters, provides direction, technical assistance, public attention, and national recognition for urban and community forestry programs in thousands of towns and cities that more than 120 million Americans call home.
Basically, I guess this means that we care about our trees.
The kids got in a photo-op with Laura Hoffmeister, the mayor.
In case you were wondering, here's what was on the flag behind us in the picture above.
Yes, the City of Concord has been designated as a Tree City. What does this mean? Here's what the Tree City web site says:
The Tree City USA® program, sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters, provides direction, technical assistance, public attention, and national recognition for urban and community forestry programs in thousands of towns and cities that more than 120 million Americans call home.
Basically, I guess this means that we care about our trees.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Scout Day with the A's
This past weekend was Scout Day at the A's game. Just Ethan and I went last year, but this year the entire family participated. The highlight of the game for the scouts is a chance to walk around the field before the start of the game.
Naomi: Wow, the pitcher's mound really is "moundy." I could get hurt if I fell off that.
Ethan: We even had our very own flag, but for some reason it was not on a pole. Here we are with our fearless Den leader Louis.
Here's the last out of the game that was won by the A's over the Orioles 3-0.
Naomi: Wow, the pitcher's mound really is "moundy." I could get hurt if I fell off that.
Ethan: We even had our very own flag, but for some reason it was not on a pole. Here we are with our fearless Den leader Louis.
Here's the last out of the game that was won by the A's over the Orioles 3-0.
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Mr. Steinbrecher
The first word association for Mr. Steinbrecher is girls' basketball coach for most of us from Sand Point, but he really is more than that. This is borne out by reading the CaringBridge web site set up to allow us keep in touch with the Steinbrechers in their battle with cancer.
My image of Mr. Steinbrecher on the basketball court was someone who was a battler. If someone would've asked me, "Can you pick out the former football player on the court?" This would be easy if Mr. Steinbrecher was on the court. His play was not pretty, but it was usually very efficient, very no nonsense. He moved like a blocking tackle. If he got established in the low block, he was not going to be moved.
It is amazing what he has endured against this very aggressive cancer. Most people would've given up long ago.
Below is a copy of their posting from May 9 that mentions Yuki and Hillary's visit to Minnesota to see the Steinbrechers. There really are so many of us pulling for Roger and Noreen. Please keep them in your thoughts.
Saturday, May 9, 2009 4:18 PM, CDT
Hello Everyone!
We had 2 very long days in Rochester on Thurs. & Friday. Chemo on Thurs. went well and we went back to the hotel and Roger slept the rest of the day. Friday we tried to sleep in but the room was very warm and with the windows open we heard the sirens all night. Not a great night's sleep. We met with 4 of Roger's surgeons that afternoon. We would have liked more encouraging news but that wasn't to be. There is reconstructive cosmetic surgery that could be done for Roger's lips & face but with so much cancer all over his face and neck they feel that nothing would heal properly and would be very stressful for him so they are leaving things as they are. Not sure if the chemo is helping right now or not but it is the course we are on for the time being. My thoughts are that we will contact those surgeons in a year or so when we beat this cancer and schedule reconstructive surgery then! We had a wonderful visit with Yuki K. and Hillary S. (both were Roger's basketball girls and my music students from Sand Point, AK back in the 80's.) They flew down just to visit. It was Great!! Talk about uplifting! It meant a lot. We looked at new pictures of the island, old photos , old yearbooks and got caught up on everybody. Roger slept the whole next day after they left. Thanks you two. We are spending this weekend in the cities near the girls for Mother's Day. Nothing special planned, just being together. Have a great Mother's Day everyone and enjoy each and every day! Love, Roger and Noreen
My image of Mr. Steinbrecher on the basketball court was someone who was a battler. If someone would've asked me, "Can you pick out the former football player on the court?" This would be easy if Mr. Steinbrecher was on the court. His play was not pretty, but it was usually very efficient, very no nonsense. He moved like a blocking tackle. If he got established in the low block, he was not going to be moved.
It is amazing what he has endured against this very aggressive cancer. Most people would've given up long ago.
Below is a copy of their posting from May 9 that mentions Yuki and Hillary's visit to Minnesota to see the Steinbrechers. There really are so many of us pulling for Roger and Noreen. Please keep them in your thoughts.
Saturday, May 9, 2009 4:18 PM, CDT
Hello Everyone!
