Vicki had the mom's group over for a one year survival party. Knowing my place, Vicki asked me to plan and man the beverage station. I needed a drink that wasn't overly potent, that was somewhat suited toward a nice sunny day, and that could be made for a number of people at once.
The Pimm's Cup fit the bill. I had never made them before, but had a few at various parties.
There is some variance in how the Pimm's Cup is made, naturally. I took the original recipe, as cited by Wikipedia . However, as Drinkboy says in his video about the Pimm's Cup, lemonade in Britian does not mean the same thing as it does across the pond in the States. Lemonade is apparently lemon-lime soda (Sprint, 7-Up). Drinkboy prefers ginger ale to soda, but I don't.
Given that Pimm's is pretty low in alcohol content, and also given that there were going to be many children in the house, I felt the need to give the drink a little more potency. Not a lot, but more than the normal recipe. To offest that extra punch, I needed something to balance kick. I chose fresh squeezed lemon juice and lime juice.
Here's my recipe for a small pitcher:
8 oz Pimm's No. 1
4 oz Gin
2 oz lemon juice
2 oz lime juice
Fill Highball glass three-quarters full with ice. Fill glass a little more than hald way the with Pimm's mix above. Top with 7-Up. Garnish with cucumber slice.
The cucumber does really impart a fresh flavor to the drink. It is great a great and easy recipe for a sunny afternoon.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
An Observation On Our House
Of the five beings that inhabit our house, the poop of the majority exits the dwelling in plastic bags through the front door.
File this under stuff you wouldn't have thought until you had a child.
File this under stuff you wouldn't have thought until you had a child.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Saturday Mornings
My first job out of college was pretty much straight-forward sales. Oh, they dressed it up as "Financial Planning," but it was sales. As fate would have it, I wasn't selling much.
To get me back on track, my bosses (all three of them) determined that I, along with the other under-performing rookies, would have to come in on Saturday mornings to make calls. Sleep was, and still is, precious to me. Saturday sleep even moreso. I was not happy. And I was snarky. By this point in time, I knew I was not long for this particular career.
"What time?"
"Let's say 8:00 am," said Brian, who was boss number 3 of 3.
"You think people will be awake at 8 am and will be happy to hear from me?"
"Oh, if people have kids they will be up by then, for sure."
Brian had kids, so I assumed he knew what he was talking about. I was 22 years old and childless, so I had to take his word for it. But this was one of those items that stuck with me over time because it scared me. Up earlier than 8? Because of kids? No thanks.
So, last Saturday, as I was pulling George out of the crib at 6:15, I thought of Brian.
When 8:00 am rolled around, I thought, yep, parents are awake at 8:00 am, but if some sales guy had the stones to call me at that hour, I would reach through the phone line and strangle him.
To get me back on track, my bosses (all three of them) determined that I, along with the other under-performing rookies, would have to come in on Saturday mornings to make calls. Sleep was, and still is, precious to me. Saturday sleep even moreso. I was not happy. And I was snarky. By this point in time, I knew I was not long for this particular career.
"What time?"
"Let's say 8:00 am," said Brian, who was boss number 3 of 3.
"You think people will be awake at 8 am and will be happy to hear from me?"
"Oh, if people have kids they will be up by then, for sure."
Brian had kids, so I assumed he knew what he was talking about. I was 22 years old and childless, so I had to take his word for it. But this was one of those items that stuck with me over time because it scared me. Up earlier than 8? Because of kids? No thanks.
So, last Saturday, as I was pulling George out of the crib at 6:15, I thought of Brian.
When 8:00 am rolled around, I thought, yep, parents are awake at 8:00 am, but if some sales guy had the stones to call me at that hour, I would reach through the phone line and strangle him.
Monday, September 15, 2008
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Tuesday, August 19, 2008
The Margarita
It came at me from multiple angles; the Tres Agaves margarita recipe.
My buddy Burkey IM'd me at noon on a workday, saying he had tipped back a couple of them at a company BBQ. "Just three ingredients," he typed away. I imagine the typing was slurred. He reported it was lime juice, Tequila and agave nectar.
"What's agave nectar?", I asked.
I soon found out. That weekend I went to a party where they served the same recipe of margarita, and tried it. It was damn good.
There's some debate as to whether this recipe is mistakenly called a Margarita. Some would call it a Tequila gimlet, but call it whatever you want, I call it delicious.
About to depart for a beach-front vacation, I quickly went about trying to source agave nectar. Trader Joe's had a house-brand of it. There are other brands, and I think you can find it at Whole Paycheck, and other natural food places.
Here's the recipe I used:
2 parts Tequila
1 part lime juice
1 part Agave nectar
Pretty simple list. I squeezed out the limes, added the juice and the nectar to a shaker, added the Tequila to the shaker, shake, and pour over ice. For this recipe, I would avoid the blender. Some purists say the Margarita should never be blended. I say, on a hot day and you feel like an alcoholic icee, a blended margarita is fine. For this recipe, I would use higher-shelf Tequila, and with better Tequila, I don't blend.
My buddy Burkey IM'd me at noon on a workday, saying he had tipped back a couple of them at a company BBQ. "Just three ingredients," he typed away. I imagine the typing was slurred. He reported it was lime juice, Tequila and agave nectar.
"What's agave nectar?", I asked.
I soon found out. That weekend I went to a party where they served the same recipe of margarita, and tried it. It was damn good.
There's some debate as to whether this recipe is mistakenly called a Margarita. Some would call it a Tequila gimlet, but call it whatever you want, I call it delicious.
