Lots of false summits along the way, but also some mountain goats.
 |
| Fairy Peak |
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Fairy/Ferry Peak
The hike yesterday was pretty much straight up and down the peak that our house is oriented towards, Ferry peak.
Lots of false summits along the way, but also some mountain goats.
Lots of false summits along the way, but also some mountain goats.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Sleeping Indian
Dutch & I took a little stroll up the Sleeping Indian last Friday.
The weather has been beautiful for the last week and should be for a few more days.
The weather has been beautiful for the last week and should be for a few more days.
 |
| Sleeping Indian |
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Murray Spam
Just an apology out there to anyone that was in The Murray's contact list that got spammed by a Chinese electronics wholesaler.
We're not sure if it was a bot or the account was compromised, but we're working to address the issue.
If anyone has experienced this type of thing before, we'd love any insight to the problem.
We're not sure if it was a bot or the account was compromised, but we're working to address the issue.
If anyone has experienced this type of thing before, we'd love any insight to the problem.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Recessions aren't thirst-quenching
A little article from the SF Examiner reminding us that smaller isn't always better (though in a vacuum we always try and choose it).
Give some of the larger wineries a chance with a blind tasting and you might find wines upon which you can ride out these difficult economic times.
Also, ever since the Grand Canyon we've been less afraid of 'the box.'
Some of the better ones:
-Fish Eye Pinot Grigio
-La Vielle Ferme is putting their Rhone blend in a bag, not too shabby
-The Black Box is a ubiquitous go-to, with Cabs from different regions in CA, amongst other varietals
http://www.sfexaminer.com/entertainment/27834089.html
Give some of the larger wineries a chance with a blind tasting and you might find wines upon which you can ride out these difficult economic times.
Also, ever since the Grand Canyon we've been less afraid of 'the box.'
Some of the better ones:
-Fish Eye Pinot Grigio
-La Vielle Ferme is putting their Rhone blend in a bag, not too shabby
-The Black Box is a ubiquitous go-to, with Cabs from different regions in CA, amongst other varietals
http://www.sfexaminer.com/entertainment/27834089.html
Friday, September 19, 2008
Settling in
Jennifer & I have been settling in to Alpine over the last week and a half.
All our 'stuff' is on the premises and for the first time in week we were able to park both cars in the garage.
All we have left to unpack/organize are the many boxes stacked in the office/project room.
Jennifer got some pictures before we moved in, hopefully we'll post them soon.
All our 'stuff' is on the premises and for the first time in week we were able to park both cars in the garage.
All we have left to unpack/organize are the many boxes stacked in the office/project room.
Jennifer got some pictures before we moved in, hopefully we'll post them soon.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Car Adventure
Okay, so throughout our adventure we have had tremendous luck with our vehicles.
Until today.
Near Lexington, Nebraska, we had what we thought was an alternator belt failure. Some of the dashboard warning lights like the battery, emergency brake & ABS lights were flickering.
Turning off the radio and AC kept those lights from flickering, but we knew something was up with the alternator/power system.
We looked up auto places on the GPS, but there weren't too many options near where we were.
When the speed and RPM gauges wouldn't work anymore I decided that we should pull off in Lexington even if we didn't have our choice of repair shops.
We made it to the Advance Auto Parts and tried to buy a belt. Rich had one size above and below, so grabbed some tools to see which one might work. Upon closer inspection it turned out not to be the belt, but the belt tensioner, which had sheared itself off.
The nearest dealership was in Lincoln, 160 miles east, but the service dept. was closed already so they couldn't even tell if they had one in stock.
There were also shops in in Salinas & Lawrence, Kansas and Cheyenne, Wyoming, but none of these had anyone working that could say whether or not they had the part we needed.
The shop in Boulder (330 miles!) had what we needed, but compared to a 160 mile tow in the wrong direction to a shop we wouldn't even know if they had the part until Monday, it actually seemed like a reasonable option.
We made the call.
A few minutes later a guy named Hector wanders over. Turns out he has the part we need, but for the 2.5 liter engine.
Dang.
Well, he says, we could see if we could put a different pulley on there, you want to come look with me?
So we climb into his mini-van.
He unlocks the Napa auto parts store down the road and picks out a pulley and some bolts.
Half an hour later he has the pulley on and things are looking up. The harder part was getting the belt back on.
Until today.
Near Lexington, Nebraska, we had what we thought was an alternator belt failure. Some of the dashboard warning lights like the battery, emergency brake & ABS lights were flickering.
Turning off the radio and AC kept those lights from flickering, but we knew something was up with the alternator/power system.
We looked up auto places on the GPS, but there weren't too many options near where we were.
When the speed and RPM gauges wouldn't work anymore I decided that we should pull off in Lexington even if we didn't have our choice of repair shops.
We made it to the Advance Auto Parts and tried to buy a belt. Rich had one size above and below, so grabbed some tools to see which one might work. Upon closer inspection it turned out not to be the belt, but the belt tensioner, which had sheared itself off.
The nearest dealership was in Lincoln, 160 miles east, but the service dept. was closed already so they couldn't even tell if they had one in stock.
There were also shops in in Salinas & Lawrence, Kansas and Cheyenne, Wyoming, but none of these had anyone working that could say whether or not they had the part we needed.
The shop in Boulder (330 miles!) had what we needed, but compared to a 160 mile tow in the wrong direction to a shop we wouldn't even know if they had the part until Monday, it actually seemed like a reasonable option.
We made the call.
A few minutes later a guy named Hector wanders over. Turns out he has the part we need, but for the 2.5 liter engine.
Dang.
Well, he says, we could see if we could put a different pulley on there, you want to come look with me?
So we climb into his mini-van.
He unlocks the Napa auto parts store down the road and picks out a pulley and some bolts.
Half an hour later he has the pulley on and things are looking up. The harder part was getting the belt back on.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
I feel like it's the last day of Summer Break
I just packed the car for the last time of our adventure. We have some clothes and camping gear accessible, but after tonight in Saginaw we are on the road towards Wyoming!!
We meet the movers in Detroit tomorrow to pick up everything left in the storage unit, say hello to my grandmother Tini, then hit the road for Wyoming - and begin a new adventure!!
We meet the movers in Detroit tomorrow to pick up everything left in the storage unit, say hello to my grandmother Tini, then hit the road for Wyoming - and begin a new adventure!!
Sunday, August 31, 2008
It's true
Okay, so we haven't necessarily talked too much about this, but we're moving to Alpine, Wy.
When we were at Janice & Bernie's wedding celebration in July, we found a house we liked and have it under contract.
It looks like all is going to go well with the closing, so we're getting movers ready to pick up our belongings in Michigan and Montana.
You can actually see it over my right shoulder in the picture from wakeboarding with Todd and Wendi. (it's the one with the red roof)
When we were at Janice & Bernie's wedding celebration in July, we found a house we liked and have it under contract.
It looks like all is going to go well with the closing, so we're getting movers ready to pick up our belongings in Michigan and Montana.
You can actually see it over my right shoulder in the picture from wakeboarding with Todd and Wendi. (it's the one with the red roof)
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Packing Up
Sorting through a storage unit that you've never seen before to get it ready to be picked up by a moving company to take it across the country doesn't have to be boring.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Okay, so I always thought Twitter was a little silly. No one really needs to know what you're doing all the time.
However, a nice little tool Jott is switching to a pay service and there are a couple things that you can do with Twitter to replace some functions (for free).
Anyhow, I signed up to play around, so if you want to check it out you can look at our (well, my - we all know Jennifer isn't going to be into this) Twitter Page, or you can get it via RSS feed from that page or here.
