Ramen

A Sacramento ramen restaurant seems to use "Paitan Ramen soup EX" as their tonkatsu ramen soup base:

http://www.somifoods.com/products/paitan-ramen-soup-ex/
Product DescriptionThis authentic tonkotsu ramen base blends high-quality tonkotsu broth with vegetables and other ingredients.
How to useMake the ramen base by combining 1 part of this product with 9 parts hot water or broth.
Packaging
60 fl. oz. (1.8 L) x 6

The web site lists the following recipe. So simple!

TONKATSU RAMEN
Ingredients

• Noodles – 1 bunch
• Cha-shu (roasted pork) – 2-3 pieces
• Green onions – A small amount
• Bamboo shoots – A small amount

Cooking Directions
Pour 1 oz. of Paitan and 9 oz. of hot water or broth into a bowl. Add boiled noodles and desired toppings.

Add as desired

• Boiled egg
• Red ginger
• Kikurage
• Dried seaweed

Photographer In Training

What is good enough?

Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS camera

• 8.0 Megapixel
• Focal length: 6.2-18.6mm f/2.8-4.9 (35mm film equivalent: 38-114mm)
• Maximum aperture: f/2.8 (Wideangle) - f/4.9 (Telephoto)
• Shutter speed: 15-1/1500 sec.; Long Shutter operates with noise reduction when manually set at 1.3-15 sec.
• Sensitivity: Auto, High ISO Auto, ISO 80/100/200/400/800/1600 equivalent (Standard output sensitivity. Recommended exposure index)
• Light metering method: Evaluative*, Center-weighted average, Spot**
• Pixels: Still Image: 3,264 x 2,448 (Large),
• JPEG compression: Still Image: Exif 2.2 (JPEG)

Depth of field increases with f-number, as illustrated in the image here. This means that photographs taken with a low f-number will tend to have subjects at one distance in focus, with the rest of the image (nearer and farther elements) out of focus. This is frequently used for nature photography and portraiture because background blur (bokeh) can be aesthetically pleasing and puts the viewer's focus on the main subject in the foreground. 

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3845728#forum-post-55833477
http://photography.tutsplus.com/tutorials/getting-started-with-your-new-monolight-kit--photo-14128
Monolights:

• http://www.blinkphotographic.com/collections/monolights/products/godox-ds200-200w-s-monolight
• http://www.amazon.com/Flashpoint-DG600-Watt-Second-Monolight/dp/B007JD3CZQ
• http://www.adorama.com/FP600DKT.html

Some helpful terminology:

http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/which-camera-should-i-get/

Specifically:

Focal length describes the angle of view of a lens: how much of the scene it can take in. It is expressed in millimeters. The higher the number, the narrower the field of view. A 20mm lens is considered a wide focal length as it captures approximately an 84-degree angle of view. A 200mm lens, by comparison, offers a narrower, 10-degree angle of view, though with much greater magnification.

Photo Aesthetic

Aesthetically speaking, this resonates: clean and neutral colors, an honest but measured smile, thoughtful but minimal accessories, well-lit, focused on the face. It says, I am a comfortable person to be around

https://hired.com/how-it-works

Portrait Equipment

Lighting Kit Setups

• Beginners complete kit
• Lighting types
1. 1 main light: Flashpoint Cool Light 4
2. a1 fill light: Flashpoint Cool Light 1 (can be used reflecting into a white card)
3. 1 hair light (a small light with a snoot or grid)
4. 1 background light (any small fixture light will do)
• Lighting (other):
• 1 silver reflector umbrella: Creative Light 33" Silver Umbrella, (compare prices)
• 4 light stands: Westcott 750 Photo Basics 7.5-Foot Light Stand, (compare prices)
• Seamless paper background
• Miscellaneous:
• Extension cords (hardware store)
• Gaffers tape
• Extra bulbs (depends on fixture)
• Cloth work gloves if you are using hot tungsten lights (hardware store)
• An assortment of colored gels and diffusion material
• Clothespins for holding the gels

