UC Santa Cruz - Banana Slug Sighting

Dawn found this one while walking from McHenry Library to the Jack Baskin School of Engineering: a banana slug...on a banana peel. : o )

UC Santa Cruz - Slug mascot for Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)

The UC Santa Cruz Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) uses the following image for their mascot.

UC Santa Cruz - Hitchhiking at the bus stop

On several occasions, I have noticed UCSC students hitchhiking at bus stops, attempting to more quickly move farther up the hill.

Have only noticed this along Heller Drive, on campus.

Wanderers

A fantastically detailed, atmospherically scored short film:

http://www.erikwernquist.com/wanderers/

MEAN Javascript Fullstack

Installed the MEAN.io stack today. MEAN represents an acronym which stands for MongoDB, Node.js, Express, and AngularJS.

NOTES

• I am running Debian Wheezy stable with backports
• Installing npm
• sudo apt-get install nodejs
• sudo curl https://www.npmjs.org/install.sh | sudo sh
• sudo npm install -g mean-cli
• sudo apt-get install mongodb
• sudo apt-get install grunt
• sudo npm install -g grunt-cli
• mean init yourNewApp
• cd yourNewApp && npm install
• grunt

I think the above represents the gist of what I did...I had a few hiccups along the way. I found the MEAN.io documentation helpful.

Which dentist's office would you prefer?

Wine? ; o ) Smells like fresh-baked cookies?

Via: http://headrush.typepad.com/creating_passionate_users/2007/03/helping_users_f.html

Ferrell's Donuts - Santa Cruz, California

Anecdotally, on why Santa Cruz has donut shops named "Ferrell's" and "The Original Ferrell's":

On this particular morning I was passing through Scotts Valley on my way to play at a Church and I decided it was time to figure this thing out. I asked, “What’s with the word Original in the name?” She told me that years ago, there were 5 affiliated Ferrell’s Donut Shops (2 of them have since gone out of business). 2 more donut shops opened and somehow legally got the business name of Ferrell’s. The owner of the Original 5 shops wanted to separate himself from the fakes, so he changed the name to “The Original Ferrell’s Donuts.” It’s too bad for him that, in my opinion, the copies are better that the original.

Sounds fishy.

Silicon Valley Job Title Generator

http://siliconvalleyjobtitlegenerator.tumblr.com/

Shingy.

Refrigerator compressor decibel levels

Living in an apartment with a refrigerator with a slowly failing compressor. Measured decibel readings today using Android Play Store app Noise Meter by JINASYS, one of four apps which partially met the criteria of the NIOSH Science Blog staff.

We measured our room noise levels with the refrigerator compressor on and off.

RESULTS

Refrigerator compressor ON

• 50.7dB - Six inches away (Noise level: Interior noise in car)
• 43.6dB - six feet away (Noise level: Library)
• 35.9dB - 13-14 feet away (Noise level: Whispering words)

Refrigerator compressor OFF

• 21.3dB - Six inches away (Noise level: Very calm room)
• 20.3dB - six feet away (Noise level: Very calm room)
• 20.6dB - 13-14 feet away (Noise level: Very calm room)

NOTES

• As the NIOSH Science Blog staff note, "Android devices are built by several different manufacturers and that there is a lack of conformity for using similar microphones and other audio components in their devices." In other words, "Android and Windows developers do not offer apps that meet the functionality needed for occupational noise assessments."
• Therefore, I can, at best, hope for a relative comparison between testings on the same hardware, with the caveat understood that the device may not reflect verified decibel levels
• The refrigerator in question represents a 10-year-old Maytag Performa PTB1753GR
• Maytag refrigerator Use and Care Guide - 61005299 (PDF; 15 pages; 1.3MB)...unfortunately, seems to say nothing about dB levels (via)
• This seems to indicate an increase in noise of 15-30dB with the refrigerator running
• Increase in noise levels (via):
• 1dB  –  Not noticable
• 3dB  –  Barely noticeable
• 5dB  –  Clearly noticeable change
• 10dB  –  About twice as loud
• 20dB  –  About four times as loud

Just how much noise should the refrigerator make under normal operating conditions? I see opinions online vary from 30-50 dB. 

How much does the characteristics of the noise matter? For example, whining noise versus white noise. Our refrigerator emits an continuous buzzing noise.

Previously

Lick Icons Meme

http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/lick-icons

Original: http://sketchmichi.deviantart.com/art/Lick-icon-base-201253097

Beyond the Lights

http://www.buzzfeed.com/kelleylcarter/the-young-black-romance-movie-everyone-said-no-to-finally-se

Movies I want to see

Pyrodon

http://wiki.hellokittyonline.com/index.php/Pyrodon

Insurance - Collision premium versus car depreciation

"One rule of thumb: When the annual premium exceeds 10% of the car's value, drop it."
Via: http://twocents.lifehacker.com/if-your-car-is-old-you-might-be-wasting-money-on-insur-1585410417

Our car, in a private sale, probably would sell for around $5,500.

10% of $5,500 = $550

Collision: We currently pay $160 every six months ($320 annually for a $500 deductible, or 5.8%)...this means, if an accident totaled our car, the insurance company pays out $5,500 - $500, or $5,000. After $5,000 / $320 = 15 years, we would break even.

Comprehensive: We currently pay $22 every six months ($44 annually for a $250 deductible, or 0.08%)

Also:

""A good rule of thumb is if the cost of collision coverage is 25 percent of your vehicles value every six months, it is probably time to stop paying for collision coverage. Just think in two years time you have saved enough money to cover the cost of a total loss of your vehicle."

25% of $5,500 = $1,375

Collision: We currently pay $160 every six months ($320 annually for a $500 deductible, or 5.8%)

Kevin Voted Today

Governor
Jerry Brown

Controller
Betty T. Yee

Insurance Commissioner
Dave Jones

Lieutenant Governor
Ron Nehring

Treasurer
John Chiang

Member, State Board of Equalization, District 1
Chris Parker

Secretary of State
Alex Padilla

Attorney General
Kamala D. Harris

Congressional District 3
Ami Bera

Senate District 6
Roger Dickenson

Member of the State Assembly
Ken Cooley

For Associate Justice Of The Supreme Court
Shall Associate  Justice of the  Supreme Court GOODWIN LIU be elected to  the office for the term provided by law?
YES
         
For Associate Justice Of The Supreme Court          
Shall Stanford University Law Professor MARIANO-FLORENTINO CUÉLLAR be elected to the office for the term provided by law?    
YES    
           
For Associate Justice Of The Supreme Court
Shall Associate Justice, of the Supreme Court KATHRYN MICKLE WERDEGAR be elected to the office for the term provided by law?
YES

For Presiding Justice, Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District
Shall Presiding  Justice, Court of  Appeal, Third  Appellate District VANCE W. RAYE  be elected to the office for the term provided by law?
YES

For Associate Justice, Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District
Shall Associate  Justice, Court of  Appeal, Third  Appellate District ANDREA LYNN HOCH be elected to the office for the term provided by law?    
YES
           
For Associate Justice, Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District          
Shall Associate Justice, Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District RONALD B. ROBIE be elected to the office for the term provided by law?
YES
         
For Associate Justice, Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District          
Shall Associate JONATHAN K. RENNER be elected to the office for the term provided by law?
YES
 
For Associate Justice, Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District          
Shall Associate  Justice, Court of  Appeal, Third  Appellate District WILLIAM J. MURRAY, JR. be elected to the office for the term provided by law?    
YES    
           
For Associate Justice, Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District          
Shall Associate  Justice, Court of  Appeal, Third  Appellate District LOUIS MAURO  be elected to the office for the term provided by law?          
YES
           
For Associate Justice, Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District          
Shall Associate  Justice, Court of  Appeal, Third  Appellate District ELENA J. DUARTE be             elected to the office for the term provided by law?  
YES

Superintendent of Public Instruction
Tom Torlakson

San Juan Unified School District - Governing Board Member
Greg Paulo - Retired Teacher
Paula Marie Villescaz - Children's Health Advisor

STATE PROPOSITION 1
WATER BOND. FUNDING FOR WATER QUALITY, SUPPLY, TREATMENT, AND STORAGE PROJECTS. Authorizes $7.545 billion in general obligation bonds for state water supply infrastructure projects, including surface and groundwater storage, ecosystem and watershed protection and restoration, and drinking water protection. Fiscal Impact: Increased state bond costs averaging $360 million annually over 40 years. Local government savings for water-related projects, likely averaging a couple hundred million dollars annually over the next few decades.
YES

STATE PROPOSITION 2
STATE BUDGET. BUDGET STABILIZATION ACCOUNT. LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
Requires annual transfer of state general fund revenues to budget stabilization account. Requires half the revenues be used to repay state debts. Limits use of remaining funds to emergencies or budget deficits. Fiscal Impact: Long-term state savings from faster payment of existing debts. Different levels of state budget reserves, depending on economy and decisions by elected officials. Smaller local reserves for some school districts.
YES