Anyway, if you check it out let me know and I'll follow your tweets, to use the jargon of our time.
P.S. - Jott has left a couple functions on its free version, among them a feature that will read you your RSS feeds over the phone if you're bored. You can even have it read you a feed of your Gmail inbox.
However, a nice little tool Jott is switching to a pay service and there are a couple things that you can do with Twitter to replace some functions (for free).
Anyhow, I signed up to play around, so if you want to check it out you can look at our (well, my - we all know Jennifer isn't going to be into this) Twitter Page, or you can get it via RSS feed from that page or here.
Anyway, if you check it out let me know and I'll follow your tweets, to use the jargon of our time.
P.S. - Jott has left a couple functions on its free version, among them a feature that will read you your RSS feeds over the phone if you're bored. You can even have it read you a feed of your Gmail inbox.
Clean Slate
Okay, I haven't posted in a while & I'm sorry not to have kept people in the loop. Unfortunately we got a little behind in a couple places that didn't have easy internet access, and of course I wanted to keep going sequentially, but never had the time to catch all the way up.
So now I'll just start where we are, and once we get some pictures uploaded I'll try and go back and fill in some details.
We're in Tawas to see my grandmother Tini for one more night and to pick up sister Jen who was watching Lucy for us for a couple days. From here we think she'll take the Prizm for us so that we can be back down to one car and she can have some wheels.
Sorry we've been out of touch, but hopefully we'll be better in the future.
Cheers,
John
So now I'll just start where we are, and once we get some pictures uploaded I'll try and go back and fill in some details.
We're in Tawas to see my grandmother Tini for one more night and to pick up sister Jen who was watching Lucy for us for a couple days. From here we think she'll take the Prizm for us so that we can be back down to one car and she can have some wheels.
Sorry we've been out of touch, but hopefully we'll be better in the future.
Cheers,
John
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Google Maps
Okay, so Jennifer and I haven't had this experience with our GPS, but a couple not too far off:
Google Maps
Google Maps
via xkcd.com on 8/10/08
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Back in Contact
We just made it to Wyoming after our week in the U.P.
We'll try and catch up with some pictures from our time there, but I thought I would post this time lapse video we took at Tom & Kathy's 'Before Al's Fire Party.' Al starts building his bonfire on July 6th, and lights it the following year. Needless to say, it's a doozy. This video is actually both the party and the lighting of the bonfire, taken with Tom & Kathy's webcam & the YAWcam software. The only drawback is that the software wouldn't use the camera's full resolution, so it's not as clear as I would like. Also, it was very bright that day. We had to darken the pics so much that as soon as the sun went down it got really dark (I didn't adjust as it went, which would have been a good idea).
We'll try and catch up with some pictures from our time there, but I thought I would post this time lapse video we took at Tom & Kathy's 'Before Al's Fire Party.' Al starts building his bonfire on July 6th, and lights it the following year. Needless to say, it's a doozy. This video is actually both the party and the lighting of the bonfire, taken with Tom & Kathy's webcam & the YAWcam software. The only drawback is that the software wouldn't use the camera's full resolution, so it's not as clear as I would like. Also, it was very bright that day. We had to darken the pics so much that as soon as the sun went down it got really dark (I didn't adjust as it went, which would have been a good idea).
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Al's Fire
Does anyone have any extra carbon credits we can borrow?
'Cause this was one hell of a bonfire.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Animator vs. Animation, by Alan Becker
via The Art of the Prank by Moderator on 6/8/08
Submitted by Nick Gaetano:
Animator vs. Animation, by Alan Becker
Just click here, click on play, then leave the mouse alone, sit back and enjoy a piece of creative brilliance.
If you love the animation, you can play the game, created by Charles Yeh who is interviewed here.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Webcam
If anyone's interested in video chatting, this is the webcam we got. Nice and compact for the traveling.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Skype
Speaking of dorky communication tools, have you noticed that "Call Me" button on the left side of the blog? It connects to my (John, if you thought Jennifer could be this dorky) Grand Central #. If you click on that you can enter your number and it will connect the two of us. Cool, eh?
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Jeff & Stacey's Wedding
Jennifer & I just got back to MI from a long weekend in Montana. We got to see Elizabeth in Bozeman, plus most of the folks in Livingston before heading down to Big Sky for the wedding.
It was at the 320 Guest Ranch, who deserve some props for being very great hosts. They even helped B out when an errant driver took his scooter into the volleyball pit.
It was at the 320 Guest Ranch, who deserve some props for being very great hosts. They even helped B out when an errant driver took his scooter into the volleyball pit.
Live Webcam of Ninth Street Bridge
xkcd strip
TV on the Go
Jennifer & I haven't had TV in a while, which isn't to say we don't watch stuff. There are quite a few ways to rot your brain these days, most of which involve a connection to the internet.
Something we've only done once is buy a season of a show and download it through Amazon. The rest you can watch on Hulu, AOL.tv or if you have Netflix, the Watch Instantly feature.
Below are links to two of our favorites, Top Chef & 30 Rock. (30 Rock is generally available on the internet for free)
Something we've only done once is buy a season of a show and download it through Amazon. The rest you can watch on Hulu, AOL.tv or if you have Netflix, the Watch Instantly feature.
Below are links to two of our favorites, Top Chef & 30 Rock. (30 Rock is generally available on the internet for free)
Friday, June 20, 2008
Charlie's Soap
We've mentioned this to a couple people, but Matt & Meghan introduced us to Charlie's Soap. They found it when they were looking for a good soap for washing diapers, but it's also great for septic systems. There's also a cleanser on the site, which is good for wiping up baby puke or cleaning diesel engines.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Get a better browser, help set a record
The official release of Firefox 3 is today at 10am Pacific time. Mozilla is attempting to set a single-day downloading record, so once the clock ticks 11am Mountain and 1pm Eastern download away.
In anticipation of the release, many of the extensions and plug-ins that people love Firefox for have already been updated and de-bugged.
For whoever thinks it's just a marketing ploy, I like Gizmodo's take on it.
In anticipation of the release, many of the extensions and plug-ins that people love Firefox for have already been updated and de-bugged.
For whoever thinks it's just a marketing ploy, I like Gizmodo's take on it.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
No More Pump & Dump!!
via Gizmodo by Sean Fallon on 6/13/08
Just because you have a baby at home doesn't mean that your partying days must come to an end. Fortunately, mothers that like to go out on Saturday nights and have a few drinks can prevent passing boob booze onto their kid using a system called Milkscreen. Basically, Milkscreen is a litmus test that screens breast milk for alcohol that could have a negative impact on a baby's health. The whole thing seems a little weird in a contentiously irresponsible sort of way, but I suppose it is better to be safe than have a drunken baby on your hands. Available for $20 for a large pack.[Milkscreeen via Inventor Spot via Ubergizmo]
Friday, June 13, 2008
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
Jennifer & I recently watched The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, a very interesting french-language movie about a man who has a stroke and ends up with 'locked-in' syndrome - totally paralyzed but for the use of one eye. Highly recommend. Especially vs. the crap that's in the theaters at the moment. Tried going to the movies the other night, and there was nothing to see. Nothing.
Well, I would have seen Indiana Jones, but it's gotten really bad reviews, even from people who wanted to like it.
Well, I would have seen Indiana Jones, but it's gotten really bad reviews, even from people who wanted to like it.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Behind the scenes @ Olympics
Hey all,
Jen here. My cousin Heather just emailed us a link to some cool photos! Her boyfriend, Chris, is sailing in the Olympics this summer. He and his teammate are blogging about their adventures in China. We really enjoyed the inside look at the sport and wanted to share it. Thanks Heather and good luck guys!