Photo Video Backdrop Stand Kit

• Ravelli ABSL Photo Video Backdrop Stand Kit 13' Tall x 15' Wide with Dual Air Cushion Stands and Bag (link)
• StudioPRO 3200 Watt Double 24"x36" Softbox Continuous Portrait & Video Lighting Kit - Film, Photography & Studio Essentials Includes Light Stand & 45W Daylight Bulbs (link)
• Main/Key light and fill light

Notes

• Backdrops
• Thin muslin white/black/green backgrounds...alternative (?)
• How to clean/press/steam (?)
• I use a small hand held fabric steamer (via)
• Lighting
• Types:
1. Main light (key)
• primary and strongest light
• Provides shape and form
• Can use umbrella or softbox
2. Fill light
• "fill in" shadow areas created by other lights
• provide an even, non-directional light
• adds  little character or shadows of its own
• nearly always weaker than the main light
• can use a shoot-through umbrella
• Alternatively: foamcore, at 45-degree angle, to the subject
3. Kicker light (rim, edge)
• accent the edges of the subject
• placed just out of view and, behind and slightly to the right or left of the subject
4. Hair light
• enhance hair texture
• provide separation from the background
• Should have a snoot or grid (note: maybe a filter frame?)
5. Background light
• Illuminates the background
• even or graduated, color neutral or colored with the addition of gels
• separate the subject from the background
• Notes
• Closer light to subject: softer; farther away: harder
• LumoPro LP180
• Softbox
• Emulate the soft, directional lighting produced by window light
• Directional
• Light modifiers
• Somewhat more expensive
• Slightly more complicated
• Basic knowledge of balancing main light versus fill light, so it won't produce contrasting lighting
• Octobox
• combines the benefits of both reflective and shoot through umbrellas
• Vendors
• http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/759870-REG/Lastolite_LL_LS2462JM_Joe_McNally_Ezybox_Hotshoe.html/BI/2388/KBID/3211
• Umbrella
• Cheap
• Broad and soft source of lighting that could, for the sake of simplicity, be considered to emulate outdoor lighting
• Indirect, bounced light
• Easier for beginners
• Lighting is much broader, softer with less modeling on the subject’s face and there’s more light spilling onto on background
• Light is bounced, so the quantity is less, which requires lower f-stop and higher ISO
• Reflective 
• Light is reasonably well controlled and doesn’t bounce around everywhere
• Can’t produce very soft light, as the design forces the flash head to be between the subject and the umbrella, which means that it can’t be placed close to the subject
• Shoot-through
• only about 60% of the light actually passes through
• the rest bounces back and, in a small studio, will bounce off of the ceiling, walls, etc.
• creates pretty uncontrolled lighting and if the light also bounces towards your camera lens it can cause flare
• Combination: removable reflective cover
• Vendors
• Smith Victor
• Adorama
• Lowel
• Photoflex
• Lastolite (hotbox)
• Manfrotto (stands)

Chris Schmauch, Good Eye Photography

• Camera
• Nikon D800
• Nikon D3
• Nikon D70 (backup)
• Lens
• 28-70/2.8
• 17-35/2.8
• 70-200/2.8
• 85/1.4
• 60/2.8
• 50/1.4
• Lights
• Studio strobes
• Foursquare softbox (containing the four Nikon SB-800 speedlites)
• Nikon SB-600 speedlite
• Profoto B1 mono light
• 30″ softbox
• Other
• PocketWizard Flex TT5, to trigger/sync speedlites
• Lightroom

Resources

http://www.adorama.com/alc/0013566/article/Softbox-vs-Umbrella-Which-One-Should-You-Use

http://photo.net/learn/lighting/guide-to-lighting-kits/beginner/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bokeh

http://www.portraitlighting.net/multilightb.htm

http://www.diyphotography.net/take-professional-linkedin-profile-photo-living-room/

http://www.portraitprofessional.com/

http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-camera-lens-filters-flashes-and-accessories-for-taking-great-photos/