About to depart for a beach-front vacation, I quickly went about trying to source agave nectar. Trader Joe's had a house-brand of it. There are other brands, and I think you can find it at Whole Paycheck, and other natural food places.
Here's the recipe I used:
2 parts Tequila
1 part lime juice
1 part Agave nectar
Pretty simple list. I squeezed out the limes, added the juice and the nectar to a shaker, added the Tequila to the shaker, shake, and pour over ice. For this recipe, I would avoid the blender. Some purists say the Margarita should never be blended. I say, on a hot day and you feel like an alcoholic icee, a blended margarita is fine. For this recipe, I would use higher-shelf Tequila, and with better Tequila, I don't blend.
The Beesnatch on the Plane
When we booked the flights, for the return flight we were unable to get contiguous seats. All the aisle seats were sold out, so we had two window seats, and one middle seat next to one of the window seats.
I figured we'd switch seats on the plane, with the aisle person in the row where we already had two of the three seats. We'd play the "traveling with an infant" card. Who wants to sit next to a baby on a plane? So, we boarded early, when they called for with the children and elderly.
When the passenger who was the aisle seat stood arrived, she told me I was in her seat. I asked if she wouldn't mind, could she....
"NO." She declared before I could even finish the question. "I got an aisle seat because they're better. I paid for an aisle seat and I will have an aisle seat."
Fortunately, there was a family of 6 traveling, and they had an aisle seat across the aisle, and they offered to give their aisle seat, and take the middle seat, sending the middle seat passenger to our window seat.
Beesnatch reluctantly agreed to this arrangement, though she made it clear she wasn't happy about it.
As Earl will tell you, Karma is for real. The family of 6? All the kids were under 7 years old, and all were loud. Very nice family, but very loud. And they climbed over the seats. And this woman had to sit next to them.
Couldn't have happened to a nicer person.
I figured we'd switch seats on the plane, with the aisle person in the row where we already had two of the three seats. We'd play the "traveling with an infant" card. Who wants to sit next to a baby on a plane? So, we boarded early, when they called for with the children and elderly.
When the passenger who was the aisle seat stood arrived, she told me I was in her seat. I asked if she wouldn't mind, could she....
"NO." She declared before I could even finish the question. "I got an aisle seat because they're better. I paid for an aisle seat and I will have an aisle seat."
Fortunately, there was a family of 6 traveling, and they had an aisle seat across the aisle, and they offered to give their aisle seat, and take the middle seat, sending the middle seat passenger to our window seat.
Beesnatch reluctantly agreed to this arrangement, though she made it clear she wasn't happy about it.
As Earl will tell you, Karma is for real. The family of 6? All the kids were under 7 years old, and all were loud. Very nice family, but very loud. And they climbed over the seats. And this woman had to sit next to them.
Couldn't have happened to a nicer person.
Vacation, All I Ever Wanted...
...well, maybe not ALL I wanted, but the trip to my place of origin was a good time for the most part.
The weather was super. Not too hot, nor too humid, which was unusual for the mid-west in August.
Did a little swimmin', a lot of visiting. George met a lot of people for the first time.
Oh so, traveling with an infant is interesting and challenging. Despite having to haul a boat-load of stuff, the flight there was a piece of cake. He entertained the surrouding passengers for a while then conked out for 2 and a half hours. Waking up in time to land.
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The next post is about the way back..
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Exodus
So, did I miss the memo telling people the summer of 2008 was the time to move out of the Bay Area?
A bunch of friends have already moved out of the area, or are close to doing so. Friends from swimming (7 people), work (2), and causal friends (2), are else-where bound. Cost of living, grad school, and job transfers are the stated reasons for their departures.
It feels like the end of an era, but what era? Is it 10 years and out of the Bay Area? Not sure.
But man, all these people all at once? I am bummed out.
A bunch of friends have already moved out of the area, or are close to doing so. Friends from swimming (7 people), work (2), and causal friends (2), are else-where bound. Cost of living, grad school, and job transfers are the stated reasons for their departures.
It feels like the end of an era, but what era? Is it 10 years and out of the Bay Area? Not sure.
But man, all these people all at once? I am bummed out.
Friday, July 25, 2008
The Mai Tai
Ok, so, Tahoe isn't all about swimming. In keeping with our team theme, we did some drinkin'.
I made batches of Mai Tais. Not exactly the best cocktail for such a large group, but because it is more potent than your average drink, it works with a big enough shaker.
There is a lot of history already written about the Mai Tai, and you can read all about it. I used Trader Vic's recipe (more or less), with some modifications.
The key to the drink is fresh lime juice and the orgeat. Good luck finding the orgeat, I had to look pretty hard. I found some Trader Vic's Orgeat and a local divey liquor store, but Torani also makes some (which is what my local tiki bar uses).
For Tahoe, this is what I did:
1 part silver (white) rum (infused with pineapple) (Bacardi)
1 part gold rum (Mount Gay)
1 part dark rum (Whalers)
1 part fresh lime juice
¾ to 1 part orgeat
¾ part orange curaçao
The evening before, I sliced half a pineapple and threw the wedges in a pitcher, and filled the pitcher with the silver rum. Makes for a pineappley rum. mmm.
Put all in the shaker, shake and pour into ice filled tumblers.
If you've got the time, a nice addition is to squeeze lime into your glass, add mint and muddle. Then add the rums, curaçao and orgeat after shaking, and stir in the glass. It's a nice touch.
If you have straws, save the dark rum for a floater after you pour. Cut the straws down short, so your nose is right above the drink, so you can enjoy all the nuanced aromas.
I made batches of Mai Tais. Not exactly the best cocktail for such a large group, but because it is more potent than your average drink, it works with a big enough shaker.