The basic info is listed below, be sure to check out the slide show.
You can also check out his blog, www.wadlowrast.com
Jen here. My cousin Heather just emailed us a link to some cool photos! Her boyfriend, Chris, is sailing in the Olympics this summer. He and his teammate are blogging about their adventures in China. We really enjoyed the inside look at the sport and wanted to share it. Thanks Heather and good luck guys!
The basic info is listed below, be sure to check out the slide show.
American 49er reps Tim Wadlow and Chris Rast are back in Qingdao, China
training everyday in preparation for the Olympic Games. Despite their boats
being stuck in customs, they have been able to borrow the Canadians boat and
the German's mast, and have been on the water working closely with their
training partners from Germany. They have put together a very interesting
slide show of life off the water: http://tinyurl.com/3jdhez
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Red Wings WIN!!!
This is not news to anyone in Michigan or that follows hockey, but the Detroit Red Wings are Stanley Cup Champions.
One tradition of hockey is the playoff beard. I don't know all the history, but it's covered in one of the more interesting product tie-ins I've seen.
I didn't keep the beard until the playoffs were over, but the Red Wings still managed to eke out victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. The final series was fantastic, and now that they've won I can say I was a little excited the series got stretched an extra game after the 3OT loss.
Tini's House
Jennifer, Lucy & I got to stay with my grandmother Tini a little while back.
One feature of her backyard is a birdfeeder that attracts quite a few birds and also some squirrels. Since the fence is not that high, Lucy can't be left alone outside (and besides the birds fly away whenever she is out there). She has two places inside, however, from which she can watch all the action.
One feature of her backyard is a birdfeeder that attracts quite a few birds and also some squirrels. Since the fence is not that high, Lucy can't be left alone outside (and besides the birds fly away whenever she is out there). She has two places inside, however, from which she can watch all the action.
Boulder Visit
Jennifer & I headed to Boulder Colorado to pick up the Prizm which had been staying at my Mom's house. Kinda like when Lucy stayed there when we were in the Grand Canyon.
While we were there we got to try a couple restaurants we hadn't been to but now heartily recommend. One was Sherpa's, a Tibetan-focused restaurant that also has some Indian and Nepalese offerings. The mo mo's (dumplings) are great and something I hadn't tried before. We also had the Saag, rice Biryani and Yak Stew. They did have a Sherpa Ale that did not conform to my theory of generic international beer. It's only a guess but I think they have it made for them by one of the local breweries.
The other place we got to try is Ras Kassa's, which serves Ethiopian food. I enjoyed this meal more than the ethiopian place in San Fran, but only because of the company. Well, the company and the food. Oh, and the service, ambiance and wine.
We have not been going out to dinner a lot in Michigan, much less having a wide variety of ethnic cuisines, so we were pretty glad these topped the list of places my Mom wanted to go. We did get to go to Indian with Matt & Meghan in Lansing, which helped our decision-making in Boulder, as that was the other choice of Mom's top 3.
While we were there we got to try a couple restaurants we hadn't been to but now heartily recommend. One was Sherpa's, a Tibetan-focused restaurant that also has some Indian and Nepalese offerings. The mo mo's (dumplings) are great and something I hadn't tried before. We also had the Saag, rice Biryani and Yak Stew. They did have a Sherpa Ale that did not conform to my theory of generic international beer. It's only a guess but I think they have it made for them by one of the local breweries.
The other place we got to try is Ras Kassa's, which serves Ethiopian food. I enjoyed this meal more than the ethiopian place in San Fran, but only because of the company. Well, the company and the food. Oh, and the service, ambiance and wine.
We have not been going out to dinner a lot in Michigan, much less having a wide variety of ethnic cuisines, so we were pretty glad these topped the list of places my Mom wanted to go. We did get to go to Indian with Matt & Meghan in Lansing, which helped our decision-making in Boulder, as that was the other choice of Mom's top 3.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Tip o' the Thumb
Jennifer & I have gotten to spend some time with her folks at their place in Port Austin, MI, which is at the tip of the thumb. We were having some picture upload issues, but I was able to get these pictures that Tom took with Kathy's new camera. It has a great action picture feature, which was able to catch some good ones of Lucy. The water near their place isn't deep, so while not being excellent for swimming, it's perfect for dogs to chase birds with the added benefit of being almost as tiring as snow.
She likes it so much she has reached a new level of excitement, which comes with its own new noise - a three-way split of a bark, a howl and a yelp.
If we can capture it we will.
She likes it so much she has reached a new level of excitement, which comes with its own new noise - a three-way split of a bark, a howl and a yelp.
If we can capture it we will.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Gadget suggestion
Jennifer & I have been using a GPS unit during our travels, which has been infinitely useful traveling places that we haven't been before. It's like Google maps without needing an internet connection or a printer to print your directions. We use a model similar to this one, but ours has bluetooth for hands-free phone, which is a bit of overkill (I like it but Jennifer likes to talk hands-occupied).
There are a lot of models out there of course, but one nice feature to keep an eye on is if the unit reads street names or just says "Turn left here." (The fact that ours can speak in a British accent is purely superfluous, but more fun to imitate.)
There are a lot of models out there of course, but one nice feature to keep an eye on is if the unit reads street names or just says "Turn left here." (The fact that ours can speak in a British accent is purely superfluous, but more fun to imitate.)
Friday, May 30, 2008
NYT article
I haven't gotten to read this yet, but I heard this is an interesting NY Times article on farming and local food.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Virginia
Jennifer & I took a trip a while back to Alexandria, VA to see some folks. We stayed at my aunt Marge's, who ended up being out of town for a couple days. We took that opportunity to have a 'raging party' (6 people) at her beautiful home. Our friends Katherine, Micah, Becca and Kevin were able to make it over.
We're taking offers from people to give us their houses to throw dinner parties.
Any takers?
We're taking offers from people to give us their houses to throw dinner parties.
Any takers?
Friday, May 23, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
I like it because it is bitter
Keep this blog post around so we can enjoy post-apocalyptic manhattans and old fashioneds.
Semi-southern Road Trip
Jennifer and I just got back from a trip in the southeast.
I tracked a little bit of it on a google map. Not sure if that link will show up as I want it to but it's worth a shot.
I tracked a little bit of it on a google map. Not sure if that link will show up as I want it to but it's worth a shot.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Jackson Trip
Jennifer & I just got our tickets to Targhee Fest so we'll be in Jackson from at least the 17th to the 27th of July.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Incanto - redux
Okay, it's been a while, but i still wanted to mention a dining experience we had way back in San Fran.
We went to Incanto again, this time with Jenifer's parents and her Mom's cousin Liz and her husband John.
Now, we had lots of recommends of places we hadn't tried yet (thanks Billy and Andrea Robb - who actually made some calls and internet requests on our behalf), but we weren't sure what the plans were going to be until pretty late notice, and we were trying to find something on the right side of town for Kathy's cousins who live in Mountain View, so they didn't have to add another 20 minutes to their drive. I was itching to try A16, which happened to be right by our hotel, but they didn't have reses for 6 at a time that worked, and we weren't really willing to chance it at a walk-in table (they have designated walk-in tables; also ruled out SPQR, their sister restaurant, which doesn't take resevations).
All other top options being exhausted I called Incanto (if you have to eat somewhere twice, it might as well be the one that's know for its use of offal). Just-a-by-chance they had just had a cancellation for 6 at 8pm. Rejoice.