STATE PROPOSITION 45
HEALTHCARE INSURANCE. RATE CHANGES. INITIATIVE STATUTE.
Requires Insurance Commissioner’s approval before health insurer can change its rates or anything else affecting the charges associated with health insurance. Provides for public notice, disclosure, and hearing, and subsequent judicial review. Exempts employer large group health plans. Fiscal Impact: Increased state administrative costs to regulate health insurance, likely not exceeding the low millions of dollars annually in most years, funded from fees paid by health insurance companies.
YES

STATE PROPOSITION 46
DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING OF DOCTORS. MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE LAWSUITS. INITIATIVE STATUTE.
Requires drug testing of doctors. Requires review of statewide prescription database before prescribing controlled substances. Increases $250,000 pain/suffering cap in medical negligence lawsuits for inflation. Fiscal Impact: State and local government costs from raising the cap on medical malpractice damages ranging from tens of millions to several hundred million dollars annually, offset to some extent by savings from requirements on health care providers.
NO

STATE PROPOSITION 47
CRIMINAL SENTENCES. MISDEMEANOR PENALTIES. INITIATIVE STATUTE.
Requires misdemeanor sentence instead of felony for certain drug and property offenses. Inapplicable to persons with prior conviction for serious or violent crime and registered sex offenders. Fiscal Impact: State and county criminal justice savings potentially in the high hundreds of millions of dollars annually. State savings spent on school truancy and dropout prevention, mental health and substance abuse treatment, and victim services.
YES

STATE PROPOSITION 48
INDIAN GAMING COMPACTS. REFERENDUM.
A “Yes” vote approves, and a “No” vote rejects, tribal gaming compacts between the state and the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians and the Wiyot Tribe. Fiscal Impact: One-time payments ($16 million to $35 million) and for 20 years annual payments ($10 million) from Indian tribes to state and local governments to address costs related to the operation of a new casino.
YES

How to read Scott Adams' blog at Dilbert.com - Skip to the bottom, read the last paragraph

Per Subject, works for me every time: http://dilbert.com/blog/

Cuts through all the disclaimers and hundreds of words--it seems most of the time everything he wants to say he sums up in the last 1-2 paragraphs, for better or worse.

Note: if Scott Adams ever reads this, Thank You, and, respect.

Fortune

I do not believe in predestination; however, I appreciate the message:

One must dare to be himself, however frightening or strange that self may prove to be.

From a fortune cookie after a breakfast at Harry's Cafe in Sacramento.

I Wanna Be The Boshy

So, this game exists:

http://iwbtb.wikia.com/wiki/I_Wanna_Be_The_Boshy_Wiki

The Surf City Long Course Triathlon

Disrupting traffic near our home today : o )

http://www.finishlineproduction.com/events/triathlon/SurfCityTriathlon/SurfCityTriathlon.html

Eat Move Sleep: How Small Choices Lead to Big Changes

A book recommended by a friend. Not investigated, yet....

Cat fix on morning walk

I often walk up 15th Street on the way to work. Between Uptown Alley ad V Street, on the eastern side of the street, I occasionally see a friendly cream and orange-colored cat near the stairs to the second floor landing of a small apartment complex. My cat fix during this transition.

Whale weather vane

On the house to the east of Sacramento's Naked Lounge Coffee House:

A whale weather vane : o )

Radio stations - I-80, I-680, I-880

Driving from Sacramento to Santa Cruz offers a few regional radio stations which I enjoy listening to:

• KVHS (90.5 FM, "The Edge") - broadcasting at 410 watts out of Clayton Valley Charter High School, Concord, California
• Callsign meaning: (K)layton (V)alley (H)igh (S)chool
• Coverage map
• KPFA (94.1 FM) - broadcasting at 59,000 watts out of Berkeley, California
• Coverage map
• Callsign meaning: "PaciFicA"

Listened to KVHS on previous trips but missed them last night. 

Listened to KPFA last night around 9:30 p.m. and heard a portion of the second hour of a program La Onda Bajita, called "Radio Cafe" (which may occur only one Friday per month), hosted by a DJ called Little Miguel. He interviewed an artist out of the Bay Area called The Genie, an "avant garde per­form­ing artist and gui­tar loop­ing innovator from San Francisco" who innovates with a technique called "Scratch Guitar." The Genie has a collaborative album in development with the working title "Time Being." The live drum & bass tracks around the 1:28:00 mark caught my ear - he did a nice mix of DJ Rino “Essential Beats” (?) & REM's "Losing My Religion," and a "Bassnectar “Yo”/Radiohead “Creep” gmix. The Genie works with J Wiliams as produced (Jaz Hoo). Deuce Eclipse may have assisted with the drum and bass song (?)

Later in the show featured the first cousin of Leonard Peletier, "DJ Free Leonard Peletier".

101.3 FM Santa Cruz

Listened to 101.3 FM Santa Cruz last night and this morning.

Last night (Halloween) around 10:00 p.m., I heard something like Hearts of Space-y electric guitar, but the schedule seems to indicate, "R Duck Show Live Improvised Electronic Music."

This morning, around 11:00 a.m., I heard some Japanese music...some of which seemed a bit sexualized. The schedule seems to indicate, "Mideast Migraines w/ Ren Tawil."  Preceding that show, "SWANA," seemed to air from 10:30-11:00 a.m. The "Solid Waste Association of North America" (?)

So, no real schedule seems to exist that I can find in a cursory glance.

#LetsFixEmail

An important post on the state of e-mail HTML/CSS support across various e-mail clients today and how the industry might come together to improve the experience for everyone.

• Support media queries
• E-mail client preprocessors and varying ways they modify the HTML during the sanitization proces
• E-mail client rendering engines do not support CSS consistently
• E-mail client development teams do not collaborate
• Iframes do not work due to resource demands of full-blown web browser support

Git from the bottom up

Reading about Git from the bottom up (recommended by Xah Lee)

Emacs

Not sure I will ever learn emacs (?) but, if I do, wow, I want to read Xah Lee's blog front to back:

http://ergoemacs.org/emacs/blog.html

Previously

Keyboard - split left & right hands

Looking at various models:

Kineses Freestyle2 (20-inch)
μTRON Keyboard from Japan
Ergodox keyboard (DIY)

(?)

Thinking separating the keyboard hands will help with trapezius strain, which has hurt since Sep 2013. Inspired after reading this post by David Kadavy.

Previously

Dash cam update

Back in January 2014, I decided not to buy a dash cam after some testing of mounting proved a bit inconclusive. I sort of wanted one to monitor front and back.

Well, now WireCutter reports on a new dual-cam setup which seems promising:

The $375 Vico Marcus 5 is now available, and it is the first two-camera 1080p setup that is purported to work well. Techmoan reviewed it, and we will soon, too. Dual-cam setups are still only for very specialized use, but if you really want that security and hard-wiring two G1Ws isn’t an option, this is the first candidate dual we’ve seen that appears worthwhile.

The Techmoan reviewer mentioned one interesting thought about the Vico Marcus 5--why do Vico engineers not make two tiny cameras...that would allow users to put the base unit somewhere else, like the glove box? Then each camera only needs one wire, allowing for more inconspicuous placement.

So, promising, promising...and expensive.

Previously, Previously

Hanging curtains

A first time for everything...

A nice overview of how long, how wide, how to frame the window, ways to put the curtains on the rod, and different types of rods:
http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/decorating/curtains-window-treatments/long-curtains

An example of going wide and high over the window:
http://www.younghouselove.com/2009/01/hows-it-hangin/

Update, 2014-10-28: used painters tape to tape up the brackets so I could eyeball the placement...hopefully they stay up until I return this coming weekend. Everything seems relatively OK, except the drapes would overlay the dresser, so I may have to pull it forward. I like the idea of hanging the drapes to the sides of the windows, so they do allow more light and scenery through. They will also hang about halfway between the ceiling and the top of the window frame, which should look nice. Will see how the corner looks...I guess, worst case scenario, I can always purchase more Command strips and rehang (?) I guess I am thinking this will remain permanent when that does not really represent the case. Ended up feeling tired/low energy on Monday, which explains why I did not get more done.

Santa Cruz Restaurants

Starting a list of restaurants we have visited/would like to visit.

