This hub and wheel was built by my friend Pat at the Bicycle Factory (sadly gond). It's a Campy Tipo hub, and I think it's one of the most beautiful hubs ever made. Pat did a nice job, and I love the crow's foot lacing. Someday, I'll have a rear to match.
Friday, February 17, 2006
Studio Bikes, my roadie
Since spring in on the way, my bike love has blossommed again. It took a hiatus for a little while because...well..life just wasn't very bike friendly. But now that my commute is back to reasonable, and I'm not commuting to see my lovely girlfriend, I've got the time to ride.
So I though I should document my bikes as they are right now (because I'm always tinkering and changing them).
This bike is my favorite to ride. It fits me just right, and handles really well, even with that atrocious aluminum fork. This was my main bike for commuting to school, and midnight mass rides. It is a lugged steel frame from davidson in Seattle. I traded an early 80's Merckx that was too small for it at Recyclery in San Rafael. The fork was the only thing they had that fit the frame, but someday I'll pony up the dough for a proper Davidson fork, but I don't have $250 sitting around...
So I though I should document my bikes as they are right now (because I'm always tinkering and changing them).
This bike is my favorite to ride. It fits me just right, and handles really well, even with that atrocious aluminum fork. This was my main bike for commuting to school, and midnight mass rides. It is a lugged steel frame from davidson in Seattle. I traded an early 80's Merckx that was too small for it at Recyclery in San Rafael. The fork was the only thing they had that fit the frame, but someday I'll pony up the dough for a proper Davidson fork, but I don't have $250 sitting around...
Motobecane makeover, ver. 0.9, the whole package.
Due to the cramped setup of my studio, the wide angle lens make the bike look a little funny.
These are great tires, Avocet Cross II in a neato grey sidewall. High volume, cushy without feeling sluggish, and so far (3 different bikes, over a couple of years) very flat resistant. The rubber rots pretty quickly though.
These are great tires, Avocet Cross II in a neato grey sidewall. High volume, cushy without feeling sluggish, and so far (3 different bikes, over a couple of years) very flat resistant. The rubber rots pretty quickly though.
Motobecane makeover, ver. 0.9
I love this bike. It's almost perfect for rolling around town on a weekend morning. The kids and I were enjoying the great weather by going for bike rides whenever we got the chance. So far the makeover was on the cheap, as a proof-of-concept. Cheapo steel bars, and a lucky day at the recyclery netted me a flip-flop fixed gear wheel for only a few hamiltons. All the other stuff I had in my lab. What it needs now is a rack, some nice fenders, and a springy brooks saddle. In fact I like the setup of this thing so much I'm thinking of changing over my black fixie to this permanently.
Motobecane makeover, ver. 0.9, drive train
Simple, effective, and low-maintenance. It's also very very quiet, which has become really important to me.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Oh man.
It just keeps getting worse. From Newsweek: Presidential hits.
What happened to Congress? What happened to the Supreme Court? Where's my damn country?
What happened to Congress? What happened to the Supreme Court? Where's my damn country?
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
There's a John Cleese in my dreams
My afternoon nap microdream:
Radio Newsguy Voice: On a sad note, famed comedian and former member of Monty Python's Flying Circus committed himself to a mental institution outside of London. Several years ago we intervied Mr. Cleese on this very subject.
Cut to taped interview:
Interviewer: You work over the years has been called loopy, crazy, wonderful, and strange. How do you determine what is sane or crazy?
John Cleese: Well, I know my work has had crazy moments, but it's intentional. I think if elements of my work started showing up in real life, then I would in trouble. If naked organists, or silly walks began making a regular appearance then that would be it, wouldn't it? I'd have myself committed.
Radio Newsguy Voice: One of Mr. Cleese's well known skits was reading nonsense newscasts. Evidently the proliferation of nonsense spam emails appearing worldwide was enough to for him to decide that enough was enough. We wish well, and hope he makes a speedy recovery.
Radio Newsguy Voice: On a sad note, famed comedian and former member of Monty Python's Flying Circus committed himself to a mental institution outside of London. Several years ago we intervied Mr. Cleese on this very subject.
Cut to taped interview:
Interviewer: You work over the years has been called loopy, crazy, wonderful, and strange. How do you determine what is sane or crazy?