We had 2 very long days in Rochester on Thurs. & Friday. Chemo on Thurs. went well and we went back to the hotel and Roger slept the rest of the day. Friday we tried to sleep in but the room was very warm and with the windows open we heard the sirens all night. Not a great night's sleep. We met with 4 of Roger's surgeons that afternoon. We would have liked more encouraging news but that wasn't to be. There is reconstructive cosmetic surgery that could be done for Roger's lips & face but with so much cancer all over his face and neck they feel that nothing would heal properly and would be very stressful for him so they are leaving things as they are. Not sure if the chemo is helping right now or not but it is the course we are on for the time being. My thoughts are that we will contact those surgeons in a year or so when we beat this cancer and schedule reconstructive surgery then! We had a wonderful visit with Yuki K. and Hillary S. (both were Roger's basketball girls and my music students from Sand Point, AK back in the 80's.) They flew down just to visit. It was Great!! Talk about uplifting! It meant a lot. We looked at new pictures of the island, old photos , old yearbooks and got caught up on everybody. Roger slept the whole next day after they left. Thanks you two. We are spending this weekend in the cities near the girls for Mother's Day. Nothing special planned, just being together. Have a great Mother's Day everyone and enjoy each and every day! Love, Roger and Noreen
Friday, June 05, 2009
Aleutian Tweeters and Bloggers
Perhaps on a per capita basis, there are as many tweeters and bloggers in the Aleutians as any place on earth. AlaskaPen provides links to many of these sites under its Rants page. The total population of the Western Aleutians and the Aleutians East Borough that covers most of the Aleutians has a population of about 7500. On AlaskaPen's list there are about 20 tweeters and bloggers in this area (with most based out of Unalaska). This calculates to about one tweeter or blogger for every 375 people. Not bad.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Biking and Scootering
It looks like the worst of hay fever season is over. No more sneezing and runny noses. This made it a great time this weekend for outdoor activities like biking and scootering.
Here are the kids lining for a race:
Here's Naomi cruising on two wheels:
Ethan on his scooter and Ryan on his bike:
One...two...three...Go!
Here are the kids lining for a race:
Here's Naomi cruising on two wheels:
Ethan on his scooter and Ryan on his bike:
One...two...three...Go!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Pop Star = Rock Star
We first learnt about this video from a friend's music compilation on CD a couple years ago. When we showed this to Ryan he insisted that the artist was singing about a Rock Star in Spanish. Eventually he came around to admit that it was pop star and that the song was in Japanese.
Ryan's been practicing his own lip synched version of the song.
wanna be a pop star kimi wo motto muchuu ni sasete ageru kara ne
kirakira no pop star hane wo hiroge mahou wo kakete ageyou kimidake ni
kimi ni deaeta yorokobito, kimi ni aenai samishisa no
ryouhou wo te ni irete, koi wa hashiridasu
sora mo tobenai boku dakedo, kodoku wo utau yoru dakedo
sono hoho ni, hohoemi wo ataerareta nara
hajimete kimi wo dakishimeta shunkan ni
kamisama ga boku ni kudashita shimei wa kimi dake no Hero
i wanna be a pop star kimi wo motto muchuu ni sasete ageru kara ne
kirakira no pop star hane wo hiroge, mahou wo kakete ageyou
i wanna be a pop star kimi wo gyutto, dakishimete ageru kara oide
kirakira no pop star hane wo hiroge, mahou wo kakete ageyou, kimi dakeni
kakushite itai kurayami mo, kimi wa sotto hiroi agete
taisetsu na boku nanda to, dakishimete kureta
hikari eto tsuzuku, michi aruite yukou
kizu kabau, kono migite wa, kimi to te wo tsunagu tame ni
you're gonna be my pop star boku wo motto muchuu ni saseteyo hohoende
kirakira no pop star sono hitomi de, boku ni mahou wo kakete
you're my only pop star boku wo gyutto, dakishimetara mou hanasanai
kirakira no pop star sono hitomi de, boku ni mahou wo kakete ima sugu ni
koi ni ochitara daremo ga dareka no pop star
kamisama ga bokuni kudashita shimei wa kimi dake no Hero
i wanna be a pop star kimi wo motto muchuu ni sasete ageru kara ne
kirakira no pop star hane wo hiroge, mahou wo kakete ageyou
i wanna be a pop star kimi wo gyutto, dakishimete ageru kara oide
kirakira no pop star hane wo hiroge, mahou wo kakete ageyou, kimi dakeni
Ryan's been practicing his own lip synched version of the song.