There is a lot of history already written about the Mai Tai, and you can read all about it. I used Trader Vic's recipe (more or less), with some modifications.
The key to the drink is fresh lime juice and the orgeat. Good luck finding the orgeat, I had to look pretty hard. I found some Trader Vic's Orgeat and a local divey liquor store, but Torani also makes some (which is what my local tiki bar uses).
For Tahoe, this is what I did:
1 part silver (white) rum (infused with pineapple) (Bacardi)
1 part gold rum (Mount Gay)
1 part dark rum (Whalers)
1 part fresh lime juice
¾ to 1 part orgeat
¾ part orange curaçao
The evening before, I sliced half a pineapple and threw the wedges in a pitcher, and filled the pitcher with the silver rum. Makes for a pineappley rum. mmm.
Put all in the shaker, shake and pour into ice filled tumblers.
If you've got the time, a nice addition is to squeeze lime into your glass, add mint and muddle. Then add the rums, curaçao and orgeat after shaking, and stir in the glass. It's a nice touch.
If you have straws, save the dark rum for a floater after you pour. Cut the straws down short, so your nose is right above the drink, so you can enjoy all the nuanced aromas.
Trans Tahoe Photos
Here's a couple of photos of the race. I have uploaded a bunch to my picasa page. Email me if you'd like the link.
I just can't say enough about the beauty of the Lake. Set inside a ring of mountains, the water is so clear and clean, and has such an amazing array of shades of blue.
Leaving the west shore, headed to the starting line.
The starting line is off under the vertical stripes in the mountain side
Yours truly, nearly sinking, breathing at every stroke due to 1) my outta-shaped-ness and 2) the 6,200 ft elevation.
The finish line
I just can't say enough about the beauty of the Lake. Set inside a ring of mountains, the water is so clear and clean, and has such an amazing array of shades of blue.
Leaving the west shore, headed to the starting line.
The starting line is off under the vertical stripes in the mountain side
Yours truly, nearly sinking, breathing at every stroke due to 1) my outta-shaped-ness and 2) the 6,200 ft elevation.
The finish line
Monday, July 21, 2008
Trans Tahoe Results
Couldn't ask for a better weekend. Great weather, great water temperatures, great race, great time with the teams. Temescal Aquatic Masters fielded 5 teams, and we all finish in good time. The official results for all the teams will be posted shortly by the Olympic Club.
My team (The Seatards!) set a Temescal record for the race at 4:23.59. I'll post a photo or two here once I get some.
Going into the weekend, I was a bit concerned about the smoke from the wildfires. You could definitely see the smoke when looking toward the horizon, and you could smell it at times. However, down at lake level the air was relatively clear.
All in all, a fun weekend.
My team (The Seatards!) set a Temescal record for the race at 4:23.59. I'll post a photo or two here once I get some.
Going into the weekend, I was a bit concerned about the smoke from the wildfires. You could definitely see the smoke when looking toward the horizon, and you could smell it at times. However, down at lake level the air was relatively clear.
All in all, a fun weekend.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Trans Tahoe This Weekend
I am taking Friday off to drive up to Tahoe for the Trans Tahoe Relay, sponsored by the Olympic Club.Here's a map showing the approximate course. 6 members of each team swim west to east across the deep blue lake, each taking shifts. It should take us 4 and a half to 5 hours, depending on the weather.
Wetsuits not allowed, but I am guessing the water should be in the high 60s, a perfect temperature for me.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Oakland is Efficient
So, as I reported before, I got some tickets. The tickets clearly said to have them taken care of by July 9. So, on July 2 I left work and went down to the Courthouse and waited in line for the next available deputy to process my citation and take my non-deductible tax payment.
After waiting (a short time, I must admit), I brought all I needed to the window. To the deputy, I slipped my tickets under the tiny slot through the very thick, presumably bullet proof glass. This barrier also had the convenient feature of making a normal conversation rather difficult, as there was only a small slot through which sound could travel. To further enhance the customer service experience, the deputy, a female, clearly made no effort to speak audibly as we had a conversation.
After taking my tickets some fumbling around on the keyboard, she drew a couple of pieces of paper scribbled something on them, and handed me my tickets back with little explanation.
She then signaled for the next person in the queue. I said, "Wait...aren't I supposed to pay a fine, or something?"
I managed to make out her next words, "The tickets aren't in the system yet."
"Well, I am here now. Can I just pay the fine and take care of this?
"No, we don't know what the fine would be because the tickets aren't in the system yet."
"Well, the tickets clearly say that I have to take care of this before July 9."
"The officer hasn't put the tickets in the system yet."
"But if I don't take care of this now, I don't think I can before July 9, as the citation CLEARLY SAYS."
"The tickets aren't in the system yet."
And this went on, for a good few minutes. We may have well been speaking different languages. Through bullet proof glass.
Apparently, the forms she gave me was to prove I had attempted to take care of the tickets in the event I get in trouble for not having done so prior to the prescribed July 9th date.
On July 12, I received a piece of mail from the court saying I could pay my fine via mail. Nice and timely. Super efficient. Thanks for having me waste a couple of hours trying to take care of it on time.
After waiting (a short time, I must admit), I brought all I needed to the window. To the deputy, I slipped my tickets under the tiny slot through the very thick, presumably bullet proof glass. This barrier also had the convenient feature of making a normal conversation rather difficult, as there was only a small slot through which sound could travel. To further enhance the customer service experience, the deputy, a female, clearly made no effort to speak audibly as we had a conversation.