Preparing for business portrait

"If you’re like most people, the idea of a closeup photo of your face is about as compelling as smashing your thumb in your car door. Repeatedly." ; o )

CLOTHING

• Style choice
• Friendly and nurturing, like a coach or a therapist? 
• Strong and able to take care of any problems like a broker or a lawyer? 
• Artistic and elegant like a gallery owner or sculptor?
• Classic corporate
• Casual: choose polished statement
• If not sure, bring several outfits tops
• Something professional
• definitely want a nice suit jacket for the professional look
• I recommend sticking to solid colors
• Something that will stand out against a darker suit jacket
• consider the overall tone as somewhat neutral
• Add splashes of color (power tie)
• 
  
• Something casual
• Avoid:
• Overly bright colors
• Lots of white/black
• Big or complicated patterns
• Large, reflective jewelry
• Caps
• Tee shirt length sleeves
• Personality, professionalism, and success
• Gray background: select blues, reds, greens, purples
• Suit: 
• Button top button
• Texture works best (for example, pin-stripe)
• Men look great in a light blue shirt and blue suit 

HAIR, MAKEUP, ETC.

• Look natural
• Look like the person you truly are
• Do not get a new haircut--at least one week, in advance
• If going to a stylist, maintain existing look
• Shave
• Men: Don’t be afraid to have light make up applied by a professional
• Oil-mattifier: controls shiny skin (really light lotion that soaks up oil without leaving any residue)

SETTINGS

• Studio setting
• Head and shoulder picture
• Best for: 
• Press release
• Newsletter or program
• Web site 
• Business card
• Studio setting works best
• Typically small and serve primarily to provide a means of personal recognition rather than to convey a particular expertise.
• Environmental setting
• Conference room, library, or office setting
• Best for:
• Corporate brochure or newsletter 
• Larger format on your website
• Communicates knowledge, proficiency,and warmth
• Blurred background: don’t have any context that gives away the location
• Alternative: three-quarter or full length view
• Natural light photography
• Very flexible in regards to weather, time of day, and location
• “Worst” time to shoot is high-noon (or whenever the sun is at its peak height):
• The sun is most “harsh” at this time
• Most natural light photographers won’t even attempt it
• For individual sessions, I like to get at least three different locations/environments, and with multiple outfit changes
• Artificial light photography
• Winter / early Spring shoots typically have the fastest turnaround
• Location ideas:
• Wilder Ranch
• 
  

EXPRESSION

• Purpose: encourage the viewer to bring his business to you
• Jaw: Forehead out and down, to tighten skin over jawlines..."feels weird, looks good" (link)
• Focus on the eyes (link)

LOGISTICS

• Sleep: get lots of it
• Set aside one-half of a day
• Items to bring:
• Comb/brush
• Toothbrush
• Just sit there and look "pretty"--let the photographer do all the work
• Time:
• 10:00 a.m.: 
• Most convenient time for people 
• Enough time to settle into work
• Still look “fresh” from the morning
• One person: 15-45 minutes
• Variables: 
• Location(s)
• Outfit changes

SHYNESS

• In good hands
• Photographer directs
• Very quick

POST-SHOOT

• Touchups:
• Tired eyes
• Stained teeth
• Blemishes 
• Wrinkles
• Chris definitely retouches purchased photos and, upon request, pre-purchase photos

USES

• LinkedIn
• Standard headshot
• Generally cropped pretty close in – say, mid-chest height
• 
  

RESOURCES

• Chris:
• http://www.goodeyeblog.com/how-to-prepare-for/how-to-prepare-for-and-what-to-expect-during-after-your-business-portrait-headshot-photo-shoot/
• http://www.goodeyeblog.com/2014/02/santa-cruz-business-portraits-buy-once-get-multiple-versions/
• http://www.goodeyeblog.com/category/san-francisco-bay-area-photography/people/business-people/
• http://www.thephotostudio.com/photography-blog/34-tips-preparing-for-your-business-portrait
• http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/83927/file-15743732-pdf/pdf/gittings-preparing-for-a-business-portrait.pdf
• http://snaphappyphotos.com/preparing-for-your-business-portrait-session/
• http://www.wikihow.com/Prepare-for-a-Professional-Business-Portrait

