New Jersey and NYC — Lodging

We chose to stay just outside Manhattan. The Holland Motor Lodge seems to offer what we want — reasonable rates (~$91 before AAA discount), clean rooms, easy access to public transportation, quiet, and most important, consistent, glowing praise. They also have nice bonus amenities like free wifi and breakfast. ^_^

Searching for lodging within Manhattan represented a learning experience for me. TripAdvisor provided helpful insights, letting me know which hotels' rooms were not much bigger than the bed (literally), which ones had reliable hot showers, which ones had cockroaches, and which ones doubled as college overflow housing. It seems to me a general rule is that less than $100 in Manhattan means one will encounter some form of discomfort. A few exceptions do seem to exist. None had rooms available for all the nights we wanted due to the crush of people arriving for the marathon.

New Jersey -- Getting From Point A to Point B

Drafting our trip itinerary this evening for the NYC Marathon trip. First step — getting from Newark Liberty International Airport to the Holland Motor Lodge in Jersey City.

Holland Motor Lodge attendant Quentin told me the way to get to the lodge using public transportation was to take the #62 New Jersey Transit bus from EWR to Newark Penn Station ($1.25/ea), then take the PATH red-line train to Grove Street ($1.50/ea), then either 1) a cab to the lodge for $5, or 2) the PATH yellow-line train to Pavonia/Newport and hoof it the last half-mile. Total cost: $5.50-$11.50 (latter includes $1 tip). The confusion on our part is that the New Jersey Transit Bus #62 schedule prohibits luggage greater than 22"x16"x8". x_x Not sure if driver's enforce this restriction since the bus routinely stops at Newark Liberty Airport.

Taking a train to Newark Penn Station represents a way around the luggage restriction. Newark Liberty Airport's terminal-to-terminal AirTrain ends at the Newark Liberty Airport Train Station. From there the New Jersey Transit Train's blue-line or red-line ($9.50/ea) represents a six-minute trip to Newark Penn Station. Total cost: $22-$28 (latter includes $1 tip).

After some thought we've tentatively chosen an airport taxi. The $42 fare (includes 20% tip of $7) from airport to hotel is fixed-rate and sounds to us like money well-spent. Especially considering our 04:00 PST start time, 7.5 hours on a plane, and the prospect of lugging baggage through unfamiliar public transportation systems at night.

Other ground transportation options exist but the taxi comes out on top financially.

I'm curious to test New Jersey public transportation. Perhaps on the return trip from the lodge to the airport we might try it out.

Running Journal, Sunday, 2006-10-29

Running Journal, Sunday, 2006-10-29
Resting heart rate: 52 bpm (60 second test)
Weather: sunny, 2 m/s wind
Temp: 18 C (64.4 F)
Time: 08:20-10:20
Terrain: flat
Comments: Volunteered with the Cal-Trans Adopt-A-Highway program this morning. Tons of trash. I filled up six large bags. Looking much better!
Time: 120 minutes (2:00)
Goal Time: n/a
Distance: n/a
Total Distance For Year: stopped counting after first marathon
Weight (after run): 80.6 kg, 24% body fat.
Any irregular feelings, aches, pains, heart rate, and so forth?: None
Foods eaten today: Multi-berry yogurt, orange juice, raisin-bran cereal

Leatherby's Discount Code

So I remember: PR35ST28

Four Bridges Half Marathon at Lake Natoma

Saw signs on my run today reading "Bike trail closed from Hazel Ave. to Folsom on Oct. 29 for special event." They don't list what the special event is though.

Internet sleuthing reveals it to be the Four Bridges Half Marathon 2006. Fun.

Running Journal, Saturday, 2006-10-28

Running Journal, Saturday, 2006-10-28
Resting heart rate: 56 bpm (60 second test)
Weather: sunny, 1 m/s wind
Temp: 25 C (77 F)
Time: 14:24-16:47
Terrain: mild hills
Comments: Probably will not use the cheap sunglasses I purchased during the NYC marathon itself because they left marks. I want a pair of nice sunglasses designed for athletic use but the prices of the Oakleys and others put me off. x_x Weather was beautiful for running — calm, balmy, and bright. Passed about 100 fishers attempting to catch the king salmon as they swim upriver to spawn and mate. Lots of people out on the trail today walking dogs, biking with their children, or enjoying the fall foliage. Dawn ran with me for 22 minutes then turned back while I continued. This represents my last long run before next Sundays marathon. Can't wait.
Time: 143 (2:23)
Goal Time: n/a
Distance: 16.13 km (10 mi) http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=516280
Total Distance For Year: stopped counting after first marathon
Weight (after run): 80.8 kg, 26% body fat. Not understanding the increase in body fat. Hmm.
Any irregular feelings, aches, pains, heart rate, and so forth?: Left big toe black and blue but not hurting. Concerned how this might affect the marathon next Sunday. The muscles behind my right knee felt a bit sore on the return run. I think I might attribute this to running on the uneven, rocky surface in locations to the west of the Nimbus Dam and Lake Natoma (Pioneer Express Trail). The cheap sunglasses I purchased bobbed up and down on my nose occassionally, leaving marks.
Foods eaten today: Multi-berry yogurt, orange juice, whole-wheat bagels with Smart Balance and cinnamon-sugar, raisin-bran cereal

Running Journal, Friday, 2006-10-27

Running Journal, Friday, 2006-10-27
Resting heart rate: bpm (60 second test)
Weather: sunny, 2 m/s wind
Temp: 23 C (73.4 F)
Time: 14:25
Terrain: n/a
Comments: Resting day today. New York City Marathon only eight and one-half days away. ^____^ Will run 10-12 miles tomorrow for my maintenance long run.
Time: n/a
Goal Time: n/a
Distance: n/a
Total Distance For Year: stopped counting after first marathon
Weight (after run): 80.8 kg, 27% body fat. Not understanding the increase in body fat. Hmm.
Any irregular feelings, aches, pains, heart rate, and so forth?: Muscles mildly stiff but otherwise great.
Foods eaten today: Eggo multi-grain toaster waffles, maple syrup, multi-berry yogurt

The Monty Hall Problem

Fun:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monty_hall_problem

Simulation: http://mozy.com/blog/2006/09/11/probability-is-fun

The Prayer Cycle

For Dawny:

The Prayer Cycle

Running Journal, Thursday, 2006-10-26

Running Journal, Thursday, 2006-10-26
Resting heart rate: 71 bpm (60 second test)
Weather: sunny, 2 m/s wind (quite blustery)
Temp: 19 C (66.2 F)
Time: 15:00-16:15
Terrain: flat
Comments: Dawn and I walked at the American River Parkway, passing five wild turkeys before taking an access road to the power substation and then across a meadow to another wooded trail. I showed her the bees and where the hawk likes to perch. Everything was still again today, the reflection of the trees on the river quite pretty. After taking a trail north of the bike path, we happened along a family of California quail, a black cat, and a black-tailed deer. Walking back along the trail an Acorn Woodpecker greeted us on a branch just over our heads, dropping a twig with dark berries before flying to a higher perch. A late-afternoon walking day — calm, peaceful, the piles of fallen leaves and low river giving hints of the colder times ahead.
Time: 75 minutes
Goal Time: n/a
Distance: 3.87 km (2.4 mi) http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=513727
Total Distance For Year: stopped counting after first marathon
Weight (after run): 82.8 kg, 27% body fat. This was after eating. Burp.
Any irregular feelings, aches, pains, heart rate, and so forth?: Muscles stiff
Foods eaten today: orange juice, bagel with cinnamon sugar and Smart Balance, soy milk and raisin-bran cereal, burritos, chips and Desert Pepper's Corn, Black Bean, and Roasted Red Pepper Salsa, and brownie.