John Cleese: Well, I know my work has had crazy moments, but it's intentional. I think if elements of my work started showing up in real life, then I would in trouble. If naked organists, or silly walks began making a regular appearance then that would be it, wouldn't it? I'd have myself committed.
Radio Newsguy Voice: One of Mr. Cleese's well known skits was reading nonsense newscasts. Evidently the proliferation of nonsense spam emails appearing worldwide was enough to for him to decide that enough was enough. We wish well, and hope he makes a speedy recovery.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
M is for Motobecane & Meredith
I still haven't set up my shop. It's getting there, but most of my tools are still dull, and in boxes. I've moved the furniture around several times and I think that I've come up with the best layout for the space. Now I need a project to motivate me to actually get the rest of the unpacking done. So I present to you my newest project: Frenchy, the town bike.
This Motobecane Mirage came as a gift from Meredith. She found it languishing in a thrift store, and decided to suprise me with it a couple of months ago. Seeing as how I have a roadbike, a mountain bike, a folder, and a fixed gear, I knew I needed to build a sweet town bike. I've wanted something with fenders, baskets, and a comfy 'cruising around town' feel for some time now. But that's the future. Let's deal with the present. Here's the bike as it came from the thrift store: Steel rims, rotted flat tires, and rusty drive train. The frame is in good shape. It looks like it wasn't ridden much at all. First I'll stick a wheelset on it, and get a sense of it's geometry, and see how it fits.
This Motobecane Mirage came as a gift from Meredith. She found it languishing in a thrift store, and decided to suprise me with it a couple of months ago. Seeing as how I have a roadbike, a mountain bike, a folder, and a fixed gear, I knew I needed to build a sweet town bike. I've wanted something with fenders, baskets, and a comfy 'cruising around town' feel for some time now. But that's the future. Let's deal with the present. Here's the bike as it came from the thrift store: Steel rims, rotted flat tires, and rusty drive train. The frame is in good shape. It looks like it wasn't ridden much at all. First I'll stick a wheelset on it, and get a sense of it's geometry, and see how it fits.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Yay! Consumerism!
Whoohoo! There's two new bike stores in westside Petaluma. I'm always happy to see more bike stores because maybe it means that more people will ride bikes. And I'm especially happy to have two new stores downtown because a little over a year ago we lost our last downtown bike store. I was very troubled by it's closure. Sure I can order all my odd-ball goofy bike parts over the internet, but I like going downtown and talking to someone, and supporting my local-bike-shop. So far, I've spent a little money at both of them, and once they get some more stock (they are both under a month old), I'm sure to spend more money there.
the two shops (Bici, and Eastside Cycles) cover a similar range, if slightly different styles of bike shops. Eastside (so named because it's first store was on teh eastside of town) is your more standard bike shop. Bigger than Bici, it covers a lot of the mountain/road mid-range market. It's got a some small selection in helmets, shoes, clothes, accessories and bikes, with a decidedly Moutain Bike slant. But they also work on bikes, and the guy told me they are still setting up and getting stock in.
Bici, is decidedly more stylee. The fixed gear in the window, the pale wood floors, the large plasma tv on the wall, mark it as much more boutique. But I liked it. Good bikes, actually some fixed gear stuff (lock rings, cogs, etc..) on hand, and the Bici guy (whose name I didn't get) is really hoping to make it a 'destination' type bike shop, with group rides, clinics and the Tour on a bigscreen plasma on the wall. Also: coffee. So he's got my business.
Bici Sport: Kentucky Street, Petaluma. Nice guy.
Eastside: In the new parking garage building (ironic, huh?) near the new theater.
Oh my god.
Laurel just clued me in. There's a freaking national pie day and we missed it. I can't believe it, because I love pie. It's like missing the international congress of tea drinkers meeting or something. Good lord. Never again will I forsake Pie Day.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Art Art Art
Last Saturday Meredith and I went to Laurel and Andy's latest art show at Roshambo Winery in Healdsburg. It was awesome, hardly a surprise, but awesome. Go see it. Really.
We also got to see a lot of friends we haven't seen for awhile. Mati and Hugh were there, Dan & Julie & Aidan, Bo & Rosa and their two(!) little girls, gage, david pierce, wil & heidi, my parents..it was a good mellow show with lots of great art.