After taking my tickets some fumbling around on the keyboard, she drew a couple of pieces of paper scribbled something on them, and handed me my tickets back with little explanation.
She then signaled for the next person in the queue. I said, "Wait...aren't I supposed to pay a fine, or something?"
I managed to make out her next words, "The tickets aren't in the system yet."
"Well, I am here now. Can I just pay the fine and take care of this?
"No, we don't know what the fine would be because the tickets aren't in the system yet."
"Well, the tickets clearly say that I have to take care of this before July 9."
"The officer hasn't put the tickets in the system yet."
"But if I don't take care of this now, I don't think I can before July 9, as the citation CLEARLY SAYS."
"The tickets aren't in the system yet."
And this went on, for a good few minutes. We may have well been speaking different languages. Through bullet proof glass.
Apparently, the forms she gave me was to prove I had attempted to take care of the tickets in the event I get in trouble for not having done so prior to the prescribed July 9th date.
On July 12, I received a piece of mail from the court saying I could pay my fine via mail. Nice and timely. Super efficient. Thanks for having me waste a couple of hours trying to take care of it on time.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Thursday, June 12, 2008
George Crawls; Is Destructive
Georgie learned to crawl. Initially he was wobbly and couldn't transition to a seated position from a crawl, but he's got that wired now. He is also a firm believer in entropy, as he will be sure to make his toys are disorganized.
Videoforthcoming is here, but here are some photos from this morning.
Video
Kobi Alexander is an Arrogant Bastard
Long story made short, Openwave competed (competes) with a company called Comverse Technology (CMVT).
CMVT was a very aggressive company, with sales execution arguably better than its products. OPWV and CMVT hated each other. Arguably OPWV had superior products, and there was a lot of trash talking between the two companies. Each company hit hard times, but for different reasons.
CMVT hit hard times due to outright fraud. The company's management allegedly did some pretty unethical things to enrich themselves. The CEO, Kobi Alexander, fled the US to Namibia with his millions. Conveniently for Mr. Alexander, Namibia does not have an extradition treaty with the US.
An article in today's Journal tells of the life he is currently living. Apparently, he is living well, throwing lavish Bar Mitzvahs and generally thumbing his nose at the DoJ, who are having a hard time trying to extradite him.
In the business world, there are good guys and bad guys. He's one of the worst.
CMVT was a very aggressive company, with sales execution arguably better than its products. OPWV and CMVT hated each other. Arguably OPWV had superior products, and there was a lot of trash talking between the two companies. Each company hit hard times, but for different reasons.
CMVT hit hard times due to outright fraud. The company's management allegedly did some pretty unethical things to enrich themselves. The CEO, Kobi Alexander, fled the US to Namibia with his millions. Conveniently for Mr. Alexander, Namibia does not have an extradition treaty with the US.
An article in today's Journal tells of the life he is currently living. Apparently, he is living well, throwing lavish Bar Mitzvahs and generally thumbing his nose at the DoJ, who are having a hard time trying to extradite him.
In the business world, there are good guys and bad guys. He's one of the worst.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Lake Berryessa 2 Mile Open Water
On Saturday, I swam the Lake Berryessa 2 Mile.
I felt like the SS Minnow, and apparently I wasn't alone. The average times appeared to be about 10 minutes slower than last year, probably due to the winds and chop, however I suspect the course may have been a bit longer than last year.
I expected to swim a little slower because, well, the baby and shoulder injury, but when I got out of the water and saw 1:04 on the clock, I was really confused. When I heard that everyone was slower, I was a bit relieved.
I did however lose to my arch nemesis. My official time: 1:04.24. Taylor's? 1:04.20. 4 Seconds! If only I had run up the ramp.
I felt like the SS Minnow, and apparently I wasn't alone. The average times appeared to be about 10 minutes slower than last year, probably due to the winds and chop, however I suspect the course may have been a bit longer than last year.
I expected to swim a little slower because, well, the baby and shoulder injury, but when I got out of the water and saw 1:04 on the clock, I was really confused. When I heard that everyone was slower, I was a bit relieved.
I did however lose to my arch nemesis. My official time: 1:04.24. Taylor's? 1:04.20. 4 Seconds! If only I had run up the ramp.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Honduras - Roatan Article
There's an article on Slate.com about Roatan, an island off the north coast of Honduras.
The author is blogging about eco-tourism.
We visited there a few years back (2002?), and it seems from this blog there's been a lot of development.
We also did the shark dive, and I also had conflicted feelings about chumming the water to see the sharks.
The author is blogging about eco-tourism.
We visited there a few years back (2002?), and it seems from this blog there's been a lot of development.
We also did the shark dive, and I also had conflicted feelings about chumming the water to see the sharks.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Irrational Dislike of Handicap Door Abuse
Nearly everyone hates the abuse of handicap parking spaces, right? People shoot eye daggers at the healthy, slippery bastard that illegally parks in a handicap spot.
Well, it seems as if people blithely and indifferently abuse another device designed to facilitate the differently-abled: the automatic handicap door.
My wife and I were talking in the entryway to her building today. Wishing to be out of traffic flow, we stood near the side of the portico, next to and - for certain tennants of the building - uncomfortably close to the Handicap Button (see photo).
If your'e not familiar with these accessible features, if you're
So as I was standing there trying to have a conversation with my lovely bride, but I was being constantly distracted by a stream of fully capable people pressing the button to walk in. Clearly I am in the minority opinion on this because almost every single person entering the building was aiming to hit the button. I mean, seriously, how hard is it to open two doors? People would take 5 or 6 extra steps to cross the portico to push the button! Really! They could have been inside by the time they hit it.