Running Journal, Wednesday, 2006-10-25

Running Journal, Wednesday, 2006-10-25
Resting heart rate: n/a bpm (60 second test)
Weather: sunny, 10 m/s wind (quite blustery)
Temp: 20 C (68 F)
Time: 12:10-13:00
Terrain: flat
Comments: Blustery day today. The National Weather Service issued a strong wind advisory last night due to a low pressure cell moving across the Sacramento Valley. Winds were pleasant with the occasional leaf and debris blown into one's face. Dawn and I ran west along the fire road and back along the bike path. Two fishers plied their luck near Bridge Street. I thought the fallen leaves in the water looked beautiful. The hardwood trees are changing to deep reds while the softwoods turn to shades of yellow and orange (thanks Adam). I am enjoying the contrast in weather immensely.
Time: 50 minutes
Goal Time: n/a
Distance: 5.9 km (3.7 mi) http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=511567
Total Distance For Year: stopped counting after first marathon
Weight (after run): 81.0 kg (178.2 lbs), 26% body fat
Any irregular feelings, aches, pains, heart rate, and so forth?: Legs felt a bit sore today but otherwise everything working as I expect.
Foods eaten today: Powerbar, banana

Running Journal, Monday, 2006-10-23

Running Journal, Monday, 2006-10-23
Resting heart rate: 64 bpm (60 second test)
Weather: sunny, 2 m/s wind
Temp: 24.4 C (76 F)
Time: 12:30-2:00
Terrain: mild hills
Comments: Dawn and I ran east from Bridge Street for 22 minutes then walked to the Nimbus Fish Hatchery. It was hot today in the early afternoon sun and we both felt it sap our energy. As we approached the hatchery, we met the man who maintains the cat food and water dishes near the fence. He looked like he weighed about 180 lbs., about 6'1", had a black goatee, maybe in his 50's. He had a bike with a plastic grocery bag over one handle and was listening to music through wrap-around headphones. We said hello and after confirming it was he who fed the cats, he pointed out that he feeds them every day. Two cats, one marmalade and the other a greyish-white, ate calmly in their dishes, looking up at us a few times before resuming their meal. He also mentioned he felt nervous that the cats might bolt as we approached, that he has also seen the black cat I have, and that the cats often run under the fence before they feel comfortable enough to eat. As we left we thanked him and he petted the marmalade cat a few times. At the hatchery, we saw three raceway ponds filled with tiny rainbow steelhead trout. The workers were cutting off the adipose fins of the anesthetized steelheads in the raceways so fishers might identify hatchery-raised trout. The law prohibits taking of non-hatchery fish by fishers. The sign we read claimed removal of the adipose fin does not hurt the survival rates of the fish. We noticed that for a nickel children might purchase fish food. A driver operating a motorized cart dispensed food to the raceways through a bucket and extended five-inch chute system. The fish ladder was not in operation during our visit, but at the base of the ladder we viewed the large adult chinook (king) salmon. Dawn and I enjoyed watching and learning how the salmon jump upriver (lots of rapid caudal-fin flapping combined with other muscles), although they could not pass through the metal weirs (removable fences) erected across the river. We walked to the western five raceways and noticed three workers with large brooms wading and sweeping the debris from the tanks. We left the raceways and continued our run back to Bridge Street. The return trip was downhill and a bit shadier than the ascent.
Time: 74 minutes (1:14)
Goal Time: n/a
Distance: 8.59 km (5.33 mi) http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=508452
Total Distance For Year: stopped counting after first marathon
Weight (after run): 82.0 kg (180.4 lbs)
Any irregular feelings, aches, pains, heart rate, and so forth?: Legs felt a bit sore today after running 13 miles on Saturday and walking/standing for a few hours at the Crocker Art Museum on Sunday. Otherwise OK. I noticed I have a moderately-sized black-and-blue spot on my toe from the Whistlestop marathon. My left foot is about a quarter-size larger than my right so it tends to take more of a beating during endurance marathons. I'm hoping it holds up ok during the NYC marathon.
Foods eaten today: Powerbar, banana, Trader Joe's Middle East Feast, orange juice, Golden Delicious apple

Nancy Pelosi on 60 minutes

Democratic Majority Leader Pelosi on 60 Minutes:

"Asked what she would say to Republicans, who have said that Pelosi and the Democrats do not understand the serious nature of the threat, the congresswoman says, "I, as a mother and a grandmother, 14 years on the intelligence committee. Don't tell me I have any underestimation of what the threat is to our country. So, if you want to justify your failed policy by saying we don't understand the threat, clearly you didn't understand the situation you got us into."

I'm not saying this as a "ha-ha" point to end discussion. The issues between Democratic Party members and Republican Party members are complicated. I sensed spunk in her statement and wanted to remember it for later.

Transcript. Video.

Running Journal, Saturday, 2006-10-21

Running Journal, Saturday, 2006-10-21
Resting heart rate: 55 bpm (60 second test)
Weather: sunny, 2 m/s wind
Temp: 13 C (55.4 F)
Time: 10:00-10:45
Terrain: mostly flat, mild hills
Comments: This is part one of my long run today since I have other commitments. I'll run the last 10 miles this evening. Dawn and I ran together today and I enjoyed her company.
Time: 44 minutes
Goal Time: n/a
Distance: 5.3 km (3.2 mi) http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=504221
Total Distance For Year: stopped counting after first marathon
Weight (after run): 81.4 kg (179 lbs)
Any irregular feelings, aches, pains, heart rate, and so forth?: Legs felt a bit stiff today, one week after the marathon. Warmed up after 15 minutes and felt fine.
Foods eaten today: Banana

KYDS Song

Los Angeles-based Celtic punk band Flogging Molly's "Selfish Man" from their 2000 album Swagger on the SideOneDummy Records label. Video. Intense.