Prius - Cleaning Interior Fabric

• Magic Eraser
• Foaming Window Cleaner: "He sprayed the foam on the arm rest, waited a few moments, and scrubbed back and forth with a white shop towel. Sure enough, the dirt came out of the fabric."
• Invisible Glass
• Gunk Foaming Glass Cleaner
• AFTA

Black beans from scratch

http://www.kitchentreaty.com/supremely-delicious-black-beans-from-scratch/

Sympathique

Dawn heard the song Sympathique today:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sympathique

Couldn't quite place where we've heard it before.

Belva Ann Lockwood - first woman admitted to Supreme Court bar

"My Own Words", by Ruth Bader Ginsburg, mentions the first woman to gain admittance to the Supreme Court bar, Belva Ann Lockwood:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belva_Ann_Lockwood

First Lyft Ride

Dawn and I took a Lyft car from our apartment to Capitola. Driver was friendly, car was new and clean. Recommended beer from Sante Adarius:
http://rusticales.com/

Straw superfino Ecuador Panama hat

Not sure I've ever come across a hat I think looks good, but maybe the Straw superfino Ecuador Panama hat (?)

Andrew York - Djembe

Heard today on KDFC

The Mockingbird Next Door

Notes:

1. Scuppernongs
2. Sawmill gravy
3. Potato logs - large fried potato wedges
4. Truman Capote - 
1. "Has anyone put Truman out?" - Nelle's father
2. Shared old typewriter -- one would type, then turn it around for the other
3. "An indulllged child" -- Nelle
5. Nelle Harper Lee's middle name came from Dr. Harper, a pediatrician who saved the life of her sister Louise
6. Nelle's aunt's vocabulary:
1. Cyphaloon - weather so bad it might as well be a cyclone crossed with a typhoon
7. Journey Proud - a person who tosses and turns on the night before a trip
8. Pounding the Preacher - paying the preacher with a pound of chicken or vegetables when money was tight
9. Favorite books:
1. Alabama History:
1. Pickett's History of Alabama: And Incidentally of Georgia and Mississippi from the Earliest Period (1851) - Albert J. Pickett
2. Stars Fell on Alabama (1934) - Carl Carmer
3. The Mind of the South (1929) - W. J. Cash
4. Let Us Now Praise Famous Men (1941) - James Agee and Walker Evans
5. Inside Alabama: A Personal History of My State (2003) - Harvey Jackson III
6. Alabama in the Twentieth Century (2004) - Wayne Flynt
2. Fiction:
1. Tongues of Flame (1986) - Mary Ward Brown
2. Chicken Dreaming Corn: A Novel (2004) - Roy Hoffman
3. Petrified Man - Eudora Welty

A proper copper coffee pot

Carrie Fisher, from Wishful Drinking:

All I want is a proper cup of coffee,
Made in a proper copper coffee pot
I may be off my dot
But I want a cup of coffee
From a proper coffee pot.

Tin coffee pots and iron coffee pots
They're no use to me -
If I can't have a proper cup of coffee
In a proper copper coffee pot
I'll have a cup of tea.

She mentioned it was helpful while enunciating Star Wars lines.

No - Start Right Now

onTransition = {
  no;
  start(right, now);
}

https://oliveremberton.com/2014/how-to-debug-your-brain/

Mission Hill Staircase Tour - Santa Cruz

We walked the first half of the Mobile Ranger "Mission Hill Staircase Tour" this afternoon, reaching the Locust Street Stairs. We saw the Lower Plaza, the School Street Stairs, the Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, the Mission Hill Tunnel, and a number of other historic and modern details.

STEPS

• Post Office Stairs: ???
• School Street Stairs: 73 
• Locust Street Stairs: ???
• Walnut Avenue Stairs: ???
• Red Room Stairs: ???