This button has seen so much wear that the painted handicap logo - you know, the stick figure in the WHEEL CHAIR- had worn off. In the photo, you can barely see the indent where the logo formerly was, however it is clearly FOR THE HANDICAPPED, er, differently-abled.
It became comical, because, as I mentioned I was standing close to the button. I would watch people momentarily agonize whether they should broach my personal space or - GASP - open the door with their own strength! I watched the mini-mind-machinations work over and over as people sought ingress. I enjoyed watching them squirm.
Sure, some people had their hands full and it was just easier to push the button, but those people were few. As I stood there, I could feel a rant coming on with each and every person who pressed the button, but what really put me over the edge was this: a woman with a rolly bag who pressed the button! Oh the agony.
Monday, May 19, 2008
The Navy Does Good Work.
Two pieces of media have me thinking very highly of the US Navy recently. Generally speaking, I am not a pro-military person. It's not that I am anti-military, but I typically thought of the military as necessary, but expensive and often clumsy. My thinking is slowly changing as a result of these two pieces of media.
If you haven't seen the mini-series Carrier on PBS, it is excellent. Having heard the stories from my dad, who served on a carrier, I always wondered what folks on an aircraft carrier did on a day-in day-out basis. This series, about a six month deployment aboard the USS Nimitz, isn't some propaganda to make you feel good about your tax bill. They show the ugly side of the carrier business as well as the great visuals of fighter jets launching and landing. Overall, what I took away from the series was a complex and nuanced view of those who serve in the Navy. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the whole staff - from the teenagers who sign up unaware of what they were in for, to the pilots, to the military brass. I could write a long entry on this series alone, but it is worth the watch.
USS Essex. Photo copyright Wall Street Journal.
The other item is a Journal article about the USS Essex. It is anchored off the coast of Myanmar, just waiting for the ruling junta to allow them ashore to help the survivors. I like the fact that they are unhappy just waiting. The article makes it appear they are chomping at the bit to go ashore and help the typhoon victims.
In a period when the United States is facing severe criticism in international arenas, it is great to hear stories that give the US reason to hold its collective head high. We're one of the first to the scene to help in an international disaster and our guys are anxious to help. I appreciate it.
Those two stories combined are reason to be proud of the Navy. I am sure there are similar stories from the other service braches, but the Navy has been getting some good ink.
If you haven't seen the mini-series Carrier on PBS, it is excellent. Having heard the stories from my dad, who served on a carrier, I always wondered what folks on an aircraft carrier did on a day-in day-out basis. This series, about a six month deployment aboard the USS Nimitz, isn't some propaganda to make you feel good about your tax bill. They show the ugly side of the carrier business as well as the great visuals of fighter jets launching and landing. Overall, what I took away from the series was a complex and nuanced view of those who serve in the Navy. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the whole staff - from the teenagers who sign up unaware of what they were in for, to the pilots, to the military brass. I could write a long entry on this series alone, but it is worth the watch.
USS Essex. Photo copyright Wall Street Journal.
The other item is a Journal article about the USS Essex. It is anchored off the coast of Myanmar, just waiting for the ruling junta to allow them ashore to help the survivors. I like the fact that they are unhappy just waiting. The article makes it appear they are chomping at the bit to go ashore and help the typhoon victims.
In a period when the United States is facing severe criticism in international arenas, it is great to hear stories that give the US reason to hold its collective head high. We're one of the first to the scene to help in an international disaster and our guys are anxious to help. I appreciate it.
Those two stories combined are reason to be proud of the Navy. I am sure there are similar stories from the other service braches, but the Navy has been getting some good ink.
Friday, May 16, 2008
WSJ Likes the Open Water
The Wall Street Journal has another article on open water swimming.
Available here
I like it when my favorite newspaper writes about an under-followed sport. Especially when the sport is one of my favorites.
Available here
I like it when my favorite newspaper writes about an under-followed sport. Especially when the sport is one of my favorites.
It's Getting Hot!
We're experiencing a bit of a heat wave out here. Georgie likes to strip down in the heat.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Pet Peeves. Starting the List.
I don't want to dwell on the negative, frankly. But ranting about the Rolly bags was fun so I will continue.
On the train yesterday, I noticed I was constantly switching my eyes back and forth among three of my pet peeves. The first was, naturally, some Rolly bag and its owner. (He was an average dude. What was HE doing with a Rolly bag?)
But the other two will kick of my list of Peeves.
On the train yesterday, I noticed I was constantly switching my eyes back and forth among three of my pet peeves. The first was, naturally, some Rolly bag and its owner. (He was an average dude. What was HE doing with a Rolly bag?)
But the other two will kick of my list of Peeves.
- Grown men riding scooters. I wonder if they feel their testosterone level dropping as they ride them? You're an adult with testicles! Find worthy transportation!
- Short Sleeve button down work shirts. Short sleeves are fine on bowling shirts and Polos, but Oxfords? Come on. LL Bean and Lands End (which has 18 -EIGHTEEN! - models of short sleeve oxford shirts) should be ashamed of themselves. If you have one, go home and burn it. Now. And don't admit to anyone that you ever owned one.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Getting Pinched
My grandfather used to have an expression: getting pinched. It meant that the cops busted you. My family has a long history of getting pinched for speeding, and yours truly is keeping the family tradition alive, Hank Williams Jr. style.
On my way to the train station on Friday morning, Officer Hardass was standing in the middle of the 2 lane road, pointing me to the curb.
I pulled over, and he told me I was doing "over 40 in a 25 zone," but when he showed me the radar gun in his hand, it showed 36. He asked to see my driver's license, insurance and registration. While the latter two are all paid up, all I had on me were expired versions.