KYDS Song

London-based Dragonforce's "Once In a Lifetime" from their 2004 album "Sonic Firestorm" on the Noise Records label. Amateur video w/music.

Cheese Curds

California may have happy cows but they don't have cheese curds, as other Wisconsinites have noticed.

Apparently local cheese factories produce them. Will look for one around the Sacramento area for a fix.

UPDATE: The California Milk Advisory Board has a list. Closest cheesemakers seem to be in the Bay Area.

Spray painted Race Directions

Race people, please stop spray painting race info on the bike trail. It looks ugly to me and stays there after the race ends.

UPDATE: Turns out to be spray chalk and they removed it all. Bravo. ^_^

Whistlestop Results

Finish Results

Finish Time	05:29:43.9
Pace	0:12:34
Overall Place	590 out of 608 CenturyTel Full Marathon finishers
Division Place	336 out of 348 Mens Full Marathon finishers
Age Group Place	30 out of 33 M 25-29 finishers
Gender Rank	367 out of 381 M finishers

A personal best for me. I started really slow so for the first time I was in last place for a few minutes. I heard the ambulance's motor about 10-20 meters behind me (it followed the crowd the first 1.5 miles). After that I felt embarrassed and ran faster. I ran out of gas about 16 miles in and runners began passing me again. I had greeted them as I passed them so they wished me well as they went ahead. The course was downhill and had a 15-mph tailwind at times though most of it was sheltered by trees. Felt a bit bored because the trees obscured much of the surrounding landscape. Starting temp was about 1 C (34 F), overcast, quite cold. Dawn and my mother and grandmother took my outer layer at mile five. About half-way through the sun broke out and everything began feeling beautiful. I ended wearing my leggings, gloves, and underarmour. With the white gloves, black leggings and underarmour, and red shorts, my brother's wife noted I looked like Mickey Mouse. I finished strong. My muscles were sore for the remainder of the day and the following day but I feel great now. We celebrated by eating Frankie's Pizza at a party that evening, then I crashed and quickly fell asleep.

Overall a fast race. Might run it again next year. It has about seven beautiful wooden bridges and I enjoyed running a race in my hometown. Negatives include chance of freezing wind, snow, or rain (has happened on at least three occassions).

Link: http://www.itiming.com/html/raceresults.php?year=2006&EventId=183&eventype=0

KYDS Song

Heard them before leaving:

London-based Zero 7's "Spinning" from their 2001 album Simple Things on the Palm Pictures label.

Whistlestop Marathon

Running the Whistlestop Marathon on Saturday. Currently snow flurries, 20-30 mph winds and cold. x_x Purchased cold-weather gear.

Movies and Television Shows I Want to Watch List

Star Wars III, Revenge of the Sith (Dawn has not seen it yet)
Chronicles of Narnia (Dawn)
Six-String Samurai (recommended by Dawn)
Seven Samurai (Kurosawa)
Underworld I + II
Dune
Monkeybone (recommended by Rena's mother because she thinks I look like Brendan Fraser)
Flushed Away (saw playing in Dec 2006 at Sunrise Mall)
The Muppet Movie (Kermit: That's a myth. El Sleezo Tough: Yeah, but she's my "myth"! Kermit: No, no, myth, myth! Myth: Yeth? )
Charlotte's Web (recommended by Don Knutson)
Mama JackThere's a Zulu on My Stoep (aka Yankee Zulu in the USA)
Samurai Spy (1965)
Kill! (Kiru, 1968)
The Twilight Samurai (2002)
Throne of Blood (1957)
Samurai Banners (1969)
Zatoichi (The Blind Swordsman, 2003)
Sword of Doom (1966)
Sanjuro (1962)
Yojimbo (The Bodyguard, 1961)

From Ryan:
Green Wing (hilarious hospital comedy)
Spaced (by the guys that did Shaun of the Dead)
Black Books (sort of the sister show to Spaced)
you mentioned that you've seen the IT Crowd... that's a great show (by teh writer of Black Books), too.
THE MIGHTY BOOSH (one of the funniest shows I've ever seen... hilarious and completely surreal... check this one out for sure!)
Big Train (sketch comedy)
Nighty Night (very dark humor)
Confetti
Peep Show

From Dr. Tak (or students in the assembly CISP-310 class):
Initial D

From Mynga:
Lion in Winter
Tragedy of the Commons
It Happened One Night (1934)

Late August Grand Canyon Trip

Dawn and I traveled across the country in late August, and I finally have time to write down the notes we took on the journey.

Don't expect them to make sense except to Dawn and I. Set your expectations accordingly. It was a fun and silly trip, full of laughter and a touch of sickness.

After exhaustive research on how to move Dawn's personal belongings, we settled on renting a 2006 light-blue Kia Sedona van from Hertz, using my AAA discount. It came up to about $660 for seven days, unlimited miles, and one-way rental. Alternatives included Penske truck rentals (fuel economy plus cost of fuel, didn't need the room), moving company (expensive, industry lacks adequate federal oversight and so lots of sleazy business practices) or driving my car there and back (too small). U-Haul turns out to be the worst rated self-moving companies due to the aging fleet. Apparently one-way rentals also tend to get the worst vans because the company renting it most likely won't see it again. Go figure.

Day One: Hudson, Wisconsin to North Platte, Nebraska

Play PC feature from Weird Al's CD "Running with Scissors"
Poodle Hat
Forgotten Eagles Motorcycler from Michigan
Biggest ball of Whine: Kevin
Passed by Bridges of Madison County
Dawn takes over driving in Adair, Iowa
Buckle Up for Life -- forEVAR :) These were awareness-raising signs we saw in Iowa.
Post-modern restrooms. We saw lots of signs proclaiming rest stops with "modern" restrooms along the interstate but no postmodern ones.
National American Taco Sports Network. We made this up after seeing a sign proclaiming NATSN. Apparently it's not about tacos.
Buddy Holly Crash Site
My son are Army National Guard. We can't remember why we wrote this down.
Amazing Pizza Machine -- It's people, it's people. We were really hungry and we ended up at this family entertainment restaurant, sort of a gigantic Chuck E. Cheese. We had discussed Soylent Green recently and so we imagined the pizza machine was fed people, people. We were hungry. x_x

Day Two: North Platte, Nebraska to Moab, Utah

"Creepies"
Claude and Ra's first camping trip (Ra roasting marshmallows by fire, Claude has smore in front); instant smore just add water (pill form)
Village Inn Restaurant in North Platte -- Bleh. x_x Chocolate strawberry crepes good but otherwise...hashbrown portions tiny
Yellow flowers (brown center) of Colorado, along highway 76
Casa Bonita