VISITED

1. Sabieng Thai Cuisine (1218 Mission St Santa Cruz; Lunch: Daily 11:30-3:00 p.m.; Dinner: M-R 5:00-9:30 p.m., F-Su 5:00-10:00 p.m.; (831) 425-1020)
2. Sushi Totoro (1701 Mission St, Santa Cruz; Mon - Thu: 11:30 am - 2:30 pm, 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm Fri - Sat: 11:30 am - 2:30 pm, 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm Sun: 11:30 am - 2:00 pm, 5:00 pm - 9:00 am; (831) 426-6660). 
• "Crispy Dragon" roll: deep-fried tempura roll garnished with masago (roe) and spicy mayo
• Soba noodle soup
• 4/10/2016: Golden Bell: deep fried salmon, avocado, cream cheese roll
• 5/7/2016: Tempura roll: deep fried prawn roll with avocado and cucumber; I had inari, shiitake mushroom maki roll, and avocado maki roll...we split a Sapporo beer
• Menu: https://www.facebook.com/Sushi-Totoro-111626978873439/menu/?p_ref=pa
3. KAITO (830 41st Ave, Santa Cruz; Lunch :Tue - Sun : 12:00 ~ 2:30 Dinner : Tue - Sun : 5:00 - 9:00 Close : Monday; (831) 464-2586)
4. Takara Japanese Restaurant (3775 Capitola Rd, Capitola; Su-R, 11:30-9:00 p.m., F-Sa 11:30-9:30 p.m.; (831) 464-1818)
5. burger. (1520 Mission St, Santa Cruz; Mon - Sun: 11:00-11:00 p.m.; (831) 425-5300)
6. Cafe Brasil (1410 Mission St, Santa Cruz; Daily 8:00-3:00 p.m.; (831) 429-1855)
7. Falafel of Santa Cruz (1501 Mission St, Santa Cruz; Monday - Sunday 11:00-10:00pm ; (831) 459-0486)
8. Taqueria La Cabaña (2332 Mission St, Santa Cruz; 9:00-9:00 p.m.; (831) 425-7261)
1. Platos mas tradicionales: enchiladas (chicken): Corn tortillas stuffed with cheese, onions, and your choice of filling (chicken). Topped with cheese, sour cream, and choice of red, green, or mole enchilada sauce (mole). Served with rice, and refried or pinto beans (refried)
2. California Burrito: Loaded with french fries, cheese, salsa fresca, guacamole, lettuce, sour cream, and choice of filling (chicken)
9. Pizza My Heart (1116 Pacific Ave Ste B, Santa Cruz; Sun-Thu 11:00 a.m.-midnight, F-Sa 11:00 a.m.-2:00 a.m.; (831) 426-2511)
10. Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta (2415 Mission St, Santa Cruz; Sun. - Th., 10 am to 10 pm, Fri./Sat., 10 am - 11pm; (831) 423-9010)
11. At Thai Recipe (was: Thai Noodle House) (2106 Mission St, Santa Cruz; Daily, 11:00-9:00 p.m.; (831) 457-0238)
12. Lago Di Como (21490 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz; For Dinner: Tuesday – Thursday 5pm – 9:30pm Friday – Saturday 5pm – 10pm, and Sunday 5pm – 9:30pm Lunch on Friday 11:30am – 2pm, closed Monday; (831) 454-8257)
13. Kianti’s Pizza & Pasta Bar (1100 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz; Mon-Fri 11:00-10:00 p.m., Sa-Su 10:00-10:00 p.m.; (831) 469-4400)
14. Hoffman’s Downtown (1102 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz; Su-R 8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m., F-Sa 8:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.; (831) 420-0135)
• 9/25/2015:
• Butternut Squash Ravioli: "spinach, pine nuts, bleu [sic] cheese cream sauce, cherry tomatoes"
• Uncommon Brewers' Baltic Porter: "This is a Baltic Porter brewed with whole licorice root and star anise. 7.8% ABV. It is fermented warm with an ale yeast in flagrant disregard of modern style guidelines, instead working towards a heritage pre-lager treatment of the style. Subtle licorice and anise notes are present in the nose. The body is surprisingly light, with licorice sweetness helping to balance a smoky chocolate malt character. There should be clear notes of roasted barley on the finish." Verdict: awesome!
15. Your Place (1719 Mission Street, Santa Cruz; 7 days a week 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. (831) 426-3564)
16. Bantam 1010 (1010 Fair Ave, Santa Cruz; Mon-Thu 5:00-9:00 p.m., Fri-Sat 5:00-9:30 p.m. (831) 420-0101)
• Beet soup
17. Parish Publick House (841 Almar Ave, Santa Cruz; 11:00-2:00 a.m., daily (831) 421-0507)
• Split a hamburger (mushroom swiss?)
• Split Almar Shuffle sandwich, minus mayo (next time: hold cheese too), plus side salad with balsamic
18. Roux Dat (3555 Clares St, Capitola; Sun-Thu: 11:30-8:00 p.m., Fri-Sat: 11:30-9:00 p.m. (831) 295-6372)
19. Star Bene (21245 E Cliff Dr Ste B Santa Cruz; Sun-Thu 5:00-9:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 5:00-10:00 p.m.; (831) 479-4307)
• CHURRASCO ARGENTINO: "Rib Eye steak grilled, topped with our homemade Argentine chimichurri sauce (garlic, parsley, oregano, white pepper, extra virgin olive oil and vinegar)"
• GNOCCHI DI JOAQUINA: "Bow Homemade potato dumplings in your choice of: pesto, creamy gorgonzola or fresh pomodoro sauce"
20. Las Palmas Taco Bar (55 Front St, Santa Cruz; Daily: 10:00 a.m. open, closing varies by season; (831) 429-1220)
1. Three Enchiladas - shredded chicken
21. Mutari Chocolate House and Factory (1001 Center St., Santa Cruz; Mon: 5:00-10:00 p.m., Tue-Thu & Sun: 10:00-10:00 p.m., Fri-Sat: 10:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.; (831) 687-8141)
• Drinks tried:
• Dark Ecuadorean Mocha
• 100% dark sipping chocolate
• Espresso mocha
• Chocolate chip cookie
22. I Love Sushi (516 Front St, Santa Cruz; Mon-Fri: 11:30-2:30 p.m., Mon-Sat: 5:00-10:30 p.m., Sun: 5:00-10:00 p.m. ; (831) 421-0706)
23. Emily's Bakery (1129 Mission St, Santa Cruz; Mon-Fri: 5:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Sat-Sun: 6:30-6:00 p.m.; (831) 429-9866)
• Foods tried:
• Quiche slice & caprese (mozzarella cheese + pinwheel caprese)
• Chocolate cake
• Capri
• Drinks tried:
• Ollalieberry smoothie
• Coffee
24. Erik's Deli Cafe (155 Walnut Avenue Santa Cruz; Mon-Sat: 9:00-9:00 p.m., Sun: 10:00-8:00 p.m.; (831) 425-5353
25. Mackenzies Chocolates (1492 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz; Mon-Fri: 9:00-5:30 p.m., Sat: 10:00-5:00 p.m., Sun: Closed; (831) 425-1492)
26. Samba Rock Acai Cafe (291 Water St, Santa Cruz; Mon-Fri: 8:00-6:00 p.m., Sat-Sun: 9:00-6:00 p.m.; (831) 458-2224)
• Smoothies
27. West End Tap and Kitchen (334D Ingalls St, Santa Cruz; Mon-Thu: 11:30-9:30 p.m., Fri-Sat: 11:30-10:00 p.m., Sun: 11:30-9:30 p.m.; (831) 471-8115)
• Beers tried: 
• Hermitage 2 Tun 9.0% ABV Imperial Stout hints of cocoa, coffee, & roasted malts
• Hermitage Maltopia Double Scotch Ale 9.0% ABV Scottish Light A very dark Scottish-style ale centered around malt flavors with distinct caramel notes.
• Foods tried:
• PARISIAN GNOCCHI $17 spring romesco, roasted mushrooms, hazelnuts, wild arugula & pecorino romano
• HOUSE GROUND BURGER $12.95 lettuce, tomato, pickled onion, Gayle’s challah bun, served w/ fries
28. Kelly's French Bakery (402 Ingalls St, Santa Cruz; Sat-Thu: 7:00-7:00 p.m, Fri: 7:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m; (831) 423-9059)
29. Chocolate the Restaurant (1522 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz; Mon-Thu: 11:30-10:00 p.m., Fri: 11:30-11:00 p.m., Sat: Noon-11:00 p.m., Sun: Noon-10:00 p.m.; (831) 427-9900)
• Chicken Mo'le: Mary's Free-range chicken braised in our own molè sauce, using organic bittersweet chocolate. Served with organic baby greens in balsamic vinaigrette & our cheesy Polenta Pie. 
• Oaxaqueño: Made with plantains, peanuts, almonds, chocolate, 5 kinds of spicy toasted chiles)
• Pablano (haven't tried yet): Made with roasted sweet peppers, peanuts, chocolate, garlic, and chipotle peppers.
• Pasta rosettes: Fresh Pasta Pinwheels stuffed w/ ricotta & romano cheeses served with Organic Marinara Sauce, or Artichoke Pesto Cream Sauce
• Desserts
• Bianca: fragrant, top quality white chocolate. Rich, thick and sweet
• Victoria: our finest organic bittersweet chocolate, dark and fragrant
• Sofia: strong, full bodied, dark Italian coca for chocolate lovers
• Ecstacy Sundae: Ecstacy cake, chocolate gelato, whipped cream, fudge sauce
• Chocolate Mousse Cake Our Triple Layer Chocolate Mousse Cake is our most popular cake. 3 layers of bittersweet chocolate mousse and 3 layers of dark chocolate cake. Rich dark-chocolate ganache covers the whole cake
• Adult Chocolate Misbehavior: for naughty adult chocolate fanatics. Our Tiramisu, a Rose Cream, Chocolate Gelato, & a shot of pomegranite wine
30. Gary's Old Fashioned Snappy Dogs (930 Almar Ave, Santa Cruz; Sun-Mon: closed Tue-Thu: 11:00-5:00 p.m., Fri: 11:00-5:00 p.m. and 5:30-9:00 p.m., Sat: noon-9:00 p.m.; (831) 295-3610)
31. Mobo Sushi (The Galleria, Downtown Santa Cruz, 105 South River St, Santa Cruz; Mon-Thu, 11:30-2:30 p.m., 5:00-10:00 p.m.; Fri, 11:30-2:30 p.m., 5:00-11:00 p.m.; Sat, Noon-11:00 p.m.; Sun, Noon-10:00 p.m.; (831) 425-1700)
• Eliminator (unagi), miso soup
32. Laili Restaurant (101 Cooper St, Santa Cruz; Tue-Sun, 11:30–2:30 p.m., 5:00–9:00 p.m.; (831) 423-4545)
• Roasted Cauliflower: chickpeas, tomato ginger sauce, saffron basmati rice, salata
• Lamb kabob: lamb tenderloin skewer, kabuli rice, mixed vegetables
33. Münch (719 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz; Sun-Thu, Noon-10:00 p.m.; Fri-Sat, Noon-3:00 a.m.; (831) 316-5234)