After, we split a Mission Hill Creamery ice cream brownie sundae (Cookie Monster ice cream) and a cherry mini pie, then purchased two pairs of socks, from the Sockshop & Shoe Company.

It looks like the Mobile Ranger app founder has decided to pursue other career interests.

Vancouver Travel Planning

Wi-Fi Hotspot Rental

• WiFiCube: http://www.mywificube.com/rental-fees-and-booking?location=66
• Other:
• https://rent-wifi.com/pocket-wifi-canada/
• Telus, Rogers, and Bell are the three biggest Canadian providers.
• https://simplefi.ca/
• https://www.cellomobile.com/hotspot-rental/canada.html

Itinerary

• 09/20 (Wed): 
• Arrive: SJC to YVR (11:50-2:03 p.m.)
• Hotel check-in: ???
• 09/21 (Thu)
• Stanley Park - aquarium, totem poles, etc
• 09/22 (Fri) 
• Capilano Suspension Bridge
• Grouse Mountain
• 09/23: (Sat)
• University of British Columbia, Science World
• 09/24-27 (Sun-Wed):
• Sun:
• Check-out: ???
• Check-in: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
• IROS Welcome reception (7:00-9:00 p.m.)
• IROS Workshops only
• Mon:
• IROS Technical Sessions
• Tue:
• IROS Technical Sessions
• IROS Conference Banquet (7:00-10:00 p.m.)
• Wed:
• IROS Technical Sessions
• IROS Closing Reception (6:30-8:30 p.m.)
• 09/28 (Thu)
• Check-out: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
• BC Connector to Victoria 
• Check-in: Victoria...???
• IROS Workshops only
• 09/29 (Fri)
• Victoria Island
• 09/30 (Sat)
• Check-out: ???
• BC Connector to Vancouver
• Check-in: Skwachàys (?)
• 10/01 (Sun)
• Vancouver
• 10/02 (Mon):
• Check-out: Skwachàys ???
• Depart: YVR to SJC (2:30-4:45 p.m.)