Laurel and Andy have been busier than usual. The night before they had an openning at SF City Hall, this week they are off to L.A. for another show, and next month they'll be in a show in Chicago too.
Which makes me wonder..with all this jet-setting artyness, do you have to forsake pie?
We also got to see a lot of friends we haven't seen for awhile. Mati and Hugh were there, Dan & Julie & Aidan, Bo & Rosa and their two(!) little girls, gage, david pierce, wil & heidi, my parents..it was a good mellow show with lots of great art.
Laurel and Andy have been busier than usual. The night before they had an openning at SF City Hall, this week they are off to L.A. for another show, and next month they'll be in a show in Chicago too.
Which makes me wonder..with all this jet-setting artyness, do you have to forsake pie?
Friday, January 20, 2006
Ok, so I'm not in Disneyland anymore
It's been a very busy 6 weeks however. There was lots of crazy work deadlines (everybody wanted everything done before the holidays) then I moved, then the holidays, and a bad flu, and it's only now that life seems to be returning to some sort of new normalcy. I'm still unpacking, and trying to remember where I put something. I'm still adjusting to my new roommates, who are smaller and funnier than my last one. And I'm still working like a dog.
However, that doesn't mean that I'll forsake this blog forever.
So a quick update is in order: Disneyland was great, but also exhausting. The 'snow' they promised every night was actually soap bubbles, which tasted terrible, and stung the eyes. It's a Small World seemed to break down every 2 hours (which spared me the pain of *that* song). Of course I feel terribly for the people who were stuck in there when it broke.
California Adventure was actually freaking awesome. It's got more modern rides, but they still imagineered the place up a bit to resemble various areas of California. I was impressed. I think they did a really good job.
By day 3 we were all toasted. After our morning excursion to hit those last few 'must ride' rides, we spend the afternoon sitting in the hot tub and waiting by the pool.
There was no down time after disneyland though. I had 10 days to pack up 7 years of crap and move it to a smaller place in Santa Rosa. I alternated between taking car loads of stuff to the dump, and car loads of stuff to Goodwill. In the end, I still had way too much stuff. But after a wild couple of days moving M's house out, I got most of my stuff crammed into my shop, and we cleaned up for a Christmas Eve party.
Christmas Eve was really fun, it was the first year in a long time that I had a Christmas tree in the house, and we had about 30 people over for fondue and drinks. Ben and Mickey laughed at my attemps of nacent step-fathering, and kids ran crazily through the house. Sylvan and Zelia did an awesome lip-sync to the 'never trust robots' song.
After everyone left, and we got the kids down to bed, I got to see, for the first time, behind the curtains of Christmas. Meredith and I stayed up and wrapped presents as Santa, filled stockings, and ate Santa's cookies (making sure to leave some crumbs). It was really cool, except for one thing.
I was definately coming down with a cold.
Christmas morning I was very sick, feverish, achey, bad sore throat, the whole package. Which made the whole "presents, candy, good cheer" thing a blur. We opened presents with the kids, who then went off with their dad to spend the day with his family. Meredith and I got dressed and went to my parent's but I could only hold out for a few hours before I had to go home and sleep. Thankfully I had the week off of work so I got to spend most of my vacation on the couch sleeping.
But even with the cold, it was a great Christmas.
However, that doesn't mean that I'll forsake this blog forever.
So a quick update is in order: Disneyland was great, but also exhausting. The 'snow' they promised every night was actually soap bubbles, which tasted terrible, and stung the eyes. It's a Small World seemed to break down every 2 hours (which spared me the pain of *that* song). Of course I feel terribly for the people who were stuck in there when it broke.
California Adventure was actually freaking awesome. It's got more modern rides, but they still imagineered the place up a bit to resemble various areas of California. I was impressed. I think they did a really good job.
By day 3 we were all toasted. After our morning excursion to hit those last few 'must ride' rides, we spend the afternoon sitting in the hot tub and waiting by the pool.
There was no down time after disneyland though. I had 10 days to pack up 7 years of crap and move it to a smaller place in Santa Rosa. I alternated between taking car loads of stuff to the dump, and car loads of stuff to Goodwill. In the end, I still had way too much stuff. But after a wild couple of days moving M's house out, I got most of my stuff crammed into my shop, and we cleaned up for a Christmas Eve party.