Day Three: Moab, Utah to Grand Canyon Village, Arizona

Drove through Arches National Park -- must come back!
Moab Diner -- A++!
Dawn, after years of therapy, finally heals from the piece of ham left behind "Please, don't leave me," says the ham.
Bob Dole just won't go away! We entertained ourselves by saying various things with the prefix, "Bob Dole...."
Mexican Hat
Navajo Rez -- people speaking Navajo -- Dawn wants desperately to look up Navajo letters
"Hay!"
Ra and Claude's most excellent adventure
Nearly hit: bunny, birds, sheep, horses, squirrel. All survived.
Bluebird Diner -- where bluebirds dine
Horses everywhere!
Horses grazing on edge of road/sidewalk in Navajo Rez town
"Chief!" (ask Kevvy) from the movie One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, when Nicholson says "Hit me, Chief, I got the moves!" during a game of basketball.
"Chief Yellow Horse *heart* You!" Chief Yellowhorse died in 1999.
P.D.Q. Bach -- New Horizons in Music Appreciation: Beethoven's Fifth Symphony Sportcast.
Sneaky Pete and the Wolf, Carnival of the Animals

Day Four: Grand Canyon Village, Arizona to Bakersfield, California

Raven gets in the chips
Smores grow on trees! Claue and Ra shall sniff them out!
Slice me offa piece of that Yavapai! (at the Yava Java cafe). This is a made-up cafe after we noticed that there is a Yavapai Lodge. Yava pie. Fun.
California condors -- we saw one circling over us. They're all tagged now.
Ra missed out on seeing the Temple of Ra -- alas, pets not allowed on the park buses. To make up for it, Claude and Ra got to wrestle a ginormous bear statue to the ground on the way to Bakersfield, CA.
Ranger Bob (adopted two-mile stretch of Highway SR64 outside of Grand Canyon National Park)
Ra -- looks at "All the Birds of North America" -- he is browsing the menu so he can order room-service.
How do they transport the space shuttle back to Cape Canaveral from Edwards Air Force Base?
Giant Evil Ninja Robot from Jupiter -- gave Kevvy a warning -- likes stinky chees and pb and sardine sandwiches
Daggett "Don't consign me to your rummage sale of love, Baby!" We thought the name sounded like a lounge singer.
Teany -- Moby's tea house and vegetarian restaurant
Claude eating citation

Day Five: Bakersfield, California to Citrus Heights, California

A big tractor next to a Stonehenge.... A surreal dream I had. Ask Dawn for details, she remembers but I don't. :)
"By this time my lungs were aching for air." -- mouthwash out nose
Charles Ives: clarinet players bonk flute players over heads. We were listening to his Variations on America
T-shirt: where my peeps at?
Bushes in median -- what are the flowers?
cwocorp.com: wine by barrel?
Recordings of Harpo talking
Gourmet jerky bar before Sequoia National Park
Astronomy Picture of the Day -- "Belt of Venus"
Sacramento Zoo

Whew x_x'''

Woodland Corn Maze

Dawn and I visited the Woodland Corn Maze on Thursday. It was the first corn maze in California and we enjoyed the hour-long walk through the corn-field. If you look closely at the picture you can make out the ship, the parrot, and the pirate with a blade in his mouth. Afterward we visited Vicini's Pizza in Vacaville, the best pizza I've ever tasted. Take the Alamo exit off of I-80 then follow that until you get to Peabody. On our way to Vicini's we noticed a sign reading "Milo Maze" but it turns out that is another name for sorghum, so I'm not sure if it was a sign describing the crop or an attraction. Link to other corn mazes.

Feel Good Blinker

The name for using a car's blinker halfway through a lane change or turning on the blinker a split second before merging. It has no practical benefit.

KYDS Songs

Washington D.C. The Fuzz's "I Love You For All Seasons," from their 1971 album "The Fuzz" on the Calla label.

Oakdale, CA-based Brett Dennen's "There Is So Much More," from his 2006 album "So Much More" on the Dualtone Music Group label. Video. Great voice; I can't find the lyrics. :(

Seminole County, Florida-native Mandy Moore's "In My Pocket," from her 2001 album "Mandy Moore," on the Epic label. Video.

Sussex, UK-native Natasha Bedingfield's "Unwritten," from her 2006 album "Unwritten" on the Sony BMG label. Video.

Spartanburg, South Carolina-based The Marshall Tucker Band's "Can't You See," from their 1973 album "The Marshall Tucker Band" on the AJK Music label. Video. "...till the train run out of track...."

Bellingham, Washington-based Death Cab for Cutie's "I Will Follow You Into The Dark," from their 2005 album Plans on the Atlantic Records label. Video. Gives me chills.

Los-Angeles-based The Aquabats' "My Skateboard!" from their 1997 album "The Fury of the Aquabats!" on the Goldenvoice Records label.

Calgary, Alberta-based Tegan and Sara's "Living Room" from their 2003 album, "If It Was You," on the Vapor/Sanctuary label. Video. Weird and beautiful.

Pork

Dawn and I noticed a billboard at the corner of Sylvan and Auburn that reads: "Open to experimentation?" and features a swatch of black leather surrounding a partially-opened zipper. The sub-caption reads: www.theotherwhitemeat.com. Surprising.

Bumper Sticker

Cute: "Wouldn't you rather be behind a book?"

Dream House

Walking in Sacramento's chi-chi Fabulous Forties district last week, Dawn and I marked down features of houses we liked:

• porch: rock, overhang
• windows: open and large
• fence: wrought-iron with rectangular, white concrete posts and red brick
• brick: red and black with coffee-colored stucco
• windows: 1/2 orange slice on top
• Japanese smiley face house: ^∩^
• porch: columns, brown, green plants; brick steps, dark brown door
• turret
• two-story arch over front door
• lots of windows along base
• balcony over front door
• Tutor style
• brick and stucco; brick along tops of windows or along corners
• unusual window shapes

Most of these were things Dawn noticed. We're in the mood for downloading software for designing a dream house but that's a project with a lot of steps to go through. To be continued.

Cobbler Restaurant

Going through things I've heard on the radio the past few days. Cobbler Restaurant has down-home cooking. And they don'thave any major violations of the public health code, unlike many other upscale, local restaurants. x_x

Uncle Kevin

Baby Owen Daniel Schultz is six pounds, 11 ounces, 20 inches in length, born at 01:27 and very healthy. The labor took about four hours. Apparently my brother Bryan got his wish of having an October baby.

Congratulations and well wishes to you both on this happy day.