Now, amongst other things to make this a memorable meal, I got to eat Porchetta di Testa, the Expo suggested the venison ribs when I took a short poll on the way to the men's room and we got to to try another Masciarelli wine, the Marina Cvetic Montepulciano, which was great.
So after the meal we're waiting for our cab in the lobby and I see some gentlemen about to leave. Hmmm, that guy looks like Nathan Petrelli. Wow, he's hanging out with a guy that looks like Peter Petrelli, that's odd. Holy Shit - that's Hiro Nakamura!!!
Before I could stop myself I yelped "Hiro!" half (one quarter) under my breath, but still hoping he might hear. Thankfully they didn't even pause.
Normally I would scoff at someone approaching a movie or tv star with their character's name, but they were all hanging out together!!
Isn't that kind of weird?
Also, truthfully, I have no idea what those actors names' are. And I was a little drunk.
We went to Incanto again, this time with Jenifer's parents and her Mom's cousin Liz and her husband John.
Now, we had lots of recommends of places we hadn't tried yet (thanks Billy and Andrea Robb - who actually made some calls and internet requests on our behalf), but we weren't sure what the plans were going to be until pretty late notice, and we were trying to find something on the right side of town for Kathy's cousins who live in Mountain View, so they didn't have to add another 20 minutes to their drive. I was itching to try A16, which happened to be right by our hotel, but they didn't have reses for 6 at a time that worked, and we weren't really willing to chance it at a walk-in table (they have designated walk-in tables; also ruled out SPQR, their sister restaurant, which doesn't take resevations).
All other top options being exhausted I called Incanto (if you have to eat somewhere twice, it might as well be the one that's know for its use of offal). Just-a-by-chance they had just had a cancellation for 6 at 8pm. Rejoice.
Now, amongst other things to make this a memorable meal, I got to eat Porchetta di Testa, the Expo suggested the venison ribs when I took a short poll on the way to the men's room and we got to to try another Masciarelli wine, the Marina Cvetic Montepulciano, which was great.
So after the meal we're waiting for our cab in the lobby and I see some gentlemen about to leave. Hmmm, that guy looks like Nathan Petrelli. Wow, he's hanging out with a guy that looks like Peter Petrelli, that's odd. Holy Shit - that's Hiro Nakamura!!!
Before I could stop myself I yelped "Hiro!" half (one quarter) under my breath, but still hoping he might hear. Thankfully they didn't even pause.
Normally I would scoff at someone approaching a movie or tv star with their character's name, but they were all hanging out together!!
Isn't that kind of weird?
Also, truthfully, I have no idea what those actors names' are. And I was a little drunk.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Bistro Update
Brian's been working on a blog about the restaurant, more specifically about the garden he's planting in his backyard to supply it with vegetables. The farmer we've worked with in the past is helping him w/ the layout and getting stuff rolling in the greenhouse. Looks like it's going to be pretty cool!!
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Beatrice Lily Caterino
We are in MI and the weather is early springish - say 50's and 60's. - (guess who's writing?!)
Matt and Meghan had a very cute baby girl! We were able to watch her do her baby thing over the past few days. Take a look at their website - www.thecaterinos.com
The site requires a user name and password - don't be shy, you have to see her!
Matt and Meghan had a very cute baby girl! We were able to watch her do her baby thing over the past few days. Take a look at their website - www.thecaterinos.com
The site requires a user name and password - don't be shy, you have to see her!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
We made it
Just a quick note to say we're off the White Rim and in Salt Lake after dropping Heather off at the airport. We all had a blast, you'll see some pictures shortly.
Tomorrow we head towards Michigan to see our niece, Beatrice Lily Caterino!!!
Tomorrow we head towards Michigan to see our niece, Beatrice Lily Caterino!!!
Sunday, April 13, 2008
On our way to Southern CA
Jen here, the weather is 90 degrees. (That's for you Kristen!)
We have been on the road so posting has been a bit hard. I feel compelled to recap a bit.
It is really brief but wanted tell you all.
As we ended our time in SF, we ate a few more great places and had some good times with friends. I also passed my class and hold a CELTA certificate. All that really means is I can get a job a bit easier when we travel abroad. I was kind of sad to see it end as my classmates were so fun and interesting. But the adventure must continue....
Our family came to Napa and we ate at the French Laundry. It was the single best restaurant meal I have ever had. It was perfect and a true experience that I will never forget mostly because the company was so special.
We also went to Bouchon bakery and had a few killer picnics. And, of course, we tasted at a few Napa wineries - Corison, Whitehall, Reynolds Family.
Click here to link to our photo site.
Then we headed back to SF for a few nights. We were able to meet up Liz, John, Everett and Owen for a great hike. (See photos from my parents on the photo site)
The family left and John and I have taken the long way to head to Southern California. We camped and went to a few wineries in Paso Robles. All fun - Linni Colodo, Eberly, one other one.
For my 30th birthday we spent the morning with my cousin, Mike, in Santa Barbara. He made great blueberry pancakes! Then we said good by and headed to the doggie beach were Lucy had a great run. My parents rave about these crab cakes they once had in SB so we tried to find it. We never did find them but we settled on crab cakes and lobster tacos at the end of a pier. The afternoon was spent driving to San Diego to hang out with my cousin Heather and her boyfriend Chris. Chris made a fantastic risotto and we drank all sorts of yummy wines. Lots of laughs and great times.
Thanks again for all the birthday calls and emails. It made turning 30 special!
We leave San Diego tomorrow and head off to the desert for the bike trip. Should be fun!
The other major thing going on is the baby girl my brother and his wife are waiting for. She isn't here yet and I just wanted everyone to think good thoughts for them. I can't wait to meet her!
So that's a brief summary of our time "unconnected"! More after the bike trip. Miss you all and think of you all often.
We have been on the road so posting has been a bit hard. I feel compelled to recap a bit.
It is really brief but wanted tell you all.
As we ended our time in SF, we ate a few more great places and had some good times with friends. I also passed my class and hold a CELTA certificate. All that really means is I can get a job a bit easier when we travel abroad. I was kind of sad to see it end as my classmates were so fun and interesting. But the adventure must continue....
Our family came to Napa and we ate at the French Laundry. It was the single best restaurant meal I have ever had. It was perfect and a true experience that I will never forget mostly because the company was so special.
We also went to Bouchon bakery and had a few killer picnics. And, of course, we tasted at a few Napa wineries - Corison, Whitehall, Reynolds Family.
Click here to link to our photo site.
Then we headed back to SF for a few nights. We were able to meet up Liz, John, Everett and Owen for a great hike. (See photos from my parents on the photo site)
The family left and John and I have taken the long way to head to Southern California. We camped and went to a few wineries in Paso Robles. All fun - Linni Colodo, Eberly, one other one.
For my 30th birthday we spent the morning with my cousin, Mike, in Santa Barbara. He made great blueberry pancakes! Then we said good by and headed to the doggie beach were Lucy had a great run. My parents rave about these crab cakes they once had in SB so we tried to find it. We never did find them but we settled on crab cakes and lobster tacos at the end of a pier. The afternoon was spent driving to San Diego to hang out with my cousin Heather and her boyfriend Chris. Chris made a fantastic risotto and we drank all sorts of yummy wines. Lots of laughs and great times.
Thanks again for all the birthday calls and emails. It made turning 30 special!
We leave San Diego tomorrow and head off to the desert for the bike trip. Should be fun!
The other major thing going on is the baby girl my brother and his wife are waiting for. She isn't here yet and I just wanted everyone to think good thoughts for them. I can't wait to meet her!
So that's a brief summary of our time "unconnected"! More after the bike trip. Miss you all and think of you all often.