• Original Philly cheesesteak
34. Denny's, Ocean Street (1515 Ocean St, Santa Cruz; Open 24x7; (831) 426-4628)
• Foods tried:
• Banana Pecan pancakes
• Fit Fare Loaded Veggie Omelette
35. Cold Stone Creamery #20515 (1129 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz; Sun-Sat, 11:00-11:00 p.m.; (831) 423-7015)
• Desserts tried:
• Founder's Favorite
• Chocolate Devotion
36. Marini’s Westside (332 Ingalls Street Santa Cruz; Mon-Sun, 9:30-9:00 p.m.; telephone?)
• Ice creams
• Brownie
37. Caffe Pergolesi (418 Cedar St, Santa Cruz; Mon-Sat, 7:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.; Sun, 7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.; (831) 426-1775)
• Coffees
38. Surfrider Cafe (429 Front St, Santa Cruz; Sun-Sat, 11:30-10:00 p.m.; (831) 713-5258)
• Mac & cheese
39. Jack's Hamburgers (202 Lincoln St, Santa Cruz; Mon-Thu, 10:00-7:00 p.m.; Fri-Sat, 10:00-8:00 p.m.; Sun closed; (831) 423-4421)
• Split a regular hamburger
40. Saturn Cafe (145 Laurel St, Santa Cruz; Sun-Wed, 10:00 a.m.-midnight; Thu-Sat, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 a.m.; (831) 429-8505)
• Grilled cheese sandwich and side of tomato soup
• Portobello Sliders
41. Zoccoli's Deli (1534 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz; Mon-Sat, 8:00-6:00 p.m.; Sun, 10:00-6:00 p.m.; (831) 423-1711)
• Split a veggie Breakfast Sandwich
42. Gabriella Cafe (Mon-Fri, 11:30-2:30 p.m. and 5:30-close; Sat-Sun, 11:00-3.00 p.m. brunch and 5:30-close; (831) 457-1677)
• Affogato
• Seasonal fruit dessert
• Housemade Pappardelle- rustic Bolognese & Reggiano
• Chicken piccata with kale, capers, and roasted potatoes
• Chocolate torte dessert with blackberries
• Kir Royale
• Sarah's Vineyard Central Coast Pinot Noir 2013
43. The Buttery Bakery (702 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz; Daily, 7:00-7:00 p.m.; (831) 458-3020)
• Soup and sandwich
44. Sitar Indian Cuisine (1133 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, Mon-Fri, 11:30-9:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat, 11:30-10:00 p.m.; Sun: Noon-9:00 p.m.; (831) 427-3000)
• Buffet
• Lamp Tikka Masala
45. Leyla World Frozen Yogurt (1306 Mission St, Santa Cruz; permanently closed)
46. Shadowbrook Restaurant (1750 Wharf Rd, Capitola; Mon-Fri, 5:00-8:30 p.m.; Sat, 4:30-9:30 p.m.; Sun, 4:30-8:30 p.m.; (831) 475-1511)
• Filet Brochettes & Black Truffle Gnocchi 6 oz. filet brochettes, char-grilled asparagus, fresh goat cheese Bechamel, white truffle oil drizzle
• Soba Noodle Medley - Vegan Marinated tofu, soba noodles, Shiitake mushrooms, scallions, fresh ginger, garlic, cilantro and bean 
• Forest Mushroom Bread Pudding
• New England Clam Chowder With tender clams, oven-roasted sweet corn, bacon, fresh rosemary and 
• Chocolate meltdown: Molten cake with fresh Vanilla Bean ice cream
• Pelican Ranch Heritage Raspberry Wine
• Birthday ice cream and fudge sundae, with candle and song : o )
• Martini Prosecco
• Piper Sonoma Brut
47. Taqueria Los Pericos (139 Water St, Santa Cruz; Daily, 9:00 a.m.-midnight; (831) 469-7685)
• Perico Burrito (With meat, Cilantro, Onion, Beens, Avocado and Cheese)
• 1 Enchilada and 1 Taco, combination plate
• Turbo burrito (fish and shrimp)
48. Mission St BBQ (1618 Mission St, Santa Cruz; Mon - Sun: 11:30 pm - 9:00 p.m.; (831) 458-2222)
• Combination plate, which we split: chicken, pulled pork, and ... (?)
49. Cafe Mare (740 Front St #100, Santa Cruz; Mon - Fri: 11:30-2:30 p.m. , 5:00-10:00 p.m.; Sat - Sun: 11:30-10:00 p.m.; (831) 458-1212
• Crespolini di Zucca: Housemade Crepe filled with butternut squash, walnuts & parmesan cheese in a brulee butter & sage sauce
• Gemelli del Fattore: Gemelli pasta sautéed in a cream sauce with diced chicken breast, roasted pine nuts and baby spinach
• Moet & Chandon “White Star” NV, France (note: half-bottle)
• Soufflé: Dark flour-less chocolate soufflé with rich molten center
• Beet pasta
50. Betty's Eat Inn (1222 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz; Sun - Thu: 11:00-9:30 p.m.; Fri - Sat: 11:00-10:30 p.m.; (831) 600-7056)
• Basic Betty: 1/3 lb. all natural burger with Betty’s secret lube (note: requested medium rare, delivered well done)
• Point Grinder: Bacon, sautéed mushrooms, blue cheese and green onion lube
• 50/50 Crispy n’ Sweet Fries (basket): would probably skip, next time (?) Note: Skinny fries; not bad, just too much
51. Lillian's Italian Kitchen (1148 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz; Tue - Thu: 4:00-9:00 p.m.; Fri - Sun: 4:00-10:00 p.m.; (831) 425-2288)
• Black Truffle Stuffed Gnocchi with your choice of sauce w/TOMATO CREAM with white wine and sautéed cremini mushrooms
• Spaghetti Marinara: Spaghetti tossed with vine ripened tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, oregano and fresh basil. Ask for Arrabbiata and we'll spice it up with Calabrian chiles
• Tiramisu: an Italian classic
52. Mozaic (110 Church St, Santa Cruz; Everyday: 11:00-10:00 p.m.; (831) 454-8663)
• Mozaic Salad: Baby arugula, beets, naval oranges, roasted almonds in an orange vinaigrette
• Turkish Kafta Kebab: Skewered charbroiled ground beef and tomatoes seasoned with Turkish spices, over rice pilaf served with yogurt sauce and Greek salad
• Triple Chocolate Fudge Cake: Delicate layers of Dark and Milk Chocolate topped with Whipped Cream
• 805, Blonde Pale Ale, Firestone Walker, CA
53. 515 Kitchen & Cocktails (515 Cedar St, Santa Cruz; Mon-Fri: 4:00-1:30 a.m.; Sat-Sun: 10:00-3:00 p.m., 4:00-1:30 a.m.; (831) 425-5051)
• Stuffed Mushrooms: creamy artichoke heart and spinach filling with sourdough breadcrumbs
• Baby Kale & Roasted Beet: red onion pistachio, gorgonzola crumbles, balsamic vinaigrette
• Baked Orecchiette: gorgonzola cream sauce, breadcrumbs, parmesan
• Cocktails:
• On Stranger Tides: humboldt organic spiced rum, genepy des alpes, stone pine liqueur, pear liqueur, lime juice, angostura bitters, peychaud's bitters
• Martini: gin, standard preparation
• We requested the warm chocolate brownie dessert, but the waitress informed us they had not come out of the oven yet
54. Rosie McCann's Irish Pub & Restaurant (1220 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz; Mon-Thu: 11:30 a.m.-midnight; Fri: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 a.m.; Sat: 9:30 a.m.-1:30 a.m.; Sun: 9:30 a.m.-midnight; (831) 426-9930)
• Harp Lager Battered Fish & Chips: Alaskan Cod In Rosie’s Harp Lager Batter With Spicy Coleslaw And Tartar Sauce
• Mccann’s Lamb Stew: Tender Lamb, Carrots, Celery, Leeks, Onions, Spices, Garlic And Mashed Potatoes With Guinness Gravy
• Corned beef and cabbage
• Beers:
• Guinness
• Harp lager
• Murphy's Stout
• Black Velvet (Guinness and Murphy's cider)
• Dessert: Bailey’s Cheesecake
55. Sesame Korean Grill (435 Front St, Santa Cruz; Fri-Sat: 5:00-9:30 p.m.; Sun: 5:00-8:00 p.m.; Mon: 5:00-9:00 p.m.; Tue: Closed; Wed-Thu: 5:00-9:00 p.m.; (831) 429-5555)
• Dolsot Bibimbop: Rice served in a Hot Stone Bowl topped with vegetables and a sunny-egg; with chicken Bulgogi
• Soon Dobu - Spicy Tofu Soup served hot in a ceramic bowl; with mushrooms
• Big House White Blend (note: I think this is their Bootlegger White)...wanted the Samuel Smith's Nut Brown Ale, but had none to serve, at that time
56. Santa Cruz Diner (909 Ocean St, Santa Cruz; Sun-Thu, 6:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.; Fri-Sat, 6:00 a.m.-1:00 a.m.; (831) 426-7151)
• Waffles: Strawberries & Cream
• Pho - Vietnamese Noodle Soup Rice noodles, scallions, cilantro, bean sprouts, onion, and basil with a choice of chicken or beef, served in a savory broth
57. Betty's Noodle House (920 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz; Tue-Sun, 11:00-3:30 p.m., 5:00-8:30 p.m.; Mon: Closed; (831) 426-2328)
• B4. Vegetable Dumplings Noodle soup (V) Thick eggless wheat noodles, vegetable dumplings, and assorted vegetables in a vegetable broth
58. Shogun Japanese Restaurant (1123 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz; Sun: 3:00-9:00 p.m.; Mon-Wed: 11:30-2:30 p.m., 5:00-9:00 p.m.; Thu-Fri: 11:30-2:30 p.m., 5:00-10:00 p.m.; Sat: 3:00-10:00 p.m.; (831) 469-4477)
• Inari - Sweet tofu
• Miso soup
• Udon with Tempura 2 prawns and vegetables
• Saketemp Roll* Shrimp tempura, cucumber, avocado, mayo; smoked salmon & avocado on top
• Ankimo - Monkfish liver (sashimi, four pieces)
• Madai - red seabream (nigiri, two pieces)
• Freixenet Sparkling Cordon Negro Brut Cava (2x 187mL bottles)
• "Jay Cutty" roll - shrimp, tempura, cucumber, avocado, salmon, lemon slices, unagi sauce, spicy mayo, lemon mayo, tobiko and crunch on top
59. The Crow's Nest (2218 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz; Mon-Thu: 7:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m.; Fri-Sat: 7:30 a.m.-11:00 p.m.; Sun: 7:30 a.m.-9:45 p.m.; (831) 476-4560)
• Thanksgiving dinner 2016: butternut squash soup, with ginger, rolls, turkey (white/dark), mashed potatoes, candied yams, dressing, cranberry relish