Web site

Museums Dawn and I Want To See

Via the Sacramento Museum Guide:

Aerospace Museum of California
California Military Museum
California Foundry History Museum
California Museum of History, Women and
the Arts
California State Indian Museum
California State Railroad Museum
Crocker Art Museum
CSUS University Library Gallery
Discovery Museum History Center
Discovery Museum Science & Space Center
Donald F. Salvatori California Pharmacy Museum
Folsom History Museum
Governor’s Mansion State Historic Park
Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park
Museum of Medical History
Sacramento Historic City Cemetery
Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park
Towe Auto Museum
Wells Fargo History Museum (1 of 2)
Wells Fargo History Museum (2 of 2)

Dawn's Favorite Roses

From a walk we took a week or two ago at the California State Capitol World Peace Garden (also):

Blueberry Hill -- Floribunda Rose
Intrigue -- Floribunda Rose
Angel Face -- Floribunda Rose
About Face -- Grandiflora Rose
Heirloom -- Hybrid Tea Rose
Brandy -- Hybrid Tea Rose
Purple Tiger -- Floribunda Rose
Irene Watts -- China Rose

Trivia: "New rose varieties, approved by the All-American Rose Selections, are showcased in the garden's test section. Visitors have the opportunity to see and smell these new roses before they are available to the general public. The World Peace Rose Garden is one of the few gardens in the U.S. selected for this honor."

I know next to nothing about roses but I'm enjoying learning about them.

UPDATE: New roses Dawn likes from our walk this late afternoon in the McKinley Rose Garden:

Olympiad--Hybrid Tea Rose
Perfect Moment--Hybrid Tea Rose
Polar Star (OK, this represents one I like)--Hybrid Tea Rose
Melody Perfume--Hybrid Tea Rose
Lucille Ball--Hybrid Tea Rose
Princess Marianna--Shrub

Talk Like a Pirate Day

Please share your inner pirate responsibly.

Link: http://www.talklikeapirate.com/

Arrrrr.

New Richmond, WI Public Library

Blogging from the Carleton A. Friday Memorial Library in New Richmond, WI. Waiting for Dawn and family to finish her sister-in-law's bridal shower.

New Richmond on a Saturday afternoon has a sleepy feel to it. Perfect weather and the librarian just came outside and asked if the wifi reached to where I am sitting on the sidewalk. Nice. Library closes at 15:00 on Saturdays.

Never Stop Bailing -- Titanic

My contribution to Despair, Inc. would be a poster with a picture of the Titanic and the phrase, "Never stop bailing." Not sure what value I'd pair it with.

CityWalk: Woodbury, MN

Dawn and I saw this pedestrian-oriented community today while driving into Woodbury. I thought it looked like a very colorful place to live. It reminded me of a European village, where each building had it's own personality. Definitely would require lots more investigation before I would live there, but it caught my eye.

http://www.citywalkatwoodbury.com/

Blogging from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Here I am. Free wifi here too. Woot.

Blogging from the Sacramento International Airport

Free wifi. Woot.

Here at 03:45. Everyone looks exhausted. Got on the SuperShuttle with someone whose phrase-of-the-morning was "dangerously close." Dangerously close this and dangerously close that. The SuperShuttle driver was courteous, helpful, alert, and kept his van neat. Top notch, a contrast from my flight in June. My flight leaves at 06:00.

Found an airport outlet plug for my laptop so I can recharge a bit before checking my baggage. Created the Sacramento International Airport entry at the Air Power wiki.

Buckwheat Pancakes for Dawny

I was all flapjack-flipping this morning:


Sitting with my Safeway Select Premium Quality Estate Grown 100% Grade A Dark Amber Maple Syrup. Eleven adjectives means it has to be good, right?


Lessons learned:

1. Cook one pancake at a time else they come out looking like omelettes.
2. First few pancakes seemed to get dried out by sitting on a plate on a burner set to Low. x_x
   
3. Flapjack-flipping is fun.
   
4. BAM, kick it up a notch. I'm going to make a million off that phrase. ;)
   

License Plate Humor

From a license-plate frame: San Andreas, It's Not Our Fault

KYDS Songs

South Fallsburg, NY-native Gavin DeGraw's "I Don't Want to Be" from his 2003 album "Chariot" on the J Records label. Video.

Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK-native Corinne Bailey Rae's "Put Your Records On" from her 2006 album "Corinne Bailey Rae" on the EMI label. Video.

Tyumen, Russia-native Irving Berlin's "Isn't This A Lovely Day?" from the 1935 musical comedy, "Top Hat." Sung by Fred Astaire and accompanied by Ginger Rogers.

Los Angeles-based Red Hot Chili Pepper's "Tell Me Baby" from their 2006 album "Stadium Arcadium" on the Warner Brothers label. Video.

Toronto-based Cowboy Junkies' "Sweet Jane" from their 1988 album "The Trinity Session" on the RCA Records label. Video.

Denver-based The Fray's "How to Save A Life" from their 2005 album "How to Save a Life" on the Epic label. Video. Meaning.

Kansas City, Missouri-based Bloodstone's "Natural High" from their 1973 album "Natural High" on the London label.

Little Rock, Arkansas-based Evanescence's "Call Me When You're Sober" from their 2006 album "The Open Door" on the Wind-Up label. Video. Awesome.

M.C. Escher, Hip Hop, and Samurai Champloo

Visited the Crocker Art Museum this morning to see their "M.C. Escher: Rhythm of Illusion" exhibit. I enjoyed seeing the rough drafts of his works. In the museum store, I saw this image of a cat, entitled, "White Cat." His landlady gave it to him and it was his companion for some time. I also liked the fish he used in geometric patterns:



While leaving, I noticed the museum has a Hip-Hop 101 class, where experts will discuss and answer questions about the real roots of Hip-Hop and how many types of Hip-Hop really exist. I might attend.

Last night I watched four episodes of the hip-hop themed anime series Samurai Champloo. I'd like to watch the other DVDs now. It's not addicting but it's entertaining.

Blogger Dashboard List

Blogger, why do you change the order of the blogs on the dashboard so the last accessed blog moves to the top of the list? I like the blog listing to remain static so I know exactly where to mouse each time. x_x

Ctrl + Shift

One strange issue I've faced while using the Dvorak keyboard is that if I install both the English (United States) and the United States-Dvorak keyboard mappings, Windows XP randomly seemed to switch between the two, driving me nuts. After much trial and error of this happening I finally figured out that this happens when I click Ctrl + Shift -- this switches between the keyboard mappings. x_x Thank you for making this so gosh darn difficult to track down...perhaps notify the user before switching keymaps with a pop-up balloon containing instructions on what just happened and how to switch back? Sort of like the StickyKeys pop-up (press Shift five times in succession).

Inviting Ken Mehlman

I invited the Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman to Google Mail today. Really Ken, the world wants to know if gop.com gives you 2.7GB of e-mail storage.

And while you're in the e-mail mood, would you please tell me how you have me on your e-mail list and why the mail-merge always puts Rae in for my first name?

Quote of the Day

"Fellow citizens, why do you turn and scrape every stone to gather wealth and take so little care of your children to whom you must relinquish all?"
-- Socrates

Promoting American Wines Overseas Class (MQ 856)

Brilliant:

http://www.state.gov/m/fsi/tc/c6951.htm

I'm trying to fathom why this class exists as a government-sponsored class.