Christmas Eve was really fun, it was the first year in a long time that I had a Christmas tree in the house, and we had about 30 people over for fondue and drinks. Ben and Mickey laughed at my attemps of nacent step-fathering, and kids ran crazily through the house. Sylvan and Zelia did an awesome lip-sync to the 'never trust robots' song.
After everyone left, and we got the kids down to bed, I got to see, for the first time, behind the curtains of Christmas. Meredith and I stayed up and wrapped presents as Santa, filled stockings, and ate Santa's cookies (making sure to leave some crumbs). It was really cool, except for one thing.
I was definately coming down with a cold.
Christmas morning I was very sick, feverish, achey, bad sore throat, the whole package. Which made the whole "presents, candy, good cheer" thing a blur. We opened presents with the kids, who then went off with their dad to spend the day with his family. Meredith and I got dressed and went to my parent's but I could only hold out for a few hours before I had to go home and sleep. Thankfully I had the week off of work so I got to spend most of my vacation on the couch sleeping.
But even with the cold, it was a great Christmas.
Friday, December 02, 2005
Disneyland - Day one
Today we flew from Oakland to Orange County to go to my company's 3-day Christmas Celebration. Staff and family got 3 days in the Paradise Pier Hotel, 3 Day passes to Disneyland, Disneyland California something and something else.
While I haven't been a fan of Disney for years (mega-global-entertainment-giants not being my milleiu) I was a little excited to see the original Disneyland. When I was little over 2 or 3 (I think) my parent's brought my brother and I here, and I only have disjointed memories of the trip. I remember driving a little car (and loving it). Being scared by a Yeti in a mountain, worried that It's a Small World dolls would come to life and get us. And being scared at the haunted Mansion, but facinated at the little lightbulbs that flickered like candles.
So now I'm here, first impressions? The park is smaller than I remember (not a suprise), but the matterhorn is pretty striking. Also the Yeti is still a little scary, and those little cars? They actually run on gas. It's odd how much exhaust gets funneled back up the line, but it's really stinky. It's also sponsored by Chevron. In fact most of the major rides are sponsored by some corporation. Kinda odd.
Monorails rule though.
Tonight? It will snow in the Magic Kingdom after the fireworks. Pictures soon.
While I haven't been a fan of Disney for years (mega-global-entertainment-giants not being my milleiu) I was a little excited to see the original Disneyland. When I was little over 2 or 3 (I think) my parent's brought my brother and I here, and I only have disjointed memories of the trip. I remember driving a little car (and loving it). Being scared by a Yeti in a mountain, worried that It's a Small World dolls would come to life and get us. And being scared at the haunted Mansion, but facinated at the little lightbulbs that flickered like candles.
So now I'm here, first impressions? The park is smaller than I remember (not a suprise), but the matterhorn is pretty striking. Also the Yeti is still a little scary, and those little cars? They actually run on gas. It's odd how much exhaust gets funneled back up the line, but it's really stinky. It's also sponsored by Chevron. In fact most of the major rides are sponsored by some corporation. Kinda odd.
Monorails rule though.
Tonight? It will snow in the Magic Kingdom after the fireworks. Pictures soon.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Some Minor Updates
Moving day is coming up, as is the company Christmas party in LA, Kill-a-tree for christ day (getting a christmas tree), and Christmas. I've got so much to do and pack and freak out about that I feel strangely calm.
As of the 15th I'll be in the new house in Santa Rosa, along with a new email address and new phone number. If you need/want this new info leave me a comment and I'll get back to you through a more private channel.
As of the 15th I'll be in the new house in Santa Rosa, along with a new email address and new phone number. If you need/want this new info leave me a comment and I'll get back to you through a more private channel.
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Housey!
Well, it's almost official. I'm moving to Santa Rosa! I'm still working out the details with my company regarding where I'd work, and we need to put down the money for the deposit/first/last. But it looks like I'll get to wear a Goodman Ave hoodie with pride this Christmas.
Pictures can be found at Meredith's Flickr Page.
Pictures can be found at Meredith's Flickr Page.