When The Fuzz came back, he told me he was going to do me a favor. Instead of a speeding ticket, he was going to issue me two tickets, but the favor was that there would be no points on my license. The first ticket was a "Fix-It" ticket, where I have to show updated paperwork.
The second ticket? Failure to obey a sign, ostensibly the 25 MPH sign. Something is fishy. Why did he tell me I was doing over 40, but only clock me at 36? Why not issue me a ticket for 36?
Is it because Oakland has much bigger problems than someone doing 36 in a 25, and that if I chose to go to court, the cop's appearance would be compromised for such a petty violation?
I don't feel like protesting and investigating, and more pertinently, I was speeding. Was I doing 40? No. 36? More likely, but it was early, and I wasn't focused on it. No points, who cares. I am just going to pay the fine and be done with it.
I am suspicious of Oakland cops, but at least they were doing something.
On my way to the train station on Friday morning, Officer Hardass was standing in the middle of the 2 lane road, pointing me to the curb.
I pulled over, and he told me I was doing "over 40 in a 25 zone," but when he showed me the radar gun in his hand, it showed 36. He asked to see my driver's license, insurance and registration. While the latter two are all paid up, all I had on me were expired versions.
When The Fuzz came back, he told me he was going to do me a favor. Instead of a speeding ticket, he was going to issue me two tickets, but the favor was that there would be no points on my license. The first ticket was a "Fix-It" ticket, where I have to show updated paperwork.
The second ticket? Failure to obey a sign, ostensibly the 25 MPH sign. Something is fishy. Why did he tell me I was doing over 40, but only clock me at 36? Why not issue me a ticket for 36?
Is it because Oakland has much bigger problems than someone doing 36 in a 25, and that if I chose to go to court, the cop's appearance would be compromised for such a petty violation?
I don't feel like protesting and investigating, and more pertinently, I was speeding. Was I doing 40? No. 36? More likely, but it was early, and I wasn't focused on it. No points, who cares. I am just going to pay the fine and be done with it.
I am suspicious of Oakland cops, but at least they were doing something.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Irrational Dislike for Rolling Bags
For a while, I've harbored a secret dislike, bordering on hatred, for rolly bags. Not the suitcases, those are fine. But the backpacks and briefcases that are for daily use. Well, yesterday on the train, I was surrounded by them, and I felt myself passing judgment on the rolly owners.
Have a look:
These were just the two right adjacent to me! There were more, I just didn't want to get up and conspicuously take photos of them. I was already working myself into a froth.
These things bother me, and while I haven't examined exactly why I despise them, I've noted a few things about them:
Have a look:
These were just the two right adjacent to me! There were more, I just didn't want to get up and conspicuously take photos of them. I was already working myself into a froth.
These things bother me, and while I haven't examined exactly why I despise them, I've noted a few things about them:
- More often than not, the owner is...how do I put this nicely?...not exactly a specimen of health. For the Rolly owner, if it is too much work to carry a bag, it is probably also too much work to get to the gym.
- If you can't carry, with your own strength, the items you need on a daily basis, perhaps you need to re-evaluate what you "need" on a daily basis.
- Rollys ALWAYS sit in the aisle. Get that damn thing out of the aisle, please. Fercryingoutloud the aisle is for walking, not your bag storage. Exhibits A and B above.
- They take a longer than normal time, and more than normal space, to exit the train or ascend the escalators. They simply gum-up the commute works.
- They represent the downfall of civilization.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Mint Julep Lessons
You know, I was only partially joking about the animal cruelty bit in my prior post, but wouldn't you know it, they had to euthanize a horse at the end of the race. What a buzz kill. Maybe they could find another event to preserve the Mint Julep.
In any event, I didn't let a little horse death interfere with the drinking of the tasty Mint Julep.
I experimented. Makers Mark warns against using too much mint, but I threw caution to the wind and used a copious amount. Other than that, I pretty much followed the Maker's recipe.
I minted the bourbon and made a minted simple syrup. I didn't have an ice shaver, so I used an ice crusher, which worked well.
If I were to do it again, I would make the minted simple syrup and skip the minting of the bourbon. Minted simple syrup is also good for Mojitos, as I figured and tried on Friday evening as I was preparing stuff.
Make the minted simple syrup by bringing to boil a couple cups of water and then adding a bunch of mint leaves. I probably used 40-45 leaves. I let it simmer for a few minutes, until the water was a light green color. I ran the leaves and water through a cheese cloth, and returned the leaf-free water to the pan and added a cup and a half of sugar, and heated it back up until the sugar dissolved.
A few tid-bits on the drink:
Bourbon and ribs on a Saturday afternoon.
In any event, I didn't let a little horse death interfere with the drinking of the tasty Mint Julep.
I experimented. Makers Mark warns against using too much mint, but I threw caution to the wind and used a copious amount. Other than that, I pretty much followed the Maker's recipe.
I minted the bourbon and made a minted simple syrup. I didn't have an ice shaver, so I used an ice crusher, which worked well.
If I were to do it again, I would make the minted simple syrup and skip the minting of the bourbon. Minted simple syrup is also good for Mojitos, as I figured and tried on Friday evening as I was preparing stuff.
Make the minted simple syrup by bringing to boil a couple cups of water and then adding a bunch of mint leaves. I probably used 40-45 leaves. I let it simmer for a few minutes, until the water was a light green color. I ran the leaves and water through a cheese cloth, and returned the leaf-free water to the pan and added a cup and a half of sugar, and heated it back up until the sugar dissolved.