Local Theater Season Tix Prices

B Street Theatre: The Last Five Years (through Sep 3), Wishing Well (July 23-Sep 10)
Fri's @ 8pm: $132

Sat's @ 9pm: $102
Season runs June-June, tix go on sale in late November

Sacramento Theatre Company: $135-$195 (includes 6 season productions, does not include holiday show). To Kill a Mockingbird (Oct 4-Nov 5), The Peculiar and Sudden Nearness of the Moon (Nov 8-Dec 31), Private Lives (Jan 24-Feb 18), Othello (Mar 14-Apr 8), Electricidad (Mar 28-May 20), and Someone’s Somebody (May 2-May 27).

Mondavi Center: prices vary

For Dawn

I love you

GRE Test Sites

11	THOMSON PROMETRIC TEST CENTER FAIR OAKS, CA 95628 Map Phone: (916)961-7323 Site Code: 0508		11733 FAIR OAKS BLVD ALMOND ORCHARD SEE LAB 0053 ALSO
12	THOMSON PROMETRIC TEST CENTER FAIR OAKS, CA 95628 Map Phone: 916-961-7323 Site Code: 0053

GRE Scheduling Policy:
The General Test may be taken on computer only once per calendar month up to five times in a 12-month period.

Where Do People Take Them? The Subject Tests are given at paper-based test centers worldwide three times a year in:

November
December
April

So I remember for later

Secondary Car Purchase

Investigating the purchase of a used car once Dawn completes the move. Dawn likes Saturns. We're still in the preliminary stages of figuring out what we want. I have a ceiling of about $6-8,000 for a used car. I'd like to get something that will last for years to come. Dependable, practical, low-maintenance, easily serviced.

My mother, on the recommendation of my mechanic uncle, purchased a new Honda Civic.

My initial thoughts:

• Reacted to the sight of missing hubcaps the other day and thought that I would prefer not having a car with hubcaps, but it's not a deal-breaker.
  

As things float into my head or Dawn's maybe we can post them here:

• Mazda MX-6 Noticed we both liked the looks of the, though we don't know what year it was in the second-generation class of cars.
• Mazda MX-8 We liked the silver color and the look.
  
• Honda S2000
• BMW 325i
• BMW 330i
• Mercedes C230 Kompressor hatchback
  
• Mitsubishi Eclipse
• Volvo S60
• Kia Amanti (like we can afford it right now ;)
  

Colors:

• Toyota's Salsa Red Pearl (4Runner)
• Mazda's Galaxy Gray or Sunlight Silver (MX-8)

Forbes' Best and Worst Selling Cars 2007

Car Buying
http://www.consumersearch.com/www/automotive/economy-cars/review.html
http://carsoup.org
http://ebaymotors.com

Honda Fit
http://www.consumersearch.com/www/automotive/economy-cars/review.html

Reviews:
edmunds.com

Jelly Belly and Muir Woods Visit

Dawn and I visited the Jelly Belly factory and Muir Woods on Monday, July 31:


Here's Dawn in front of the Jelly Belly factory in Fairfield, CA. She's giving the peace sign because really, there's nothing to fear at the Jelly Belly factory other than parents waiting in line with their children and sugar overdoses. Peace, love, and granola. Dawn's favorite flavor is Juicy Pear. I haven't decided on a favorite flavor yet -- I like coconut and the fruit-flavors. Not a big fan of peanut butter. Buttered popcorn is their #1 seller (overseas?), followed by Very Cherry. Or it might have flip-flopped. Those are the top two, anyway. Apparently, the Goelitz family has been making candy corn since about 1900. They created the first Halloween- and Easter-themed candy corn, and that's progress for you in the world of candy.


The Jelly Belly factory has two benches with giant jelly bean plushies on them. This one looks like it's either my new best pal or it's gone mad and is going to kill me. Note the oddly shaped five digits on it's right hand and decide for yourself. And really Mr. Jelly Belly, shouldn't you be wearing pants?


Dawn and I figured out how to not only how to work the timer on her camera but also how to take pictures in late-afternoon low-light conditions. I think this picture of us is really sweet. In the background is a family circle grove of coast redwoods. They're some of the most beautiful trees on earth.

Roof Cat

I sneezed while taking pictures and this cat looked up at me, then lazily closed it's eyes and fell back asleep.

Radio Song

Getting in touch with my funky self on Sacramento's R&B station, 101.1 (ClearChannel owned and operated x_x):

Greensboro, North Carolina LTD's "(Every Time I Turn Around) Back in Love Again," from their 1977 album "Something to Love," on the A&M Super Budget label. Loving those horns! Video.

KYDS Songs

Songs I've heard on KYDS in recent days:

Los Angeles-based Tool's "The Pot," from their 2006 album "10,000 Days" on the Volcano label. Video.

Jacksonville, Florida-based Shinedown's "Heroes," from their 2005 album "Us and Them" on the Atlantic Records label. Video. I enjoyed the lyrics, "All my heroes have now become ghosts... All my heroes are dead and gone, But they're inside of me, they still live on."

Essex, England-based Bloc Party's "Luno" from their 2005 album "Silent Alarm" on the V2 Records label. Video. Weird video warning. x_x I enjoyed the drumming.

Roof Cat

Sleeping:

Foods

Recording foods from my cookbook that I want to prepare. Today looking at breakfast foods.

Banana-nut pancakes (had some at IHOP last Saturday morning with banana slices and shelled walnuts on the top with whipped cream. yum)
Buckwheat pancakes (one of Dawn's favorites)
Crêpes
French toast with powdered sugar and maple syrup
Breakfast burrito
Banana smoothie/protein drink

Roof Cat

Dawn captured this photo of the cat this morning. It is curious with bright blue eyes and a grey coat.

Grave of the Fireflies Double Feature

Via Wikipedia:

Its initial theatrical release was accompanied by Hayao Miyazaki's much more lighthearted My Neighbor Totoro as a double feature.

Wow. Having a hard time wrapping my head around that one. For an American audience it would be like pairing Schindler's List with Heidi, or Apocalypse Now with Annie. This is too weird.

UPDATE: ah I see. Here's the reasoning and aftermath of the decision to pair the movies, via Wikipedia:

• The movie was originally intended as a sort of front act of another Ghibli movie, My Neighbor Totoro. Ghibli's parent company reasoned that Totoro's tie-in with a movie with more educational merit would guarantee its inclusion in the list of summer's recommended movies for school children.
• In commercial terms, the theatrical release was a failure. While the two movies were marketed toward children and their parents, the extremely depressing nature of Grave of the Fireflies made most parents stay away from watching the film with their children. Subsequently, Totoro dolls became a phenomenal hit in Japan and this has covered the loss sustained by the theatrical release.