Hotels

• http://www.iros2017.org/registration-travel/accommodation
• Conference rates:
• Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown
• $CAD 229 conference base rate (before taxes and fees)
• $USD 176.51, as of 07/02/2017
• 17.5% taxes and fees:
• $CAD 269.08 ($CAD 229 * 1.175)
• $USD 207.40 ($USD 176.51 * 1.175)
• Out-of-pocket::
• $CAD 228 ($CAD 41.08)
• $USD 176 ($USD 31.4)
• Room availability, as of 07/02/2017: only Friday and Wed-Sun nights left
• Fairmont Hotel Vancouver: $CAD 249 conference base rate (before taxes and fees)
• $USD 225.20 ($USD 191.66 base plus 17.5% taxes and fees)
• Out-of-pocket: $USD 49.20
• Commute:
• 10-15 min public transportation
• 10-15 min walk
• Fairmont Waterfront: $CAD 299 conference base rate (before taxes and fees)
• Fairmont Pacific Rim: $CAD 339 conference base rate (before taxes and fees)
• Standard rates, by neighborhood:
• Downtown
• Days Inn Vancouver Downtown
• $USD 199.75 ($USD 170 base plus 17.5% taxes and fees)
• Out-of-pocket: $USD 23.75
• Commute:
• 15 min public transportation
• 8 min walk
• Skwachàys Lodge
• $USD 260.85 ($USD 222 base plus 17.5% taxes and fees)
• Out-of-pocket: $USD 84.85
• Commute:
• 15 min public transportation
• 17-20 min walk
• Kingston Hotel Bed & Breakfast
• $USD 135.13 ($USD 115 base plus 17.5% taxes and fees)
• Out-of-pocket: $USD 0.00
• 4/5, #57 of 90 (TripAdvisor)
• Commute:
• 15 min public transportation
• 17-20 min walk
• Howard Johnson Hotel Vancouver Downtown
• $USD 157.45 ($USD 134 base plus 17.5% taxes and fees)
• Out-of-pocket: $USD 0.00
• 3/5, #77 of 90 (TripAdvisor)
• Commute:
• 15 min public transportation
• 25 min walk
• Hotel Ambassador
• $USD 122.20 ($USD 104 base plus 17.5% taxes and fees)
• Out-of-pocket: $USD 0.00
• 3/5, #79 of 90 (TripAdvisor)
• Commute:
• 15 min public transportation
• 25 min walk
• Executive Hotel Vintage Park
• $USD 197.40 ($USD 168 base plus 17.5% taxes and fees)
• Out-of-pocket: $USD 21.40
• Commute:
• 20 min public transportation
• 30 min walk
• GEC Granville Suites Hotel
• $USD 202.10 ($USD 172 base plus 17.5% taxes and fees)
• Out-of-pocket: $USD 26.10
• Commute:
• 15 min public transportation
• 20 min walk
• Sandman Hotel Vancouver City Centre
• $USD 215.02 ($USD 183 base plus 17.5% taxes and fees)
• Out-of-pocket: $USD 39.03
• Commute:
• 15 min public transportation
• 20 min walk
• Greenbrier Hotel
• $USD 199.75 ($USD 170 base plus 17.5% taxes and fees)
• Out-of-pocket: $USD 23.75
• Commute:
• 20 min public transportation
• 20 min walk
• Ramada Vancouver Downtown
• $USD 205.63 ($USD 175 base plus 17.5% taxes and fees)
• Out-of-pocket: $USD 29.63
• Commute:
• 15 min public transportation
• 25 min walk
• West End:
• Sunset Inn and Suites
• $USD 263.20 ($USD 224 base plus 17.5% taxes and fees)
• Out-of-pocket: $USD 87.20
• 4.5/5, #13 of 90 (TripAdvisor)
• Commute:
• 15-25 min public transportation
• 30 min walk
• Sylvia Hotel
• $USD 148.70 ($USD 126.55 base plus 17.5% taxes and fees)
• Out-of-pocket: $USD 0.00
• 4/5, #34 of 90 (TripAdvisor)
• Commute:
• 35 min public transportation
• 40 min walk
• Buchan Hotel
• $USD 98.70 ($USD 84 base plus 17.5% taxes and fees)
• Out-of-pocket: $USD 0.00
• 4/5, #35 of 90 (TripAdvisor)
• Commute:
• 20-25 min public transportation
• 35-40 min walk
• English Bay Hotel
• $USD 150.4 ($USD 128 base plus 17.5% taxes and fees)
• Out-of-pocket: $USD 0.00
• 3/5, #76 of 90 (TripAdvisor)
• Commute:
• 25-30 min public transportation
• 30-40 min walk
• Sandman Suites - Davie Street
• $USD 139.83 ($USD 119 base plus 17.5% taxes and fees)
• Out-of-pocket: $USD 0.00
• 3.5/5, #63 of 90 (TripAdvisor)
• Commute:
• 20-25 min public transportation
• 25-30 min walk
• Riviera on Robson Suites Hotel Downtown Vancouver
• $USD 175 ($USD 149 base plus 17.5% taxes and fees)
• Out-of-pocket: $USD 0.00
• Commute:
• 16 min public transportation
• 20 min walk
• Blue Horizon Hotel
• $USD 263.20 ($USD 224 base plus 17.5% taxes and fees)
• Out-of-pocket: $USD 87.20
• Commute:
• 16 min public transportation
• 20 min walk
• Fairview (across False Creek):
• Holiday Inn Vancouver Centre
• $USD 229.13 ($USD 195 base plus 17.5% taxes and fees)
• Out-of-pocket: $USD 53.13
• Commute:
• 20 min public transportation
• 50 min walk
• Park Inn & Suites by Radisson Vancouver
• $USD 173.9 ($USD 148 base plus 17.5% taxes and fees)
• Out-of-pocket: $USD 0.00
• 4/5 stars, #44 of 90 (TripAdvisor)
• Commute:
• 25 min public transportation
• 52 min walk