A few tid-bits on the drink:
- Pack the glass with crushed ice. I would also put the glasses in the freezer prior to use.
- Make 'em strong. The first sip should be strong, because as the ice melts, the drink gets sweeter (maybe some chemist could tell me why this is the case).
Bourbon and ribs on a Saturday afternoon.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Mint Julep and Animal Cruelty
Some say the Kentucky Derby is nothing but animal cruelty, pumping horses full of drugs like the Tour de France peloton. But the race does serve to fulfill one very important social function: keeping the Mint Julep alive.
What's the best way to make one? I am investigating:
Do I make minted simple syrup? Make a mint infused bourbon? And what's the deal with the ice? Where can I get shaved ice? Am I supposed to get an old-timey straight blade and a block of ice and shave away like some 1880's barber?
I am investigating. See Drinkboy's mint julep article
I may try Maker's Mark's "Perfect" Mint Julep recipe:
What's the best way to make one? I am investigating:
Do I make minted simple syrup? Make a mint infused bourbon? And what's the deal with the ice? Where can I get shaved ice? Am I supposed to get an old-timey straight blade and a block of ice and shave away like some 1880's barber?
I am investigating. See Drinkboy's mint julep article
I may try Maker's Mark's "Perfect" Mint Julep recipe:
1 liter Maker’s Mark
Lots of fresh spearmint leaves
1 cup Distilled water
1 cup Granulated sugar
Powdered sugar for garnish
Mint sprigs for garnish
- To prepare the mint extract, remove about 40 small mint leaves – wash and place in a small mixing bowl. Cover with 3 ounces of Maker’s Mark. Allow the leaves to soak for 15 minutes. Then gather the leaves in a clean, soap-free piece of cotton cloth and vigorously wring the mint bundle over the bowl of whisky. Dip the bundle again and repeat the process several times. Then set aside.
- To prepare the simple syrup, mix 1 cup of granulated sugar and one cup of water in a cooking pot. Heat to dissolve the sugar. Stir constantly so the sugar does not burn. Set aside to cool.
- To prepare the mint julep mixture, pour 3 1/2 cups of Maker’s Mark into a large glass bowl or glass pitcher. (Pour the remaining whisky from the liter bottle into another container and save it for another purpose). Add 1 cup of the simple syrup to the Maker’s Mark.
- Now, begin adding the mint extract 1 tablespoon at a time to the julep mixture. Each batch of mint extract is different, so you must taste and smell after each tablespoon is added. You may have to leave the room a time or two to clear your nose. The tendency is to use too much mint. You are looking for a soft mint aroma and taste – generally about 3 tablespoons.
- When you think it’s right, pour the whole mixture back into the empty liter bottle and refrigerate it for at least 24 hours to "marry" the flavors.
- To serve the mint julep, fill each glass (preferably a silver mint julep cup) half full with shaved ice. Insert a sprig of mint and then pack in more ice to about an inch over the top of the cup. Then, insert a straw that has been cut to one inch above the top of the cup so the nose is forced close to the mint when sipping the julep.
- When frost forms on the cup, pour the refrigerated julep mixture over the ice and add a sprinkle of powdered sugar to the top of the ice. Then serve.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Exxon, Profits, Corporate Responsibility and Free Markets
Exxon reported $10.9 billion in profit in the first quarter...that's Billion with a B. The Street was expecting more because last quarter they made $11.7 billion. That's still a lot of dough.
The Rockefeller family is calling on Exxon to use some of that cash to research and develop renewable energy sources.
The Questions are:
On the other hand, at some point, those fossil fuels will run out. Then what becomes of the company? To be fair, I really don't know what Exxon spending on R&D for renewable energy, but to the Rockefellers, it's not enough.
What's clear is that Exxon has the capability to have a meaningful impact to the renewable energy field, with their $40 billion in profits per year. By way of comparison, the Department of Energy's spend on renewable energy was planned to be $1.5 B in fiscal year 2007. Who knows what they actually spent, but that's another blog entry.
Is spending, say 10% of profits, or $4 billion per year, in renewable energy research good business for Exxon? I would argue that it couldn't hurt, outside of the impact on the income statement. If for nothing else than to have some proof point that Exxon actually cares. To date, it's public attitude toward global warming has seemingly been something out of Mad Magazine, "What? Me worry?"
To answer the question of free markets taking care of it. Sure, if the price of traditional energy gets high enough, it will spur investment in alternative energy. But, as the classic tragedy of the commons example indicates, free markets can, and often do, fail. Sometimes governmental intervention is necessary to push the country in the right direction.
The Rockefeller family is calling on Exxon to use some of that cash to research and develop renewable energy sources.
The Questions are:
- What level of responsibility (ethical or otherwise) does Exxon have to do this?
- Shouldn't free markets take care of it?
- Could investing in renewable energy be good business?
- Would it be better for the shareholders to focus on traditional energy to maximize profit?
On the other hand, at some point, those fossil fuels will run out. Then what becomes of the company? To be fair, I really don't know what Exxon spending on R&D for renewable energy, but to the Rockefellers, it's not enough.
What's clear is that Exxon has the capability to have a meaningful impact to the renewable energy field, with their $40 billion in profits per year. By way of comparison, the Department of Energy's spend on renewable energy was planned to be $1.5 B in fiscal year 2007. Who knows what they actually spent, but that's another blog entry.
Is spending, say 10% of profits, or $4 billion per year, in renewable energy research good business for Exxon? I would argue that it couldn't hurt, outside of the impact on the income statement. If for nothing else than to have some proof point that Exxon actually cares. To date, it's public attitude toward global warming has seemingly been something out of Mad Magazine, "What? Me worry?"