KYDS Songs

One song from last night:

Five For Fighting's "100 Years," from his 2004 album, "The Fight For Everything" on the Sony Music Entertainment label. Video.

Latvian Words for Dawn

I lived in Latvia for four months in 1997 and sadly my memory of Latvian is so rusty now. While at home I promised Dawn to write down some words we came across in my Latvian-English dictionary, and here they are:

paldies: thank you (pahl-DEE-ehss)
warrent: pilnvara (PILN-vara)
Daschund: taksis, āpšu suns (TAK-sees)
cat: kaķis (KA-cheess)
icicle: lāsteka (lahs-TAY-ka)
hazelnut: lazda (LAHS-da)
please: lūdzu (LOOD-zu)
greetings: sveiki (SVAY-kee)

www.lv -- how do you like that for efficiency?

Roof Cat

Caught this cat napping in the shade outside my window this morning. It noticed me making noise in my room, rolled over on its back, turned the other way, and went back to sleep. Very cute. As the shade receded the cat decided to find a cooler spot and left.

Be Positive

That's my blood type.

KYDS Songs

One song today:

Chicago-based Fall Out Boy's "Dance, Dance" from their 2005 album, "From Under the Cork Tree" on the Island label. Video.

Buckle Up...

...it makes it harder for the aliens to suck you out of your car

-Bumper sticker seen on a car

For Dawny

I think you were wonderful tonight. I love you.

I don't see my head ever getting achy like this but if it did, I'd be happy to have you with me.

Love

Kevin

It's late in the evening; she's wondering what clothes to wear.
She puts on her make-up and brushes her long blonde hair.
And then she asks me, "Do I look all right?"
And I say, "Yes, you look wonderful tonight."

We go to a party and everyone turns to see
This beautiful lady that's walking around with me.
And then she asks me, "Do you feel all right?"
And I say, "Yes, I feel wonderful tonight."

I feel wonderful because I see
The love light in your eyes.
And the wonder of it all
Is that you just don't realize how much I love you.

It's time to go home now and I've got an aching head,
So I give her the car keys and she helps me to bed.
And then I tell her, as I turn out the light,
I say, "My darling, you were wonderful tonight.
Oh my darling, you were wonderful tonight."
Link: http://youtube.com/watch?v=JSIQo4WXoRc

Curry and Rice Girl

In a previous job I worked with several contractors from India who shared stories of engagement and marriage from their culture. From my recollection, parents traditionally pick mates for their children, although things are becoming more progressive. This video plays on that cultural norm: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4532245984549289375&q=head+snap+tango

Tango

Dawn and I decided we would like to learn to dance, and the Tango would be fun to try first.

Linkees:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tango_%28dance%29

Vicini's Pizza

My favorite pizza place is Vicini's Pizza in Vacaville. Yum.

The Wild Onion Restaurant

Dawn suggested visiting The Wild Onion restaurant in St. Paul next time I visit. Writing down so I don't forget. Looks yummy. ^_^

KYDS Songs

Songs heard within the last few days:

Galveston, Texas-native Barry White's "Never, Never Gonna Give You Up" from his 1973 album "Stone Gon'" on the 20th Century Records label. Video. Barry White was a vegan.

Slab Fork, West Virginia-native Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone" from his album "Just As I Am" on the Sussex Records label. Video.

Ripley, Surrey, England-native Eric Clapton's "Wonderful Tonight" from his 1977 album "Slowhand" on the Polydor label. Video.

Philadelphia-native Mirah's "Apples in the Trees" from her 2001 album "Advisory Committee" on the K Records label.

Galveston, Texas-native Barry White's "Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe" from his 1974 album "Can't Get Enough" on the 20th Century Records label. Video.

Boston-based Extreme's "More Than Words" from their 1990 album "Extreme II: Pornograffiti" on the A&M Records label. Video.

Los-Angeles-based The Aquabats' "Danger Woman" from their 2000 album "Myths, Legends, and Other Amazing Adventures of the Aquabats!" on the Fearless/Horchata Records label.

Los-Angeles-based The Aquabats' "Martian Girl" from their 1995 album "The Return of the Aquabats!" on the Horchata Records label.

Late night waffle post

I enjoy toaster waffles and maple syrup anytime as a snack.

While eating I scan labels. Tonight I was scanning the syrup bottle label and noticed how similar "Sodium: 0mg" was to the Internet abbreviation "Sodium: omg" (oh-my-god):


It's a Valley thing.

21-inch flat panel monitor

Drool. My techno-lust for the day. Not in the budget in the near future unfortunately.

Running Journal, Friday, 2006-07-21

Running Journal, Friday, 2006-07-21
Resting heart rate: not available (forgot)
Weather: overcast, then sunny; 41% humidity
Temp: 30 C (86 F)
Time: 09:00-09:50
Terrain: mostly flat, mild hills
Comments: In the middle of a summer Sacramento heat wave. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory, which is issued when the temperature is 40.5+ C (105+ F) during the day and 26.7+ C (80+ F) during the night for two consecutive days. Yow. Today is the first day we've had 40%+ humidity and I felt it. Practiced landing on the heels of my foot today as I strode, and I felt muscles getting worked that I haven't felt before. It felt good to do this, given my recent history of my left toe hurting (I think my left foot is slightly longer than my right, so shoes are a bit tight). I found a frisbee in the grass at the parking lot on the south side of the pedestrian bridge. I said hello or good morning to a number of people today as I passed but people seemed focused on their own running. I started out in a relaxed, slow, comfortable stride and kept my focus far down the trail, and I enjoyed the sensation of losing myself and being in the moment without much other thoughts in my head. I am working on my form and found today that my arms felt a bit tingly, meaning I was a bit too tense in the upper body. Turned at the half-way point and ran the parallel trail back, briefly on the private trail of the residential community. The yellow thistle plants are everywhere and in full bloom. They leave me very itchy if I'm unlucky enough to scratch myself. As I ran back and watched the river to my right, I felt happy to have the opportunity to run there. The slow-flowing, low water of the river reflecting the bright sun looked so peaceful it seemed to have human qualities of laziness. It seemed to be experiencing the same reaction to the brilliant summer sunlight as the people running along the trail. So there was a sense of connection to the river this morning based entirely upon personifying it with human qualities. After I reached the parking lot on the south side of the river, I picked up the frisbee, when an asian man flagged me down and asked me for the name of the park. He described how someone had smashed three vehicle windows earlier that morning, and when he reported it, the person he talked to requested the location. So I shared with him the info he needed, and he thanked me and went on his way. As I walked back across the pedestrian bridge, I said hello to a biker who sat on the planks relaxing and watched a woman and a yellow lab play fetch in the water below. Fun. My red RaceReady singlet clung to my chest from the humidity, something that has only happened one other time, during Grandma's Marathon. I felt great, limber, and attributed that to running on my heels. I'll give it a try on my long run this Sunday, my last long run before the marathon.
Time: 50 minutes
Goal Time: n/a
Distance: 6.45 km (4 mi)
Total Distance For Year: 400 miles + (lost count)
Weight (after run): 80.2 kg (176.8 lbs), with clothes
Any irregular feelings, aches, pains, heart rate, and so forth?: none
Foods eaten today: Powerbar, Safeway frosted mini wheats in soy milk

Flowers for Dawny

Today's flowers are once again brought to you by my housemate's bottle of Anderson Valley Brewing Company's Hop Ottin' India Pale Ale.