San Diego
We just thought that it was this hot in southern california. i guess it broke records yesterday. no wonder the beaches in malibu etc. were packed!!
Got to San Diego and got to have a nice birthday dinner at Heather's house with her boyfriend Chris and the two of us.
Leave for Moab tomorrow, either in one day or two.
We'll have a couple days before the bike trip starts to chill out and ride the bikes that we've been toting around the country.
Got to San Diego and got to have a nice birthday dinner at Heather's house with her boyfriend Chris and the two of us.
Leave for Moab tomorrow, either in one day or two.
We'll have a couple days before the bike trip starts to chill out and ride the bikes that we've been toting around the country.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Santa Barbara
This is a quick post about about our time in Santa Barbara. Just one photo of my cousin Mike and John and I!
Cheers,
Jennifer
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
On the move
So we're out of our place in the Castro, officially on the move.
Billy and Andrea Robb graciously allowed us to stash some stuff in their garage, so we're traveling a little lighter while the folks are here.
Billy and Andrea Robb graciously allowed us to stash some stuff in their garage, so we're traveling a little lighter while the folks are here.
Friday, March 28, 2008
No Offense
but I thought this site was really funny.
Of course neither Jennnifer nor I would ever send anything here.
But it's funny to see that some people do (and what some of them say).
Of course neither Jennnifer nor I would ever send anything here.
But it's funny to see that some people do (and what some of them say).
Thursday, March 27, 2008
We hate Sarah Marshall ads
San Fran has been inundated w/ ads for the Sarah Marshall movie.
Some clever folks have expressed their fed-upped-ness.
Most Annoying Ad Campaign Ever Lampooned? via SFist by Brock on 3/24/08
and my favorite:
Some clever folks have expressed their fed-upped-ness.
Most Annoying Ad Campaign Ever Lampooned? via SFist by Brock on 3/24/08
and my favorite:
Graffiti watch: Albany Waterfront Trail
My sister Jen likes graffiti a lot, so I took a bunch of Pictures at the Albany Waterfront trail, where Lucy & I went while the Subaru was getting serviced.
(They dropped us off in a dealer shuttle, saying we could get a ride back if Lucy didn't go swimming. We all know how that ended. It wasn't too bad a walk back though.)
So this portion of the Bay trail was all fill, so there's remants of trash all over the place. A kid I talked to said it's kinda like a hobo village at night. Really neat art with Found objects, plus a whole row of mini billboards lined one section of the path.
(They dropped us off in a dealer shuttle, saying we could get a ride back if Lucy didn't go swimming. We all know how that ended. It wasn't too bad a walk back though.)
So this portion of the Bay trail was all fill, so there's remants of trash all over the place. A kid I talked to said it's kinda like a hobo village at night. Really neat art with Found objects, plus a whole row of mini billboards lined one section of the path.
Graffiti watch: Meth Ads (blog)
For Dan and Alicia.
Saw this blog post and thought of you.
One more series of ads that we're over.
I Lost Me (and Interest In Anti-Drug Awareness Campaigns) to Meth
Saw this blog post and thought of you.
One more series of ads that we're over.
I Lost Me (and Interest In Anti-Drug Awareness Campaigns) to Meth
via SFist by Brock on 3/25/08
Photo credit: Nature abhors a vacuum
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
2 more days of the class
As my class comes to a close, I have been thinking about where we should take our time abroad. I was hoping for some magic answer to come out of the course, but that has not happened. Like with anything, it's about pounding the pavement.
I have been picking John's brain about where he could see us and then scouring the web for blogs or feeds about teaching in different places. There is a TON of information out there so I am slowly but surly picking my way through it.
We are really leaning toward Argentina or Chile. Of course, things may change, but it is a large improvement over our previous answer of "Asia or South America."
So far, Argentina looks the best. The climate looks great, the wine is abundant and there are both large and small towns were jobs are available. One of the downsides is that we have to go there before I can get a job. They don't seem to hire before you get there.
I have one more practice lesson to teach and then I am finished with all the real work in the class. I can definitely say I am ready to be done with the class up but I know only a small percentage of what I need to. That's not to say that the class hasn't prepared me, it's just that it opened my eyes to how much is out there for me to learn. From things like grammar to how to give directions in a clear and concise manner. But on the whole, I'd say the CELTA course has to be helpful.
Love to you all!
I have been picking John's brain about where he could see us and then scouring the web for blogs or feeds about teaching in different places. There is a TON of information out there so I am slowly but surly picking my way through it.
We are really leaning toward Argentina or Chile. Of course, things may change, but it is a large improvement over our previous answer of "Asia or South America."
So far, Argentina looks the best. The climate looks great, the wine is abundant and there are both large and small towns were jobs are available. One of the downsides is that we have to go there before I can get a job. They don't seem to hire before you get there.
I have one more practice lesson to teach and then I am finished with all the real work in the class. I can definitely say I am ready to be done with the class up but I know only a small percentage of what I need to. That's not to say that the class hasn't prepared me, it's just that it opened my eyes to how much is out there for me to learn. From things like grammar to how to give directions in a clear and concise manner. But on the whole, I'd say the CELTA course has to be helpful.
Love to you all!
Restaurant Architecture
Local San Francisco Critic Michael Bauer writes a little on the trend of food stacking.
One of the commenters points out that the word choice is a little confusing.
In the context of the article it makes sense to talk about deconstructing the dish so that they can eat it, literally undoing the construction.
Lately, however, the connotation of 'deconstruction' (of a dish) has been used more to imply the breakdown of a dish to its constituent parts in order to rebuild it, usually in an original way. Thomas Keller of the French Laundry is the prime example of chefs that pull of this technique well, somehow remaining classy with dishes such as mac 'n cheese, oyster and pearls or the aptly named tongue in cheek. Keller's skill is in the way he puts the pieces back together - flawlessly, with an obsession for precise technique.
Once a dish is deconstructed, you can reconstruct it the way Keller does, or you can go down a slightly different road. Practitioners of molecular gastronomy like to test the chemical limits their ingredients, and build it back up in creative way.
The food site Chow has a little piece that shows pictures of how one such practitioner, chef Grant Achatz of Alinea (who also worked at The French Laundry) in Chicago, does this.
It was from Alinea's website that I first learned of the 'Anti-Griddle'.
One of the commenters points out that the word choice is a little confusing.
In the context of the article it makes sense to talk about deconstructing the dish so that they can eat it, literally undoing the construction.
Lately, however, the connotation of 'deconstruction' (of a dish) has been used more to imply the breakdown of a dish to its constituent parts in order to rebuild it, usually in an original way. Thomas Keller of the French Laundry is the prime example of chefs that pull of this technique well, somehow remaining classy with dishes such as mac 'n cheese, oyster and pearls or the aptly named tongue in cheek. Keller's skill is in the way he puts the pieces back together - flawlessly, with an obsession for precise technique.
Once a dish is deconstructed, you can reconstruct it the way Keller does, or you can go down a slightly different road. Practitioners of molecular gastronomy like to test the chemical limits their ingredients, and build it back up in creative way.
The food site Chow has a little piece that shows pictures of how one such practitioner, chef Grant Achatz of Alinea (who also worked at The French Laundry) in Chicago, does this.
It was from Alinea's website that I first learned of the 'Anti-Griddle'.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Blue Bottle
Blue Bottle coffee is somewhat of an obsession with folks here in SF. They recently opened a cafe downtown which Jennifer and I made the trip to the other day. We didn't realize they served breakfast, or we'd have more to report.
Anyway, the big deal about the cafe is their siphon coffee system, which comes in at about $9 an order, though the menu reads "please ask." We didn't order the siphon coffee, but were fortunate enough to sit right in front of the machine.