• Thanksgiving dinner 2017: same
60. Pleasure Pizza (multiple locations)
• Don’s Chili Con Carne
• Pizzas (forget all of them...lots of slices, some whole)
• Juliet’s Garden - Pesto, feta, red onions, and red & green bells
• Sweet Hawaiian - Canadian bacon & pineapple
61. Assembly (1108 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz; Wed-Thu: 11:30-9:00 p.m.; Fri: 11:30-10:00 p.m.; Sat: 10:00-10:00 p.m.; Sun: 10:00-9:00 p.m.; Mon-Tue: Closed; (831) 824-6100)
• Assembly Sticky Bun
• House Made Yogurt and Granola with local honey
• Dutch Baby Pancake - warm seasonal fruit, whipped cream and organic maple syrup
62. The Cremer House (6256 Hwy 9, Felton; Tue-Thu: 11:30-2:30 p.m., 5:00-9:00 p.m.; Fri-Sat: 11:30-2:30 p.m., 5:00-10:00 p.m.; Sun: 11:30-2:30 p.m., 5:00-9:00 p.m.; Mon: Closed; (831) 335-3976)
• The Cremer Burger: aged cheddar, aioli, bread and butter pickles, griddled challah bun, pickeled jalapeños upon request, prepared medium unless otherwise specified
• Rigatoni: crumbled italian sausage, roasted red peppers, parmesan, mushrooms
• Cinnamon Chocolate Porter (Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing) Note: we suspect this may represent a variation/misnamed Chocolate Pumpkin Porter (?)
• The Hidden Fortress (porter; Corralitos Brewing Company, Watsonville, CA)
63. Vasili's Greek Restaurant (1501A Mission St. Santa Cruz; Mon-Thu: 11:00-9:00 p.m., Fri-Sat: 11:00-9:30 p.m., Sun: Noon-9:00 p.m.; (831) 458-9808)
1. Keftethakia: four beef and pork meatballs finished with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and greek spices
2. Shish Kebab: marinated and charbroiled skewers of chicken breast or pork tenderloin finished with lemon juice, olive oil, and greek spices. Served with mixed vegetables, rice pilaf, and roasted potatoes
64. Pleasure Pizza East Side Eatery (800 41st Ave, Santa Cruz; Mon-Thu: 11:00-9:00 p.m., Fri-Sun: 9:00-9:00 p.m.; (831) 431-6058)
1. Acropolis: Organic romaine, artichoke hearts, black olives, roasted red bell peppers, feta. Tossed with red wine vinaigrette.
2. Clam Chowder (Manhattan style, "red"), Served with a sourdough roll.
65. Santa Cruz Ale Works (150 Dubois St, Santa Cruz; 11:00-6:00 p.m., daily; (831) 425-1182)
1. DARK NIGHT OATMEAL STOUT Our darkest ale is a true American Stout. Black as a moonless night and full of chocolate and roasted barley flavor, This beer has a creamy, velvety texture from the oats and finishes smooth. Alc./Vol. 6.0% BU’s:35
2. Soup of the day: Tomato Bisque
3. Mouse Trap hot sandwich: Keep it real with this comfort food standard, toasted, buttery white bread, filled with Swiss, American and cheddar cheeses.
66. Mollie's Country Cafe (219 Mt Hermon Rd F, Scotts Valley; Mon-Sat: 6:00-3:00 p.m., Sun: 7:00-3:00 p.m.; (831) 438-8313)
1. All-you-can-eat Brunch Buffet
2. Banana Nut Pancakes, short stack...nuts were walnuts, I think
67. Auntie Mame's (3103 Scotts Valley Dr, Scotts Valley; Daily: 7:00-2:00 p.m.; (831) 438-1840)
1. Hash and Eggs (note: special), with Biscuit and Gravy: the hash was shredded corned beef, a few country potatoes, and onion, most likely in celebration of St. Patrick's Day
2. Short stack of Buckwheat Banana Pancakes
68. Surfrider Café (429 Front St, Santa Cruz; Sun-Thu: 11:30-10:00 p.m., Fri-Sat: 11:30-11:00 p.m.; (831) 713-5258)
1. Avocado Fries - Wedges of fresh avocado rolled in Japanese bread crumbs. Then fried to golden crisp. Served with our homemade jalapeño aïoli.
2. Skippy Burger - 1/3 lb natural Angus burger topped with Monterey Jack cheese, peanut butter and honey bacon.
3. Surf City Cider's Santa Cruz Scrumpy Pomegranate Cider - Apple & Pomegranate This cider was created by harmoniously blending in bright pomegranate flavors with complex apple aromas. Food friendly and complex.
69. Quickly (1010 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz; Mon-Thu: Noon-9:00 p.m., Fri-Sun: Noon-10:00 p.m.; (831) 469-4849)
• Egg Puffs (Gai Dan Jai)
• Milk Tea w/Boba:
• 042 - Jasmine Milk Green Tea w/Boba
• 048 - Chocolate Milk Tea w/Boba
• 051 - Matcha Milk Tea w/Boba
• 055 - Hazelnut Milk Tea w/
• 058 - Horlick (Malt) Milk Tea w/Boba
• 069 - Rose Milk Tea w/Boba
• 074 - Tiger Milk Tea w/Boba
70. El Jardin Restaurant (655 Capitola Rd, Santa Cruz; Sun-Thu: 11:00-9:00 p.m., Fri-Sat: 11:00-10:00 p.m.; (831) 477-9384)
1. Lemon Chicken Taco: A soft corn tortilla, filled with strips of chicken breast sauteed with garlic and lemon juice and topped with lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, cabbage, and cheese
2. Enchiladas de Mole: Two corn tortillas filled with chicken breast sauteed in a rich dark sauce with a hint of peanut butter and chocolate and topped with melted cheese
3. Margaritas:
1. House w/salt
2. Pomegranate w/sugar
71. Buttercup Cakes & Farmhouse Frosting (1411 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz; Daily: 8:00 a.m.-9:00; p.m.; (831) 466-0373)
1. ​Double Chocolate Eloise: Fudge Puddle Frosting on ​Chocolate Eloise Cake
2. Frida Kahlo
72. Pacific Thai Restaurant (1319 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz; Mon-Thu: 11:30-9:30 p.m., Fri: 11:30-9:30 p.m., Sat: Noon-10:00 p.m., Sun: Noon-9:30 p.m.; (831) 420-1700)
1. Milk boba tea:
1. Lavender
2. Taro
3. Almond with honey boba
73. The Tea Zone and Fruit Bar (1717 Mission St, Santa Cruz; Mon-Sat: 11:00-11:00 p.m, Sun: 11:00-10:00 p.m.; (831) 772-1717)
1. Milk tea:
1. White Tiger with honey boba
2. Caramel with honey boba
74. Humble Sea (820 Swift St, Santa Cruz; Tue-Fri: Noon-10:00 p.m., Sat-Sun: 11:00-10:00 p.m., Mon: Closed; (831) 431-6189)
1. Mobile Farm
2. Iced Vanilla Latte
3. Outboard Motor
4. Milk Stout with coconut, vanilla, coffee
5. Grower's Pale
6. Yeasty Pale Ale
75. Heavenly Roadside Cafe (1210 Mt Hermon Rd, Scotts Valley; Daily, 7:30-2:00 p.m.; (831) 335-1210)
1. Belgian waffle
2. Just two eggs, potatoes & toast
76. Shanty Shack Brewing (138 Fern St, Santa Cruz; Sun-Mon, Noon-9:00 p.m.; Tue: Closed; Wed-Thu, Noon-9:00 p.m.; Fri-Sat, Noon-10:00 p.m.; (831) 316-0800) 
1. MELODIOUS MELON - TART SESSION ALE 4% This partially kettle soured beer delivers a mild and quenchable tartness while the heavy dose of Hull Melon Hops adds (you guessed it) melon flavors. 
77. Shun Feng (420 River St, Santa Cruz; Sun-Thu, 11:00-10:00 p.m.; Fri-Sat, 11:00-10:30 p.m.; Sun, 10:00-10:00; (831) 423-9888)
1. #106 Vegetable pot stickers (6)
2. #662 Chicken chow mein w/soup
3. Note: Workers were sitting down to eat plates full of pan fried pancakes with egg, onion, and so forth (not on menu)
78. Charlie Hong Kong (1141 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz; Open Daily 11AM - 11PM; 831.426.5664)
1. Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup (Pho Ga) - Carefully prepared aromatic, star anise infused, chicken broth made with sustainably grown Rocky chickens. Served with chicken breast, wide rice noodles, accompanied with a side of bean sprouts, basil, jalapeno peppers and fresh limes (Non-Vegan)
2. Green Curry Chicken Rice Bowl - A bowl of white Jasmine rice, garnished with organic grated carrots and green onions. All rice bowls gluten free
79. The Crepe Place (1134 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz; Mon-Thu, 11:00 a.m.-midnight; Fri, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 a.m.; Sat-Sun, 9:00 a.m.-midnight; (831) 429-6994)
1. 3 Rolled Crepes – 8.00 With your choice of 1 topping: we tried Apricot, Nutella, Lemon Sauce, and Sugar & Cinnamon (nutella only standout)
80. Pour Taproom Santa Cruz (110 Cooper St Suite 100B, Santa Cruz; Mon-Sat, Noon-11:00 p.m.; Sun, Noon-10:00 p.m.; (831) 535-7007)
1. Five-spice roasted duck tacos: served with cabbage slaw, avocado, tomatillo salsa, cilantro & lime
2. Abita Root beer - Abita Brewing Company
81. The Giant Artichoke Restaurant (11261 Merritt St, Castroville; Daily: 8:00-8:00 p.m.; (831) 633-3501)
1. Artichoke tea
2. Artichoke burger
3. Artichoke cupcake
82. The Walnut Avenue Cafe (106 Walnut Ave, Santa Cruz; Mon-Fri, 7:00-3:00 p.m.; Sat-Sun, 8:00-4:00 p.m.)
1. Linguine pasta with chicken, green pesto, and cheese, served with garlic bread (special)
2. Muffin - zucchini and nuts
3. Avocado, Mushrooms & Cheese Omelette, served with homefries
4. 9-Grain Pancakes topped with boysenberry sauce (with homefries, as a side)
5. Cranberry muffin
83. Pono Hawaiian Grill (120 Union St, Santa Cruz; Mon-Wed, 11:00-10:00 p.m.; Thu-Sat, 11:00-11:00 p.m.; Sun, 10:00-10:00 p.m.; (831) 426-7666)
1. Plate (comes with Furikake rice, Seaweed salad, house made kim chi, edamame & sushi ginger) - Salmon-Cilantro & Avocado Poke (cubed salmon filet, sweet onions, green onions, tomato, fresh minced cilantro, and sliced avocado, mixed with our own 'ono shoyu poke sauce, black sesame seeds, and sushi ginger on top), with sides of poi and dessert of haupia coconut pudding and a chocolate macadamia nut brownie, plus a can of Hawaiian Sun Strawberry Lilikoi