I love you Dawn xoxoxo

Bonk

Dawn enjoys the way I use the onomatopoeia "bonk" to describe everyday actions when we're talking on the phone, so I thought she might get a kick out of reading this:

American hopeful Floyd Landis ran out of steam on Stage 16 Wednesday. He "bonked," as bicyclists like to say. He was the overall leader at that point, but fell eight minutes behind the pack as he pedaled up the last climb. He handed over the yellow jersey to a Spaniard, Oscar Pereiro. Analysts said Landis was washed up, terminé, for the tour.
Link: http://www.sacbee.com/content/opinion/story/14280314p-15088696c.html

D-Mod Hydroplane Racing

While on my walk this morning I noticed a stack of boats with the words "D-Mod Hydroplane Racing" on the side at the corner of Farmgate and Westgate. Wikipedia remarks these boats are also known as thunderboats. Hydroplane Boat and Race Museum (sound warning). Fun. D-Mod seems to be a category of engines, with the modified bit indicating customizations over stock. I think. I'm a newbie.

Math Comic for Dawny

Link: http://xkcd.com/

Places to Live in America

My girlfriend and I are looking at various places to live and have so far, in no particular order:

Boulder, CO
Sacramento, CA
San Diego, CA
Seattle, WA
Colorado Springs, CO
Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area, NC
Austin, TX
Phoenix, AZ

Found this link to 150 Cheap Places to Live

Climate is important to both of us, as are tech jobs and education.

KYDS Songs

Heard these songs on KYDS recently:

London-based Blur's "Song 2" from their 1997 album "Blur" on the Food/EMI label. Video.

Seattle-based The Presidents of the United States of America's "Boll Weevil" from their 1995 album The Presidents of the United States of America on the PopLlama Records label. Video. Weird.

Late Omaha, Nebraska-native Elliott Smith's "Memory Lane," from his 2004 album From a Basement on a Hill on the ANTI- label. Video. Loved the guitar work, reminded me of Paul Simon.

Reading, England-based Sneaker Pimps' "6 Underground," from their 1996 album Becoming X, on the Virgin Records label. Video.

Glasgow, Scotland-based Belle and Sebastian's "Dirty Dream Number Two" from their 1998 album The Boy With the Arab Strap on the Matador Records label. Video. I really liked this video, full of playful, silly fun.

Edinburgh, Scotland-based KT Tunstall's "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree" from her 2004 album "Eye to the Telescope" on the Relentless/Virgin label. Video.

English-based Led Zeppelin's "When the Levee Breaks" from their 1971 album "Led Zeppelin IV" on the Atlantic label. Video. The original song was written in 1929 in reference to the Mississippi flood.

Also heard on other stations:

Philadelphia-native Billy Paul's "Me and Mrs. Jones," from his 1970 album "Ebony Woman" on Neptune Records. Video of The Dramatics covering the song.

North Carolina-native James Taylor's "Fire and Rain" from his 1970 album "Sweet Baby James" on the Warner Brothers label. Video.

Desperado

Earlier this week I was surprised and confused to hear a contemporary-sounding country-western cover of the song Desperado. The arrangement of the song sounded exactly like the Eagles' version, except with different vocals. I imagined the singer's epiphany: "You know what this world really needs? One more cover of the song Desperado." I also felt irritated because I suspected this person was cashing in on the popularity of the song.

So I was relieved to discover today that the song I heard was most likely from Katy, Texas-native Clint Black, as part of a collaborative 1993 Eagles tribute album "Common Thread," on the Giant Records label.

Growing up in rural northern Wisconsin, country-western music was ubiquitous. It was played in the barn where my father and my uncle worked, it was played during the two hours I spent on the school bus each day (really), it was often played on the radio during family time spent in the car. For me, escaping country music was escaping my environment and finding peace. The songs never resonated with me.

The Eagles' song Desperado was one of the songs I remember enjoying from the eighties, hearing it played during the made-for-television country-western movies my father enjoyed watching.

Solo Éxitos

Saw a van for Sacramento-based Radio Magia on Fair Oaks Boulevard this week. It had the words "Solo Éxitos" on the side, which I didn't understand until I found this Sac Bee article:

Normally, weighty and divisive political issues don't find their way onto the morning drive-time show on Magia (KLMG, 94.3 FM). The Spanish-language station's motto, after all, is "Solo Éxitos" - "Only Hits."

I typed it into Babelfish but without the accent over the 'E' it didn't translate it properly. Ugh. Why can't you understand what I mean and not what I say Babelfish?

I moved to Sacramento from Wisconsin in 2000, and I found the Spanish radio stations and their cultural differences fascinating. I listened to them everyday for several weeks with a desire to improve my Spanish comprehension from high school and college. I did end up learning a car insurance jingle but unfortunately little of general utility. Disappointingly, I still can't speak, read, write, or understand Spanish.

Phil Collins

Heard on the radio yesterday Phil Collins was deaf. The Wikipedia article clarifies it's his left ear that has the hearing problem.

Invisible Touch was the music video on MTV that hooked me on Genesis. For a number of years during the late 80's and early 90's, I was a Phil Collins junkie, listening to all of his solo work and collaborations with Genesis.

In the mid-90's the song "I Can't Dance" didn't resonate with me and I lost interest in his work. Today I hear his music and think of his dysfunctional relationships and the pain in his work and want to change the channel.

SUV Sightings

Saw a 2006 Hummer H2 SUT with 21-inch performance tires and chrome rims, near Del Paso Road and Natomas Boulevard in Natomas. I felt amused because I can understand the desire to show bling to impress others but the idea of putting performance tires on an off-road vehicle strikes me as humorous. And at the same time I react to it with some admiration of their honesty -- I wonder how many of the SUVs I pass each day have left the paved streets and highways of Sacramento.

A colleague from a former job shared he and his wife purchased their SUV in part for safety considerations during trips to Lake Tahoe during the winter. Since it doesn't snow here in Sacramento, I question how much bang for their buck that amounts to. Especially considering how vehicles often seem to get used for commuting and other single-occupant driving, rather than for the rugged niches sales and marketing folks seem to enjoy conjuring up and sharing during commercial television breaks.