To answer the question of free markets taking care of it. Sure, if the price of traditional energy gets high enough, it will spur investment in alternative energy. But, as the classic tragedy of the commons example indicates, free markets can, and often do, fail. Sometimes governmental intervention is necessary to push the country in the right direction.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Where's the Inner Critic?
Bruce Willis, fresh off his Moonlighting popularity in the 80s, pressed a pop album. Needless to say (but I'll say it anyway), it tanked.
To be fair, I've not heard Ms. Johansson sing, but come on. Is she being surrounded by people who are saying, "Oh, Scarlett, you can do ANYTHING!"
Who thinks this is going to be an album of high musical achievement?
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Go Big? or Minor New-Dad Existential Dilemma?
So, I am feeling the need to break-out and do something big. Get out of a rut. I want to go Big, as in a big Steve Fossett-type of adventure (perhaps minus the whole crashing-an-experimental-plane-somewhere-in- Nevada-and-not-being-found part).
I've got the wander lust. Since I was in high school, I've been wanting to ride my bike across the country, and I've been thinking about that a lot lately. Taking two or three months to ride from here (Oakland) to some point on the Atlantic coast is high on the list of things to do in life.
Right now, I need to feel somewhat unencumbered, but....
The question occurred to me; Am I thinking about this because I am a new Dad and am feeling like the next 18 years I will be a slave to the desk to ensure my family is financially stable? Or, perhaps it is because we are tied to the house on weekends because the baby needs his naps, and as a result I have not wandered more than a few miles from the house on the weekends?
I tend to get a flight-drive when I feel pressured to remain in place, and I am certainly feeling a lack of permission to fly the coop right now
So, I am left wondering if I should plan so big trip, or if this is perhaps a phase of new-fatherhood that will pass?
I've got the wander lust. Since I was in high school, I've been wanting to ride my bike across the country, and I've been thinking about that a lot lately. Taking two or three months to ride from here (Oakland) to some point on the Atlantic coast is high on the list of things to do in life.
Right now, I need to feel somewhat unencumbered, but....
The question occurred to me; Am I thinking about this because I am a new Dad and am feeling like the next 18 years I will be a slave to the desk to ensure my family is financially stable? Or, perhaps it is because we are tied to the house on weekends because the baby needs his naps, and as a result I have not wandered more than a few miles from the house on the weekends?
I tend to get a flight-drive when I feel pressured to remain in place, and I am certainly feeling a lack of permission to fly the coop right now
So, I am left wondering if I should plan so big trip, or if this is perhaps a phase of new-fatherhood that will pass?
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
The Economy and its Impact to My Job's Fun Factor
A couple a months ago, I got a request to be interviewed for survey by Thomson Financial. They were interviewing IR folks, and the first question was : Do you think we're in a recession and why or why not?
I immediately said "Yes," because my clients were all getting jittery about forecasting the following quarter. To me, it felt like 2001, but not to such an exaggerated degree. It was nearly unanimous, though, that they said the back half of 2008 (2H08) would see a return to growth - implying a near-term slow down.
Well, now I see why. This earnings season, two of my clients (so far), and even more clients of the firm, reporting lower than expected revenue. Since the time of the survey, some clients have had headcount reductions and other cost-cutting moves.
When things are going well for my clients, my job is a lot of fun. The Street is happy to talk with you, as the stock is going up and "you" are making them money.
The opposite is also true. When the economy is tough and financial results suffer, the Street gets mad they are losing money through stock price declines. They call you and demand to know why, but they already know the answer. They often want to vent, and we IR folks have to take it. Sometimes, they're cool about it, other times not so much.
So, I am hoping that "The Economy" turns around soon, if for no other reason, than my incoming calls will be more pleasant.
I immediately said "Yes," because my clients were all getting jittery about forecasting the following quarter. To me, it felt like 2001, but not to such an exaggerated degree. It was nearly unanimous, though, that they said the back half of 2008 (2H08) would see a return to growth - implying a near-term slow down.
Well, now I see why. This earnings season, two of my clients (so far), and even more clients of the firm, reporting lower than expected revenue. Since the time of the survey, some clients have had headcount reductions and other cost-cutting moves.
When things are going well for my clients, my job is a lot of fun. The Street is happy to talk with you, as the stock is going up and "you" are making them money.
The opposite is also true. When the economy is tough and financial results suffer, the Street gets mad they are losing money through stock price declines. They call you and demand to know why, but they already know the answer. They often want to vent, and we IR folks have to take it. Sometimes, they're cool about it, other times not so much.
So, I am hoping that "The Economy" turns around soon, if for no other reason, than my incoming calls will be more pleasant.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Wall Street Journal Article on Open Water Swimming
Open water swimming will (re)debut at the 2008 Olympics. The Journal has an article on the event plus a look at the history. Apparently more people have summited Everest than have swum the English Channel.
The open water race in the Olympics is a 10k swim. The longest I have done is 2 miles, and that took some 50 plus minutes. Maybe I should think about longer swims.
Story here at the Wall Street Journal.
The open water race in the Olympics is a 10k swim. The longest I have done is 2 miles, and that took some 50 plus minutes. Maybe I should think about longer swims.
Story here at the Wall Street Journal.
Tiny Elvis speaks
Tiny E speaks (after thinking about it for a long, long time).
http://randdommusings.blogspot.com/
**Update
Tiny E apparently got the jitters and repealed his blog.
http://randdommusings.blogspot.com/
**Update
Tiny E apparently got the jitters and repealed his blog.
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