Two guys that sat down right after us ordered some of it with breakfast. When we were getting up to leave they had already finished their breakfast and were still waiting for their $9 cups of coffee.
The original draw for Blue Bottle was their fanatically fresh roast. I think the original mantra was less than 48 hours, but maybe it was 24. Their espresso drinks are always double ristretto, and their regular coffee is all drip coffee, done by hand.
Anyway, the big deal about the cafe is their siphon coffee system, which comes in at about $9 an order, though the menu reads "please ask." We didn't order the siphon coffee, but were fortunate enough to sit right in front of the machine.
Two guys that sat down right after us ordered some of it with breakfast. When we were getting up to leave they had already finished their breakfast and were still waiting for their $9 cups of coffee.
The original draw for Blue Bottle was their fanatically fresh roast. I think the original mantra was less than 48 hours, but maybe it was 24. Their espresso drinks are always double ristretto, and their regular coffee is all drip coffee, done by hand.
Pho
Golden King Vietnamese Restaurant.
Needed a little Hanger-Aversion Therapy.
Pho fit the bill.
Our Phos are a lot alike, except mine has more parts of beef and meat.. balls.
Needed a little Hanger-Aversion Therapy.
Pho fit the bill.
Our Phos are a lot alike, except mine has more parts of beef and meat.. balls.
SOPI - The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence 29th annual Easter Party
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence throw an Easter party not to be missed.
It's one more excuse for everyone to dress up and get crazy, this time at Dolores Park (Lucy's Favorite).
Highlights include the Hunky Jesus contest, Easter Bonnet Contest and lots of music.
Hone your picnic skills before this one, we were thoroughly unprepared. People throw down for parties in the park.
And it helps to dress up.
The 'Pink Ladies' gathered near us, and were some of the most popular belles at the ball.
It's one more excuse for everyone to dress up and get crazy, this time at Dolores Park (Lucy's Favorite).
Highlights include the Hunky Jesus contest, Easter Bonnet Contest and lots of music.
Hone your picnic skills before this one, we were thoroughly unprepared. People throw down for parties in the park.
And it helps to dress up.
The 'Pink Ladies' gathered near us, and were some of the most popular belles at the ball.
BYOBW - 8th Annual Bring your own big wheel Race
Thanks go to Alicia for recommending that we film this.
There was a point where Jennifer and Joe were contemplating not going, but I felt since at least Alicia was expecting a full report, we had to.
And we were all glad we did.
This was the 2nd San Francisco event of the day that we were glad we did not miss.
There was a point where Jennifer and Joe were contemplating not going, but I felt since at least Alicia was expecting a full report, we had to.
And we were all glad we did.
This was the 2nd San Francisco event of the day that we were glad we did not miss.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Incanto
Last Thursday Jennifer and I dined again with Joe and Allison, this time at Incanto.
The Chef, Chris Cosentino, is well known for his cooking with Offal. Being so close to Easter, I had to try the Lamb...liver. It was actually the main Offal offering that evening for entrees. Because that's what he's known for, I had to try it over some of the other tasty-sounding items (like the Balsamic Braised Pork, e.g.). It didn't knock me out of this world. The pea greens and puree it was served with did, as did just about everything else we tried there. Oh well. I don't think I got any tears in my Foie Gras and Trotters.
The Chef, Chris Cosentino, is well known for his cooking with Offal. Being so close to Easter, I had to try the Lamb...liver. It was actually the main Offal offering that evening for entrees. Because that's what he's known for, I had to try it over some of the other tasty-sounding items (like the Balsamic Braised Pork, e.g.). It didn't knock me out of this world. The pea greens and puree it was served with did, as did just about everything else we tried there. Oh well. I don't think I got any tears in my Foie Gras and Trotters.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Vantage Point
I must be getting harder to please.
Jennifer and I caught Vantage Point last night.
I can usually find some good in every movie that gives such a great excuse for buttery, salty popcorn and fountain coke. Apart from one cool PDA/Phone-as-a-terrorist-productivity tool, it had nothing of interest except doing fast-reverse to the same point in time so we can watch the first 20 minutes over and over again. After showing us the first 20 minutes what seems like 6 times, we get some advancement in time, again with some rewind/vantage point shift. Unfortunately, they never show us much more of the movie; we maybe get 3/4 of the way through the first act, and then it's over.
Too bad they never showed us the vantage point from which you can see interesting characters, developed plot lines and intriguing bad guys.
Jennifer and I caught Vantage Point last night.
I can usually find some good in every movie that gives such a great excuse for buttery, salty popcorn and fountain coke. Apart from one cool PDA/Phone-as-a-terrorist-productivity tool, it had nothing of interest except doing fast-reverse to the same point in time so we can watch the first 20 minutes over and over again. After showing us the first 20 minutes what seems like 6 times, we get some advancement in time, again with some rewind/vantage point shift. Unfortunately, they never show us much more of the movie; we maybe get 3/4 of the way through the first act, and then it's over.
Too bad they never showed us the vantage point from which you can see interesting characters, developed plot lines and intriguing bad guys.
JSWL - You heard it here first
With the help of Sister-in-Law^2 Meghan Caterino, we have come up with the newest in acronym's for today's jet-setter.
What do you get when you go from -20 degree Montana to 30 degree Arizona dessert back to Montana winter, then off to California Spring, with the Desert on the horizon again before heading back in time to a Michigan spring?
Why Jet-Setter Weather-Lag of course.
JSWL. Use it, know it, be confused by it.
What do you get when you go from -20 degree Montana to 30 degree Arizona dessert back to Montana winter, then off to California Spring, with the Desert on the horizon again before heading back in time to a Michigan spring?
Why Jet-Setter Weather-Lag of course.
JSWL. Use it, know it, be confused by it.
8th Annual "Bring-Your-Own Big Wheel" wacky street race (Potrero Hill)
We're totally going to this
via funcheapSF.com {beta} by Johnny Funcheap on 3/19/08
[ Sunday, March 23; 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. ] Watch dozens of contestants risk humiliation (and serious injury) racing their big wheels (those giant plastic tricycles from when we were kids) down the streets of Potrero Hill. This free outdoor event is big people on little kids' toys. There's no registration cost, no rubber wheels, hand-made prizes, no bathrooms and no garbage cans but [...]Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Two Survive. Now, to Choose
Here's a NYT article on a restaurant we're going to up in Napa, Ubuntu.
Critic's Notebook: Two Survive. Now, to Choose
It's part of a series Frank Bruni (New York Times Food Critic) just finished about his 15 favorite meals around the country at restaurants opened recently. The San Francisco area was well represented on the list (3 of 15), and many foodie sites continued to notice that as he got closer and closer to revealing No. 1, Ubuntu still remained.
It's part of a series Frank Bruni (New York Times Food Critic) just finished about his 15 favorite meals around the country at restaurants opened recently. The San Francisco area was well represented on the list (3 of 15), and many foodie sites continued to notice that as he got closer and closer to revealing No. 1, Ubuntu still remained.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Sausage Fest
Met up with Billy Robb today (a High school friend and distant through-marriage relative) for lunch.
His neihborhood's not too far from where we're staying, so Lucy was able to join me on the trek.
The 2nd option he mentioned was a place I had heard about for good cheap eats, the Rosamunde Sausage Grill. It's as good as it sounds, if not better. Very straightforward: 13 types of sausage (plus a vegan option), chips, drinks and potato salad. I had the wild boar with onions and sauerkraut. It's a skinnier sausage, so it kind of got lost in the toppings.
I guess I'll just have to go back.