POSSIBILITIES / SUGGESTIONS

• Hindquarter Bar & Grille (303 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz; Mon: 11:30 am - 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm Tue - Fri: 11:30 am - 2:00 pm, 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm Sat: 11:30 am - 10:00 pm Sun: 10:30 am - 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm ; (831) 426-7770)
• Beer santay andarius - recommended by a Lyft driver

RECOMMENDED AGAINST

• Thai Orchid Restaurant (now 831 Vietnamese?) Note: too many changes in management over the years; poor food quality

Refrigerator compressor failure, basics of the refrigeration cycle

Refrigerator badge on freezer door

A week or two ago, our 10-year-old Maytag Performa PTB1753GRW apartment refrigerator's compressor started buzzing noticeably. The refrigerator still seems to cool/freeze. However, the compressor seems on its last legs. It also produces a rather irritating buzzing noise.

Model PTB1753GRW, Serial 15723408CC

Make & model label inside refrigerator freezer compartment

Examining the refrigerator shows these details.

A note taped to the back of the refrigerator:

Details of the most recent compressor service

It reads as follows, with my thoughts:

• 134a: 3.49 oz 
• 134a refers to refrigerant R-134a (1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane), which manufacturers began using "in the early 1990s as a replacement for the more environmentally harmful R-12"
• OIL: 9.63 oz
• All compressors contain oil to lubricate the moving parts
• CHARGE # 1
• Presumably to document how many times technicians have serviced the compressor
• BOARD # 103
• Most likely refers to the board model used to control the internal refrigeration cycle
• 2 / 17 / 03 13:35:29
• Date and time of first charge...this represents 11 years, 8 months, 9 days ago, as of this writing

COMPRESSOR

Removing the refrigerator rear panel reveals the following compressor equipment:

Compressor manufacturer label

The compressor, left, and fan, right

The label on the compressor reads as follows, with my thoughts:

• Embraco EGZ 70HLP
• Embraco represents the manufacturer, headquartered in Brazil
• Wikipedia entry
• The word "embraco" seems to represent an acronym of the corporate name: EMpresa BRAsileira de COompressores S.A.
• EGZ 70HLP represents the model of the compressor...see page 27 of the Embraco 2003 product line catalog
• EG = Basic prefix for all models of the EG COMPRESSOR DENOMINATION (no further information to gain)
• Z = Efficiency level: Z = 5th generation
• The next number = "Compressor capacity in BTH/HR – 60Hz – ASHRAE check point divided by 10" : so 70 seems to indicate compressor capacity of 7 BTH/hour, or how much heat it can remove (?)
• The next letter indicates the refrigerant: H = "R-134a"
• The next letter indicates the Application: L = "LBP (-35ºC to -10ºC ( -31ºF to +14ºF ))"...that is, the evaporating temperature range...LBP = "Low Back Pressure" and applications = refrigerators, frozen food cabinets, frozen food display cases, display windows, etc.
• The final letter indicates the Electrical equipment: P = "P - PTC + Run Capacitor (optional)"...PTC seems to mean "Positive Temperature Coefficient" relay (details)
• THERMALLY PROTECTED
• It seems insulated (?)
• 10 LRA
• LRA = Locked Rotor Amps. The prefix 10 indicates the "amperage the motor will pull while trying to make the rotor spin inside the stator, if the rotor is locked up."
• R 134a 1 PH
• Refrigerant
• 115-127V 60Hz
• This seems to represent the electrical input tolerances
• JOINVILLE-SC MADE IN BRAZIL
• This seems to represent the factory location: Joinville, Santa Catarina, Brazil
• 513700109 FAB 1 18/DEC/02 KA2YKPU5
• Seems like internal serial number and manufacture date

BASICS OF THE REFRIGERATION CYCLE

OK, so I spent some time attempting to get my head wrapped around the basic concepts of the refrigeration cycle.