IROS

http://www.iros2017.org/

• September 24-28, 2017
• Conference site: Vancouver Convention Center West

Sight seeing

• http://www.iros2017.org/registration-travel/sight-seeing
• Whistler
• Capilano Suspension Bridge
• Grouse Mountain

Meals and incidentals:

• Canada: https://aoprals.state.gov/web920/per_diem_action.asp?MenuHide=1&CountryCode=1079
• All countries: https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=184&menu_id=78
• Breakdown of M&IE: https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=114&menu_id=75
• Effective Date: 07/01/2017
• Applicable Timespan: 09/16/2017 -- 05/14/2018 (off-season)
• Maximum Lodging Rate: $CAD 194 and $USD 150 ($USD 176 ($CAN 228.16) + 17.5% taxes)
• M & IE Rate: $USD 124 ($CAN 160.75)
• $USD 19 Breakfast
• $USD 31 Lunch
• $USD 49 Dinner
• $USD 25 Incidentals
• Maximum Per Diem Rate: $USD 300 ($CAN 388.91)

Transportation

• Santa Cruz to/from Airport (SFO?)
• Personal vehicle: Santa Cruz to/from Airport
• SFO Long-term Parking: https://www.flysfo.com/to-from/parking/long-term
• Shuttle to/from terminal
• Airlines
• Flight price tracking:
• Google Flights: https://www.google.com/flights/
• Hipmunk (add email address during search): https://www.hipmunk.com
• SFO to/from YVR Flights (Note: direct flights only)
• Air Canada
• 561: 6:30-8:48 a.m. (2:18 direct)
• 563: 11:50-2:08 p.m. (2:18 direct)
• 569: 4:50-7:08 p.m. (2:18 direct)
• Alaska
• American
• Delta (no thanks)
• United (no thanks)
• Virgin America
• SJC to/from VRY Flights
• Air Canada (Note: direct flights only)
• 8113: 6:00-8:13 a.m. (2:13 direct)
• 8115: 11:50–2:03 p.m. (2:13 direct)
• 8117: 5:25-7:38 p.m. (2:13 direct)
• Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to/from Hotel
• IROS delegates can get to downtown Vancouver from YVR via Canada Line, a light rapid transit system for $9 (CAD)
• Taxis: $25
• Victoria Island
• http://bcfconnector.com/

Government Resources

• Passport: Valid through July 2026
• Global Entry:
• Valid through April 2022
• TSA Pre✓
• Expedited re-entry clearance
• https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry
• U.S. Consulate General in Vancouver: https://ca.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/vancouver/
• Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): 
• TODO: When hotel booked
• https://step.state.gov/step/
• International Drivers Permit (IDP)
• Expires after one year
• Canada - Not needed; U.S. driver's license acceptable
• AAA in Capitola can provide
• Country Information:
• https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/canada.html
• Passport Validity: Valid at time of entry
• Blank Passport Pages: One page required 
• Tourist Visa Required: Not required for stays under 180 days
• Vaccinations: None 
• Currency Restrictions For Entry: None 
• Currency Restrictions For Exit: None

Pet Boarding:

• Peace of Mind Pet Sitting: 
• http://peaceofmindpet.com/PetSittingservices.html

Sites (Suggested)

• Victoria (Vancouver Island)
• Butchart Gardens
• The Fairmont Empress Hotel
• High Tea
• Vancouver