His neihborhood's not too far from where we're staying, so Lucy was able to join me on the trek.
The 2nd option he mentioned was a place I had heard about for good cheap eats, the Rosamunde Sausage Grill. It's as good as it sounds, if not better. Very straightforward: 13 types of sausage (plus a vegan option), chips, drinks and potato salad. I had the wild boar with onions and sauerkraut. It's a skinnier sausage, so it kind of got lost in the toppings.
I guess I'll just have to go back.
Generic International Beers
I believe there is some multi-national company that contract-brews Traditional "Insert Country" Beer. They just change the name and label and - voila! you have (e.g.) Ethiopian Beer. Costa Rican Beer. American Beer.
Certain Countries are exempt of course, like most of Northern Europe.
Certain Countries are exempt of course, like most of Northern Europe.
Friday in the Haight, Man
Jennifer and I checked out the Haight (upper?, lower? couldn't tell you) near Ashbury Friday for 2nd hand clothing stores. Literally it was overwhelming; both the amount of 2nd hand clothing stores (and selection) and the smell of incense.
We walked to the edge of Golden Gate Park, but we were a bit hungry, so we stopped at Cha Cha Cha on a recommendation of a classmate of Jennifer's. Kinda Caribbean tapas. For as crowded as this place was, the food could have been better. I get the feeling people come for the scene and the Sangria. We had a Malbec-Syrah, the Ceviche (good acid) and Musrooms sauteed in butter and garlic with parsley. The host was persistent in helping us get a seat at the bar, where they have a posted sign telling people they had to eat to sit there. Not to mention the 'cakage' on the menu which I thought I coined years ago (and would never put in print).
We walked to the edge of Golden Gate Park, but we were a bit hungry, so we stopped at Cha Cha Cha on a recommendation of a classmate of Jennifer's. Kinda Caribbean tapas. For as crowded as this place was, the food could have been better. I get the feeling people come for the scene and the Sangria. We had a Malbec-Syrah, the Ceviche (good acid) and Musrooms sauteed in butter and garlic with parsley. The host was persistent in helping us get a seat at the bar, where they have a posted sign telling people they had to eat to sit there. Not to mention the 'cakage' on the menu which I thought I coined years ago (and would never put in print).
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Marin
We decided to check out the area across the Golden Gate Bridge. Initial reports were that a lot of the area was closed to dogs off-leash, but we decided to head over and see what we could find.
We stopped in Mill Valley to assuage latte and espresso withdrawals (we've been on The French Press) and armed ourselves with a picnic and the knowledge that Muir Beach allows dogs to run free. This had the added benefit of being right off Highway 1, so our drive was a scenic one.
Being just a hop-skip-and a jump from Point Reyes (where 2 great cheesemakers are) we decided to continue on 1 up the shore. This led us through lots of fun little farm towns on the way to Cowgirl Creamery.
Tomales Bay is also home to some awesome oyster farms. We were headed to Hog Island Oyster Co., but they close @ 5. We came upon Tomales Bay Oysters where we picked up some to bring home.
We stopped in Mill Valley to assuage latte and espresso withdrawals (we've been on The French Press) and armed ourselves with a picnic and the knowledge that Muir Beach allows dogs to run free. This had the added benefit of being right off Highway 1, so our drive was a scenic one.
Being just a hop-skip-and a jump from Point Reyes (where 2 great cheesemakers are) we decided to continue on 1 up the shore. This led us through lots of fun little farm towns on the way to Cowgirl Creamery.
Tomales Bay is also home to some awesome oyster farms. We were headed to Hog Island Oyster Co., but they close @ 5. We came upon Tomales Bay Oysters where we picked up some to bring home.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Shared/Starred Items
So, as I read through things on the blogosphere I either star them or share them (interchangeably at this point). These links will take you to what I think are the highlights, though not something I'm going to write about necessarily.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Luna Park
We met Sister Jen's friend Nathan for Dinner at Luna Park.
One of 3 places we've been that has decided to offset their health care costs by charging a fee, either % of total or by the cover.
They were one of 2 that included an info slip about it.
One of 3 places we've been that has decided to offset their health care costs by charging a fee, either % of total or by the cover.
They were one of 2 that included an info slip about it.
The Bank Job
Saw The Bank Job the other day after having lunch with Jennifer and one of her classmates.
Now, I'm into caper films, and I love a good heist, probably more than the next guy. And I like Jason Statham, for his breakout role in Lock, Stock and 2 Smoking Barrels. Sadly, this is a film you can wait for the video or skip altogether. Mainly because the only interesting twist *Spoiler alert* is that there are items in safety deposit boxes their owners don't want other people to know about. I know, not much of a spoiler. The caper actually required them getting lucky twice. There was a cool bit with a Thermic Lance, but you can watch these guys on Youtube who made one out of spagehetti.
Now, I'm into caper films, and I love a good heist, probably more than the next guy. And I like Jason Statham, for his breakout role in Lock, Stock and 2 Smoking Barrels. Sadly, this is a film you can wait for the video or skip altogether. Mainly because the only interesting twist *Spoiler alert* is that there are items in safety deposit boxes their owners don't want other people to know about. I know, not much of a spoiler. The caper actually required them getting lucky twice. There was a cool bit with a Thermic Lance, but you can watch these guys on Youtube who made one out of spagehetti.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Delfina Pizza
Monday night we hit up a local favorite Delfina Pizza. It's an offshoot of Delfina next door, for more casual nights. We certainly weren't the only ones thinking about pizza on Monday, for when we got there we wrote our name on the chalkboard and were 7th in line. It was definitely on the chilly side, but we stood around with the others on the sidewalk waiting our turn.
To our (probably only john's) dismay they were out of the Tripe special. We had to settle on some of the house-cured anchovies. Shucks. We did however get to try some of their house-cured guanciale on a pizza of the day, in addition to a nice broccoli raab pizza with riccotta and roasted tomatoes.
We drank a nice little Aglianico, though I didn't notice until the end, because I had ordered a Nero d'avola. The little things you don't notice when you're standing on the sidewalk during wine service.
Note the condiment plate - a b&b with little piles of parm, chili flakes and sprigs of oregano.
To our (probably only john's) dismay they were out of the Tripe special. We had to settle on some of the house-cured anchovies. Shucks. We did however get to try some of their house-cured guanciale on a pizza of the day, in addition to a nice broccoli raab pizza with riccotta and roasted tomatoes.
We drank a nice little Aglianico, though I didn't notice until the end, because I had ordered a Nero d'avola. The little things you don't notice when you're standing on the sidewalk during wine service.
Note the condiment plate - a b&b with little piles of parm, chili flakes and sprigs of oregano.
Team Hardy
Dan, Alicia, Madeline and Maggie have a new website with lots of photos and family updates. the password for the site is the title of this post with no spaces or capital letters.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Weekend
Hey all,
We did a few fun things, a few WEIRD things and a few tasty things.
Saturday we went to Crissy Field for a dog park run, but it turned out to be a dog beach. A few photos ...
We did a few fun things, a few WEIRD things and a few tasty things.
Saturday we went to Crissy Field for a dog park run, but it turned out to be a dog beach. A few photos ...
Friday, March 7, 2008
Poor man's projection touch-screen, and wii-3-D
My Dad heard about this guy at TED.
It's a couple really clever ways to hack the IR camera in a wii-mote.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5s5EvhHy7eQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jd3-eiid-Uw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBGIQ7ZuuiU
The guy's main site is at http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~johnny/projects/thesis/
and it seems as if the 3-D technology will make it into a game coming out soon. There are a couple other amazingly dorky things on his site that don't have to do with a wii-mote. Even so, they're still pretty interesting.