wanna be a pop star kimi wo motto muchuu ni sasete ageru kara ne
kirakira no pop star hane wo hiroge mahou wo kakete ageyou kimidake ni
kimi ni deaeta yorokobito, kimi ni aenai samishisa no
ryouhou wo te ni irete, koi wa hashiridasu
sora mo tobenai boku dakedo, kodoku wo utau yoru dakedo
sono hoho ni, hohoemi wo ataerareta nara
hajimete kimi wo dakishimeta shunkan ni
kamisama ga boku ni kudashita shimei wa kimi dake no Hero
i wanna be a pop star kimi wo motto muchuu ni sasete ageru kara ne
kirakira no pop star hane wo hiroge, mahou wo kakete ageyou
i wanna be a pop star kimi wo gyutto, dakishimete ageru kara oide
kirakira no pop star hane wo hiroge, mahou wo kakete ageyou, kimi dakeni
kakushite itai kurayami mo, kimi wa sotto hiroi agete
taisetsu na boku nanda to, dakishimete kureta
hikari eto tsuzuku, michi aruite yukou
kizu kabau, kono migite wa, kimi to te wo tsunagu tame ni
you're gonna be my pop star boku wo motto muchuu ni saseteyo hohoende
kirakira no pop star sono hitomi de, boku ni mahou wo kakete
you're my only pop star boku wo gyutto, dakishimetara mou hanasanai
kirakira no pop star sono hitomi de, boku ni mahou wo kakete ima sugu ni
koi ni ochitara daremo ga dareka no pop star
kamisama ga bokuni kudashita shimei wa kimi dake no Hero
i wanna be a pop star kimi wo motto muchuu ni sasete ageru kara ne
kirakira no pop star hane wo hiroge, mahou wo kakete ageyou
i wanna be a pop star kimi wo gyutto, dakishimete ageru kara oide
kirakira no pop star hane wo hiroge, mahou wo kakete ageyou, kimi dakeni
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Rocket Cars
These cars were able to cover about 200 feet in just a few seconds, which translates to something like 25 to 30 mph. The cars were all quite fast.
Human-Powered Merry-Go-Round
Although our cub scouts were able to test out the rocket cars that they built, most of them may have had the most fun on the human-powered merry-go-round that the host Boy Scout pack had assembled. Check out this video:
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| From 2009_05_RocketDerby |
Monday, May 25, 2009
Let's Go Fly a Kite!
We had a not so common windy day this weekend that was perfect for kite flying at Arbolado Park. The park has a bowl shape with a higher rim perfect for launching kites.
Katy's Kreek Restaurant
A place for a good Sunday brunch is Katy's Kreek in Walnut Creek. This weekend's visit included sampling the Basque Omelette and their bowl of mixed berries. Thumbs up to both!
...before the good food came a little waiting for a table.
...before the good food came a little waiting for a table.
Ethan Tries Golfing
We went to the driving range over the weekend and the boys got to use their new golf clubs for the first time outside the back yard. Here's Ethan's golf swing.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Foods Good for You
Saw an on-line article that talked about foods good for you and those that are not so I thought why not plan a daily menu around these foods. The main problem was trying to match up items that made sense for the meals.
Breakfast: Low fat yogurt sprinkled with nuts and blueberries mixed in along with a cup of coffee. This will give a boost to short-term memory (coffee), benefit long-term memory (blueberries), and provide a calming effect (low-fat yogurt and nuts) for the commute.
Lunch: High-protein salad with vinaigrette sprinkled with ground flaxseed and a mug of peppermint tea. The salad with diced chicken will provide needed mid-day energy, and the flaxseed will sharpen your senses while the tea boosts your concentration level.
Dinner: Salmon with spinach salad. The salmon helps to speed up your thought processing, while the spinach promotes a good mood and grins. Yes, these were the actual words in the article.
Avoid the following or at the least moderate: energy drinks, too much coffee, unripe/unready fruits, full fat ice cream, pancakes, bagels, soda, candy, white chocolate and alcohol.
Breakfast: Low fat yogurt sprinkled with nuts and blueberries mixed in along with a cup of coffee. This will give a boost to short-term memory (coffee), benefit long-term memory (blueberries), and provide a calming effect (low-fat yogurt and nuts) for the commute.