International Conference Travel Checklist

• Carry-on:
• Eye-mask
• Travel-sized toiletries:
• Hair brush
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Mini deodorant
• Dry shampoo (recommended: Oscar Blandi)
• Linen face blotters
• Refreshing face spray
• Electronics:
• Laptop
• Laptop Charger
• International power adapters
• Mini power strip
• Cell phone
• Cell phone charger
• Flashdrive
• Dongles which use regularly
• Any adapters needed to connect your computer to a projector
• Extra:
• Kindle
• Noise-canceling headphones
• Traveling
• Printouts 
• Condense to one page; keep in wallet/passport bag:
• Flight information
• Hotel reservation (with address)
• Maps
• Location of the conference center
• Travel reason proof, for border crossing:
• Conference registration
• Talk/poster acceptance letter
• Water bottle
• Guides
• TripAdvisor
• US Department of State
• Identification
• Passport bag around neck
• Passport
• Printed copy of passport
• Boarding passes
• Conference essentials
• Business cards
• Color copies of poster (if presenting one)
• Note-taking:
• Writing utensils
• Notebook (for example, Moleskin)
• Water bottle
• Reusable travel mug
• Umbrella
• Small purse or bag (note: so don't have to lug laptop bag to dinner)
• Snacks (granola bars, fruit, nuts)
• Travel baby wipes, hand sanitizer (note: when bathroom essentials lacking)
• List of people to introduce yourself to (note: search the program online in advance, workshop, lunch, or field trip)
• Packing
• Outfits for each day, plus backup (in case of wardrobe malfunction)
• Underwear
• Socks
• Accessories: belts/leggings, jewelry
• Outdoor wear
• Coat
• Jacket
• Raincoat
• Umbrella
• Hat
• Mittens
• Shoes: comfortable, weather appropriate
• Toiletries:
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Soap
• Shampoo/conditioner
• Hair products/hair dryer
• Nail clippers
• Shaving needs
• contact lenses/solution
• feminine hygiene products
• bite splints/retainers
• makeup
• medication
• ID:
• Passport
• Travel visa (if needed)
• Wallet
• Debit/credit cards
• Talk:
• Backup (!)
• Poster (with print-outs, in a poster tube with your contact info)
• Good to have:
• Mini sewing kit (for lost buttons, etc.)
• Travel laundry bag (these are great)
• Books, papers, or files you need to work while you travel (or finish your talk)
• Location of lodging, conference center, flight information, transportation itineraries, etc.
• Before you leave:
• Notify credit card companies of where and when will travel
• Citi
• U.S. Bank - Email them, like a barbarian: login, contact us, email....
• Golden One - Email them, like a barbarian: login, contact us, email....
• Capital One 360 - Don't need to
• Other (?)

Resources

• http://wikitravel.org/en/Vancouver

Reimbursement:

• Travel Process: https://financial.ucsc.edu/Pages/Travel_Process.aspx
• Travel "Keys": https://financial.ucsc.edu/Pages/Travel_Keys.aspx
• Travel Forms: https://financial.ucsc.edu/Pages/travel_guide.aspx
• Travel Guide (that is, all the details): https://financial.ucsc.edu/Pages/Travel_Forms.asp

Previously:

https://iokevins-social.blogspot.com/2016/07/south-korea.html

SmugMug

Migrating ~6,000 photos and some 30 videos off Flickr, to SmugMug.

Constraints:

• Some "not found"...not sure why.
• Hit 5,000 max limit, per gallery, which sounds reasonable

Created a second gallery. Started importing the remaining 1,000+ files by selecting from the bottom and Shift-selecting randomly until I got something close to 1,000 files.

Jon Lovitz

Lots of memories of Jon Lovitz, but this one seems the clearest:


PLUG AWAY WITH HARVEY FIERSTEIN: KATHLEEN TURNER
Harvey Fierstein (Jon Lovitz) lets his guests - Lee Iacocca (Phil Hartman), Kathleen Turner and John Travolta (Dana Carvey) plug their projects and asks them if they would be attracted to him if he was a gay bee. [Season 15, 1989]

http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/plug-away-with-harvey-fierstein/n9819?snl=1

Venison burgers

Toasted the buns: 350 for five minutes

Seasonings: salt, pepper, Lowry's

One egg plus one pound meat (Durham Ranch Ground Venison) plus a bit of Worcestershire sauce, into four patties.

Cooked four minutes, flipped, three minutes on the other side. Used the cover to contain splattering. Turned out medium-rare, but I didn't want to overcook.

Toppings: lettuce, tomato, ketchup.

Verdict: success. : ) Venison tasted just OK, to me.