It's a couple really clever ways to hack the IR camera in a wii-mote.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5s5EvhHy7eQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jd3-eiid-Uw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBGIQ7ZuuiU
The guy's main site is at http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~johnny/projects/thesis/
and it seems as if the 3-D technology will make it into a game coming out soon. There are a couple other amazingly dorky things on his site that don't have to do with a wii-mote. Even so, they're still pretty interesting.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Class intesifies but the weekend is around the corner
I am really getting in to the swing of things in my class. I am teaching a very diverse set of students from countries like Brazil, Switzerland, Thailand, Korea, Japan and France. They are upper intermediate speakers (they get most things if you speak slow and their grammar is better than most native speakers) and they come to our class for extra practice. It means some are 20 and some are 70 years old. My school posts our class on craigslist to get all sorts for folks, but it is totally free for them. They sit in as guini piggies. The practice is great, hard and energizing all at once.
I am looking forward to the weekend, as John's sister, Jen , is coming out for a few days. She will be heading back to Thailand and we are lucky enough to snag her for a few days. I just heard about a few thrift shops I have to drag her to because she has thrift store karma like no one else's. Really, she can find gems where you swear you just looked. Will see if shes into it, maybe I can bribe her with tapas and Sangria.
Love to all my favorite people (your the only ones who can read this!),
Jennifer
I am looking forward to the weekend, as John's sister, Jen , is coming out for a few days. She will be heading back to Thailand and we are lucky enough to snag her for a few days. I just heard about a few thrift shops I have to drag her to because she has thrift store karma like no one else's. Really, she can find gems where you swear you just looked. Will see if shes into it, maybe I can bribe her with tapas and Sangria.
Love to all my favorite people (your the only ones who can read this!),
Jennifer
Places yet to try
It seems as there are almost as many food blogs as there are restaurants here in SF, but here are some locals favorites high and low end from the Tablhopper blog's get together, might help us narrow the field, especially on the low end. We should try and get in on one of those dinners, though they just had one.
Jennifer found MyOpenBar.com, a website that posts listings of free events, or at least events that have free elements, with an emphasis on alcohol, natch. (e.g. open bar w/ $10 cover etc.).
2 this weekend: Free hot dogs at Frankenart Mart, and Free Outdoor Alley Opera
Jennifer found MyOpenBar.com, a website that posts listings of free events, or at least events that have free elements, with an emphasis on alcohol, natch. (e.g. open bar w/ $10 cover etc.).
2 this weekend: Free hot dogs at Frankenart Mart, and Free Outdoor Alley Opera
Recent F & B happenings
1) A chef from San Fran is featured at a dinner in New York. Too bad we're on the wrong coast for that meal, but it's a good thing his restuarant, Incanto is here. It just jumped a few places on our 'must go to' list.
2) Heard about this a couple months back, but didn't get the video explanation. The sound is the coolest part. That and the Crazy Milk.
2) Heard about this a couple months back, but didn't get the video explanation. The sound is the coolest part. That and the Crazy Milk.
Grand Canyon Happenings
The Park Service is doing a hi-flow period to try and help the beach and sediment situation throughout the Grand Canyon section of the Colorado River. The day before Jennifer and I put on the river a group of scientists was putting on for a trip down during which they would measure the size of the beaches, in order to see what effect the hi-flow period has. Our friends Shiek, Janice and Bernie are going down in late March and, depending on the effect, all the camps' beaches could be different.
-youtube of the current dam release
-slideshow of pictures in '83 when the river was flowing at 100,000cfs part 1 of 2. you should watch both.
I believe this is at the same time when 3 men set the record for fastest trip down the canyon by doing it in 36 hours and some change, in a dorry. they put on (poached!) in the middle of the night on a full moon
-youtube of the current dam release
-slideshow of pictures in '83 when the river was flowing at 100,000cfs part 1 of 2. you should watch both.
I believe this is at the same time when 3 men set the record for fastest trip down the canyon by doing it in 36 hours and some change, in a dorry. they put on (poached!) in the middle of the night on a full moon
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Chow - Food Bar
pretty effin' sweet. Could probably go here 2wice a week. Wouldn't get the braised short ribs every time, but it could be that neighborhood eatery.
Exactly what the Bistro would be if Livingston were bigger and the Petersons had gone a little less fancy on the remodel. (they had silverware in paper napkin rolls, with another stack of paper napkins on the table)
Exactly what the Bistro would be if Livingston were bigger and the Petersons had gone a little less fancy on the remodel. (they had silverware in paper napkin rolls, with another stack of paper napkins on the table)
A new Prahl
Our friends Torsten and Winter had their baby just after midnight today, March 5, 2008.
Torsten has been keeping a blog @ torstenp.blogspot.com
Torsten has been keeping a blog @ torstenp.blogspot.com
Apartment
Our Little Apartment.The window is our unit, there is one other accessed by the front door, and one accessed via the fenced-in yard.
We have to go out the front and through a gate to the back yard.
Key codes on all doors, so we don't have to carry keys!! If I hadn't gotten used to not carrying them on the Grand Canyon, I'd still be constantly checking to make sure I had my carabiner.
Classes and Public Transit
So I, Jen, have been spending all day in my class. I am with an interesting group of people and the class is CHALLENGING!! I had to teach day 2 and I lived so things should get better from here.
I have just begun to get a handle on the public transit, but I have not had the door to door service that is possible, yet. Mostly I walk like 2 miles in the wrong direction, figure out where I am and then head back to where I started. Today I have confidence that I will actually board the correct train and get off at the correct spot.
Also, the weather, um its like 60. I love it. The city is exciting and always moving. I like that too. It feels like something is happening. I have not got the words yet, but they are coming.
Love to all.
I have just begun to get a handle on the public transit, but I have not had the door to door service that is possible, yet. Mostly I walk like 2 miles in the wrong direction, figure out where I am and then head back to where I started. Today I have confidence that I will actually board the correct train and get off at the correct spot.
Also, the weather, um its like 60. I love it. The city is exciting and always moving. I like that too. It feels like something is happening. I have not got the words yet, but they are coming.
Love to all.
Dog Park
This is Dolores Park, Lucy's favorite place in San Fran so far.
The people we meet say that they don't see many Brittany's in the city, though yesterday there were three (incl. Lucy), and the day before we met a different one.
There's a 1 year old named Bucky, and a 13 year old whose name I forget but it's Russian for 'bitch.' Lucy, of course, didn't really want to sit next to them for the picture. I had a better one as well, but I flipped my phone closed without hitting 'save.'
The people we meet say that they don't see many Brittany's in the city, though yesterday there were three (incl. Lucy), and the day before we met a different one.
There's a 1 year old named Bucky, and a 13 year old whose name I forget but it's Russian for 'bitch.' Lucy, of course, didn't really want to sit next to them for the picture. I had a better one as well, but I flipped my phone closed without hitting 'save.'
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Grand Canyon Picture link
The real first part of our adventure was a trip down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon.
We put on January 25th and took off February 16th.
It was a noncommercial trip that Deb Zarnt picked up the permit for after a cancellation.
The '09 lottery has passed (we didn't get a permit), but with the new system it seems that cancellations are not impossible to pick up.
Jennifer's put a nice little selection of pictures together.
We put on January 25th and took off February 16th.
It was a noncommercial trip that Deb Zarnt picked up the permit for after a cancellation.
The '09 lottery has passed (we didn't get a permit), but with the new system it seems that cancellations are not impossible to pick up.
Jennifer's put a nice little selection of pictures together.
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