It seems to involve several primary variables of the refrigerant:

• Pressure
• Temperature
• State of matter (that is, liquid, gas, or mixtures of the two during transitions)

It seems to involve several key insights about how to manipulate these variables of the refrigerant to get desired effects:

• A change in refrigerant pressure changes the refrigerant temperature:
• High pressure to low pressure = cools the refrigerant state of matter
• Low pressure to high pressure = heats the refrigerant state of matter
• A change in refrigerant temperature changes the refrigerant state of matter:
• Decreasing the temperature = changes from gas to liquid (note: perhaps only partially)
• Increasing the temperature = changes from liquid to gas (note: perhaps only partially)
• States of matter grant different refrigerant temperature ranges:
• Gas state of matter allows for super-heating it well above ambient temperature of the environment
• Liquid state of matter allows for sub-cooling it well below ambient temperature of the environment
• During a state of matter transition, heat goes in or goes out
• Refrigeration cycle occurs when a system uses the above insights repetitively in two ways:
1. Sub-cool the refrigerant
2. Move the sub-cooled refrigerant through the desired area to cool

In a modern refrigerator, this seems to involve four components:

1. Condenser: 
• Changes high-pressure, super-heated gas into lower-pressure, lower-temperature liquid
• Super-heated means a temperature well above the ambient temperature
• This step occurs after the refrigerant exits the compressor
• This readies the refrigerant for the expansion device in step #2
2. Expansion device: 
• Changes lower-pressure, lower-temperature liquid into low-pressure, sub-cooled liquid 
• Sub-cooled means a temperature well below the ambient temperature
• This step occurs after the refrigerant exist the condenser
• This readies the refrigerant for the evaporator in step #3
3. Evaporator: 
• Changes low-pressure, sub-cooled liquid into higher-pressure, higher-temperature gas
• This step removes the heat from the area to cool
• The refrigerant's increase in pressure and temperature, and its change of state of matter from liquid to gas, occurs as it absorbs heat from the area to cool
• During this step, the refrigerant boils as it absorbs heat, changing it from a liquid into a gas
• This prepares the way for the compressor in step #4
4. Compressor: 
• Changes higher-pressure, higher-temperature gas into high-pressure, super-heated gas
• This returns the cycle to the starting point in step #1, above
• The compressor may only compress refrigerant while in exists as a gas state of matter

So, to recap:

1. Sub-cool the refrigerant -- steps #4, #1, and #3
2. Move the sub-cooled refrigerant through the desired area to cool -- step #2

There is something I do not quite understand, yet: saturated mix, gas & liquid refrigerant, condensing at the same temperature...when it becomes a liquid, it sub-cools lower than the condensing temperature...I believe the principle = during a state of matter transition, the temperature and pressure remains the same, but heat comes in or goes out, changing the state of matter.

Cycle overview

Condensers
1963 United States Air Force training video (oy, the sexism and stereotypes, but solid on the rest)

Social site for renters to communicate (?)

Living in an apartment and wondering if a social site existed to facilitate meeting and communicating with the people around me.

For example: templates for introductions, sharing contact info, profiles.

My first attempts at searching for such a thing met with no luck.

Seat replacement

We chose the Bemis/Church "Bemis 652CHSL000 GEN21 Series High Density Molded Wood Round Toilet Seat with Chrome WhisperClose Hinges, White"

Not surprising how people love them...we have had one for some time and it just works and looks great.

Cap City Squeeze Juice Bar - Salad Shaker

My first, to-date, salad shaker:

• Balsemic vinegar
• Mixed greens
• Gorgonzola cheese
• Quinoa
• Grape tomatoes, sliced in half
• Cucumber
• Apple
• Strawberry

Verdict: just what I needed that day

Tom Killian Cards

Beautiful stuff:

Web site

Food notes - Honey, Pie

Chess pie...which contains something called mace, a spice similar to nutmeg.

Basswood/linden flower honey (called Lyn in the eastern Kentucky mountains, or genus Tilia)...blooms I believe in the spring in the mountains of eastern Kentucky and West Virginia:

• http://www.honey.com/honey-locator/profile/ilg-international-trading-inc (Staten Island company, Ukraine honey)
• http://www.honey.com/honey-locator/profile/neshanic-valley-beekeepers-llc (New Jersey company, Michigan honey)
• http://www.honey.com/honey-locator/profile/honey-bees-r-us-apiaries (Florida company, New York honey)
• http://www.honey.com/honey-locator/profile/gooserock-farm (New Jersey company & honey)
• http://www.honey.com/honey-locator/profile/delta-food-international-inc (California company, Chinese honey)
• http://www.honey.com/honey-locator/profile/euro-american-brands-llc (New Jersey company, Germany honey)
• http://www.honey.com/honey-locator/profile/ames-farm (Minnesota company & honey)
• http://www.honey.com/honey-locator/profile/drapers-super-bee-apiaries-inc (Pennylvania company & honey)
• Companies via: http://www.honey.com/honey-locator
• http://www.kybeeco.com/
• http://beeraw.com/basswood-honey.html - New York honey
• http://louisvillelocalmarket.com/products/hosey-s-local-raw-kentucky-honey
• http://www.ksbabeekeeping.org/
• http://www.mtnstatehoney.com/page4.php

Note: I ended up purchasing a small jar of basswood honey from a store in Wisconsin.

UPDATE:

• Unfortunately basswood failed this year here.  All the honey, as little as it was, had a dark amber color.  (Pikeville, KY, eastern Kentucky)
• It was probably black locust honey. There use to be a lot of black locust trees and its a very very clear honey with a great taste.  The trees died. Not many left.  (Campbellsville, KY, central Kentucky)
• However to say it is Basswood Honey would be stretching the truth, just like people that sell pure sourwood honey. A lot of other flora sources would also be in it.
• You should talk with Clay Guthrie at the Dadant Beekeeping Supplies in Frankfort KY. He travels to Eastern KY and Tennessee where Basswood Honey is common. He should be easy to find through his business on the internet.

"Weird Al" sandwich

"...fire-roasted eggplant, some roasted red peppers, diced heirloom tomatoes, some thin-sliced red onions—maybe double up on the onions and have some caramelized onions on top of the sliced onions. A little basil, some arugula, some chopped and marinated mushrooms, maybe a slice of fresh avocado, some alfalfa sprouts, a dose of hummus, a drizzle of pomegranate molasses and put it on a warm toasted French roll lovingly sprinkled with some truffle oil."
(via)

Osaka-Ya

Dawn and I visited Osaka-Ya today:

• Kintoki with condensed milk and sweet red beans (large)
• We purchased a few items:
• Kit Kat matcha green tea flavor
• Kit Kat "Otona no Amasa White Kit Kat" (Adult sweetness line: White Vanilla Chocolate)
• Cherry Hi-Chew
• Chocolate manjū and Coffee manjū
• Anpan

Osaka-Ya has a simple website but I found Yelp pictures better.

Top Five Regrets of the Dying

Top Five Regrets of the Dying

1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
2. I wish I didn’t work so hard.
3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.