Lunch: High-protein salad with vinaigrette sprinkled with ground flaxseed and a mug of peppermint tea. The salad with diced chicken will provide needed mid-day energy, and the flaxseed will sharpen your senses while the tea boosts your concentration level.
Dinner: Salmon with spinach salad. The salmon helps to speed up your thought processing, while the spinach promotes a good mood and grins. Yes, these were the actual words in the article.
Avoid the following or at the least moderate: energy drinks, too much coffee, unripe/unready fruits, full fat ice cream, pancakes, bagels, soda, candy, white chocolate and alcohol.
Friday, May 08, 2009
Air Force One Brouhaha
Here's one of the photos taken recently of Air Force One that has caused much trouble for the White House. It seems that if they really wanted to they could have saved a lot of trouble by "photoshopping" the plane into the picture. Nice picture though.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Would You Pay a Toll?
One of new newer concepts in Bay Area transportation is something called an Express Lane. An Express Lane is a carpool lane that also can be used by toll paying solo drivers. The video below by the Alameda Congestion Management Agency is for an express lane under construction on I-680 in Alameda and Santa Clara counties. VTA, where I work, has about a 20 percent stake in this project.
Following this project are four other Bay Area projects with similar designs. There's another that is under construction along I-580, a major artery to the Central Valley of California. We're managing the other three projects that are in Santa Clara County and are under various stages of design.
These projects offer the ability to use capacity on existing freeways without widening of freeways and at the same time allow for the generation of sorely needed revenue to pay for roadway maintenance and operations, and improvements. We'll see how these projects pan out.
Other areas like San Diego, Minneapolis, Miami, and Seattle have already constructed express lanes. Other areas like Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. have projects under development.
Following this project are four other Bay Area projects with similar designs. There's another that is under construction along I-580, a major artery to the Central Valley of California. We're managing the other three projects that are in Santa Clara County and are under various stages of design.
These projects offer the ability to use capacity on existing freeways without widening of freeways and at the same time allow for the generation of sorely needed revenue to pay for roadway maintenance and operations, and improvements. We'll see how these projects pan out.
Other areas like San Diego, Minneapolis, Miami, and Seattle have already constructed express lanes. Other areas like Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. have projects under development.
Parking in SF
The first car that we bought together was a VW Golf. One of the reasons was to make finding parking in San Francisco easier. We don't go into the City as much now so we do fine in our mini-van.
However, for those of you still battling for parking spaces in the City, check out the following web site: findingthesweetspot.com.
This also brings to mind a former co-worker. He had the most amazing parking karma. We would go to eat lunch in the busiest of places right in the thick of lunch hour on a Friday. This was in the Silicon Valley in the midst of the technology boom. Places like Ranch 99 in Milpitas. Never fail, if we were with Jeff, we would always find a parking space. It was amazing.
However, for those of you still battling for parking spaces in the City, check out the following web site: findingthesweetspot.com.
This also brings to mind a former co-worker. He had the most amazing parking karma. We would go to eat lunch in the busiest of places right in the thick of lunch hour on a Friday. This was in the Silicon Valley in the midst of the technology boom. Places like Ranch 99 in Milpitas. Never fail, if we were with Jeff, we would always find a parking space. It was amazing.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Spring Break 2009
Here is a slide show of our recent trip to Southern California. The main stop was Disneyland. This was the second time to the happiest place on earth for our kids. All the kids got to enjoy the thrill of the "big kid" rides, especially true for Naomi. Ryan even took in Splash Mountain with an enthusiastic, "That was awesome!" He got soaked and was very proud of it.
After Disneyland, we spent part of an afternoon at the George C. Page Museum in La Brea (aka the La Brea Tar Pits). They've unearthed an amazing number of animals from the tar pits.
We wound up the trip by unwinding in San Diego. Got to visit more family (Dorothy's niece lives in SD). We really basically spent most of the day at the beach in La Jolla.
On the drive back we stopped off at Disneytown to do a little last minute shopping.
After Disneyland, we spent part of an afternoon at the George C. Page Museum in La Brea (aka the La Brea Tar Pits). They've unearthed an amazing number of animals from the tar pits.
We wound up the trip by unwinding in San Diego. Got to visit more family (Dorothy's niece lives in SD). We really basically spent most of the day at the beach in La Jolla.
On the drive back we stopped off at Disneytown to do a little last minute shopping.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Parody of Government
There's a new show called "Parks and Recreation" that parodies government. It plays on stereotypes of government in action. We'll have to see if it catches on.
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