(via)

Westercon, FantasyCon - 2014 materials

A friend recently returned from Westercon 67 and FastasyCon in Salt Lake City, Utah. He shared materials with me, which, rather than retaining, I am noting here:

• Shadow's Beneath: The Writing Excuses Anthology ; http://brandonsanderson.com/introducing-the-writing-excuses-anthology/
• Starfall--the online TV series ; http://www.starfalltheseries.tv
• The Little Green Book of Chairman Rahma (http://tor-forge.com/author/brianherbert), and, The Dark Between the Stars (http://tor-forge.com/author/kevinjanderson)
• Horror Writers Association ; http://www.horror.org
• Golden Mountain Media ; http://www.goldenmountainmedia.com
• Timpanogos Storytelling Festival ; http://timpfest.org
• Lucky Bat Books ; http://luckybatbooks.com
• Nerdvana, The Podcast ; http://www.nerdvanapodcast.com
• Night's End, by Yasmine Galenorn (http://galenorn.com)
• Move Mountain, by Kirsten Lepore (2013, 11 min) ; http://kirstenlepore.com/Move-Mountain
• Monster Hunter: Nemesis ; http://www.baen.com
• The Chaplain's War ; http://www.baen.com
• Dover Whitecliff ; http://www.doverwhitecliff.com
• Engines of Liberty: Rebel Heart ; by Graham Bradley
• Curiosity Quills: Complimentary Book Voucher ; http://curiosityquills.com/raffle-redemption/ ... number = 201783 (?)
• The Gods of Garran, by Meredith Skye ; http://meredithskye.weebly.com
• Egyptus and Ham, Son of Noah ; http://mmrobinson.com
• Running From the Gods, by D.T. Read ; http://diannthornleyread.com
• The art of Eric Velhagen ; http://ericvelhagen.com
• Monsterheds ; http://www.monsterhedz.com
• CheapCaffeine.net ; a webcomic by Nathan Shumate
• OryCon 36 ; http://www.orycon.org
• Alison Langston Illustration ; http://www.allisonlangston.com
• Anna del C. Dye ; http://www.annadelc.com
• VilleAnne ; http://storybundle.com

Cafe Brasil, Santa Cruz

We visited Cafe Brasil in Santa Cruz over the weekend for lunch. We split a Feijoada Plate: "The traditional Brazilian specialty. A bowl of black bean stew simmered w/ various sausages. Served w/ a side plate w/ rice, farofa, slices of orange and sautéed greens. Plate served w/ rice, farofa, slices of orange& feijoada."

Black bean stew: great. Farofa: dry, felt nervous I might get some down my windpipe, but otherwise tasty.

Whiteboard cleaner

The best?

MB10W Whiteboard Cleaner from Solutions MB

Says some person on the internet.

NameChk

Noting just for reference:

http://namechk.com/

This service checks a given vanity username at dozens of sites.

PPAPI flash plugin in Chromium on Debian

Apparently I am one of the last to hear about Google's decision to end NPAPI plugin support and switch to PPAPI plugin support.

Noticed when Debian stable updated Chromium and flash support started falling apart.

Jarbraltar at Yellowbill cafe bakery

Saw this posted on their sidewalk sign and had to stop in and see. Photo credit to their Facebook page. Espresso and two ounces steamed milk.

Similar to the Gibraltar, but in a mason jar. : o ) An article claims Blue Bottle Coffee in San Francisco invented the Gibraltar.

Alchemy waiting area reading material

Dawn got her hair professionally styled recently at Alchemy Salon & Spa in Sacramento, for her graduation ceremony. (aside: months ago, we observed the owners hanging the sign over their shop...they seemed enthused and ebullient)

While I waited, I browsed a book, "Hair Heroes," by Michael Gordon. It mentioned some random stylists and I learned a few random facts:

• Jimi Hendrix grew up in a broken home...he rejected the ukulele given by his father for a second-hand electric guitar
• Gene Shacove, the stylist who screenwriter Robert Towne based the movie Shampoo on, really hates Warren Beatty...Beatty picked up the movie and ran with it but Shacove claims Beatty never really gave anything to him...even though he claimed Towne spent months at his salon

The salon featured coasters with two URLs on the bottom:

1. http://irongreymammoth.com/ (now http://www.jairustonel.com/)
2. http://meetthepressgang.com/ (currently not loading as of the writing of this post...but it seems related to https://pipl.com/n/Stefan_Burnett/)

The shop also had a 2006 book called WIG about fashion and hair, which I cannot find a reference to on the Internets.

Caputo tipo 00

The world's best pizza flour?

Google Search

(via)

Capitol Box Art

Applauding this effort: http://capitolboxart.com/

Wedding anniversary notes

We vacationed in Calistoga this weekend to celebrate our wedding anniversary.

• Colin Hay - what a voice!; we heard "Waiting For My Real Life to Begin" on the May 31 Prairie Home Companion. Link (audio @ 01:30:57)
• Utah Phillips - also Prairie Home Companion, which honored him with one or two songs, including "I Think of You" Link (audio @ 01:13:11)
• The Planetary Dance - on the way to Muir Woods, we passed a bunch of people dancing in a field next to Muir Woods Road, which turned out to represent the 34th Annual Planetary Dance 
• Hotel Room amenities
• iHome HiP42 MP3 Docking Alarm Clock Radio (now discontinued, we both liked the "Bedtime Beats" sounds, the first of which reminded me of a Hayao Miyazaki film and the second which reminded me of the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Open Sea Exhibit
• Speakman Anystream shower fixture (link)
• Curved shower curtain rail
• Shower splash guards
• Shower hand rails
• Hookless shower curtain by Focus Product Group (focuspg.com) with a clear horizontal panel near the top (sort of like the Vision at this link)
• Anti-slipmat which seemed glued to the tub floor...seems nicer than rubber ones which need cleaning (?)
• Spa amenities
• Stands for lotion/hair gel/deodorant dispensers
• Container for cotton swabs and disposable razors
• Zero-gravity SO Sound Solutions "Sound Lounger" (link); they had modified the lounger so it mechanically reclined and they provided Beats headphones and a cold compress, plus a comforter to stay cozy
• Castello di Amorosa
• Dawn liked a green lace skirt from the Melody O2 collection
• I tried these red wines:
• Pinot noir (Los Carneros)
• Zingaro (SF Chronicle Gold Medal)
• Sangiovese (SF Chronicle Gold Medal)
• Il Brigante (?)
• and a white one: Gewurztraminer
• The castle impresses...worth a visit to appreciate the attention to detail and planning...we just walked around the grounds
• We met the cat, Sir Lancelot, and also a peacock, and watched the other cat, Lady Guinevere, sheep, goats, and so forth
• Food
• Mishka's Cafe, Davis (link), for coffees--the owner was there on Sunday; it is named after his cat, Mishka
• Muir Woods Cafe (link)--we tried the grilled cheese and tomato soup ("to die for")
• Boskos Trattoria Italian Food, Calistoga (link): I had the "Godfather" (Italian Sausage, Roasted Eggplant, Garlic, Onions & Red Bell Peppers In A Spicy Herb Tomato Sauce On Spaghetti)...Dawn had the Vittorio (Bay Shrimp, Mushrooms And Garlic In An Asiago Cream Sauce On Fettuccine)...we both shared a bottle of Ca Di Rajo Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore 2012 (link)
• Free continental breakfast at the Calistoga Best Western Stevenson Manor: scrambled eggs, we split a waffle we made in the waffle iron, hardboiled egg, oatmeal, a bagel and cream cheese plus orange juice 
• Yo el Rey Roasting, Calistoga: coffees
• Woodhouse Chocolates, St. Helena
• Sogni Di Dolci: I had the Napoletano (mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, garlic, and oregano) and Dawn had the Club Panino (turkey, pancetta, provolone, tomato, lettuce, mayonaise--which tasted good and spicy, like mustard)

Maker Faire 2014 - San Mateo

Some memories / notes:

• 8x10 digital view camera; Sam Girvin (sgirv *remove this nonsensical phrase* in@stanford.edu)
• Flatbed scanner modified into an easy to focus, extremely high resolution B&W digital 8x10 view camera
• Max image resolution: 1,800 megapixels; limited in practice by lens resolving power and fineness of ground glass
• Key components: 
• Canon Canoscan LiDE 210
• Schneider Symmar-S 210mm f/5.6
• Custom bellows system
• Ground glass plate
• Documentation will be posted initially on PentaxForums.com
• SVVR2 (Silicon Valley Virtual Reality) conference and expo, May 19 & 20; svvr.com
• UC-Santa Cruz Art Department Chair, Jennifer Parker; parker *remove this nonsensical phrase but include the one* 1@ucsc_dot_edu ; Baskin Visual Arts
• Obtanium Works: "One man's junk is another man's vehicle" Shannon & Kathy O'Hare; obtaniumworks.net
• Genevieve Santos: illustrator, wanderluster; kid-at-heart; genevievesantos.com
• Sparki, the easy robot for everyone, arcbotics.com; and Hexy, the low-cost hexapod robot
• Isabelle Kung, illustrator: www.isabellakung.com
• Mars Exploration Program: www.nasa.gov/mars
• Proteins and Peppytides
• Peppytide is a 3D-printed, foldable molecular model (note: part of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory)
• www.peppytides.com
• Darwin-mini robotis: www.robotis.us
• Novena open source laptop: novena.io; "back us on crowdsupply.com" (ends May 18)
• www.animalinstinctsapparel.com
• Consciousness Hacking: "Is inner-space the next great frontier?" consciousnesshacking.com
• WalkingBeans (Li-An, Yuki) @ sfwalkingbeans.com
• Skeletal Dropkick: www.skeletaldropkick.com : stoneware; monsters; handcrafted for daily use
• Curious Customs: Lamps, lanterns, and nightlights: http://curiouscustoms.com
• Nasa Centennial Challenges: www.nasa.gov/challenges
• RawrzToys.com