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Day of the Dead
So, it's a week late, but what are you going to do.
Last week I drove from my office in Oakland over to Laurel's place to go march in the Day of the Dead procession with her and friends. Of course no one was leaving the apartment without the requisite decoration. Even I, your fearful scribe, partook of the facepaint and did my best to represent the face of death.
The procession was awesome. There were thousands of people walking down the streets. About 10-20% were dressed up in some way. Horns, drums and flutes played like a New Orleans Funereal march mixed up with NorCal drum circle. Sage smoke wafted over the crowds and people were lit by the flickering of candles.
After some detours and shortcuts which led us to a little party at a former art studio down a really cool alley, and some confused running around we ran into the head of the march where some Incan(?) dancers performed a insanely energetic tribal dance thing. The amount of flash photography was staggering, so much so that I stopped using my own flash and just relied on the professionals to light the scene for me.
Eventually we made our way over to Garfield park and Laurel and Andy laid there cards and candles at an altar (I had left my card to Michael back in there apartment). Then we wandered around looking for our fellow skeletons and headed for home, with a brief stop at McDonalds for some life afirming dead-cow.
I didn't wash my make-up until got home, which made from some awesome double-takes from the drivers around me.
Last week I drove from my office in Oakland over to Laurel's place to go march in the Day of the Dead procession with her and friends. Of course no one was leaving the apartment without the requisite decoration. Even I, your fearful scribe, partook of the facepaint and did my best to represent the face of death.
The procession was awesome. There were thousands of people walking down the streets. About 10-20% were dressed up in some way. Horns, drums and flutes played like a New Orleans Funereal march mixed up with NorCal drum circle. Sage smoke wafted over the crowds and people were lit by the flickering of candles.
After some detours and shortcuts which led us to a little party at a former art studio down a really cool alley, and some confused running around we ran into the head of the march where some Incan(?) dancers performed a insanely energetic tribal dance thing. The amount of flash photography was staggering, so much so that I stopped using my own flash and just relied on the professionals to light the scene for me.
Eventually we made our way over to Garfield park and Laurel and Andy laid there cards and candles at an altar (I had left my card to Michael back in there apartment). Then we wandered around looking for our fellow skeletons and headed for home, with a brief stop at McDonalds for some life afirming dead-cow.
I didn't wash my make-up until got home, which made from some awesome double-takes from the drivers around me.
The winter whirlwind
Wow, what a couple of weeks it's been. And that's nothing compared to what may be happening by the end of the year. For those who haven't heard, Meredith has found a great house in Santa Rosa on Goodman Ave (which is really where it's at, neighborhood-wise). But we don't know if we can get it, because I would need to change up my job situation and I just got down here. It's a great house, but it's also no bargin. So I may or may not be moving.
Then there's my company's christmas party. They are flying everyone (families, spouses, significant others and their families) to Disneyland for an action=packed weekend and a dinner for 80 at the rainforest cafe. It should be pretty awesome. I plan to spend the time trying to match up the fuzzy sepia-toned memories of my visit to Disneyland in 1978 or so with the modern one.
Then there's the business trip to Mammoth Lakes, by way of Reno. I'll be driving the trusty comfy Subaru over the sierras during winter-storm months. If you know me, you know I cannot wait! Of course it'll be my luck to have beautiful unseasonably warm weather for the whole trip. I love doing stuff like that, remind me to tell you of the time I drove 17.5 hours to Silver Springs, NV and back in the middle of the worst storm of the winter to deliver someone some clothes.
Not to mention the blur that will be Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's and all that insanity.
Then there's my company's christmas party. They are flying everyone (families, spouses, significant others and their families) to Disneyland for an action=packed weekend and a dinner for 80 at the rainforest cafe. It should be pretty awesome. I plan to spend the time trying to match up the fuzzy sepia-toned memories of my visit to Disneyland in 1978 or so with the modern one.
Then there's the business trip to Mammoth Lakes, by way of Reno. I'll be driving the trusty comfy Subaru over the sierras during winter-storm months. If you know me, you know I cannot wait! Of course it'll be my luck to have beautiful unseasonably warm weather for the whole trip. I love doing stuff like that, remind me to tell you of the time I drove 17.5 hours to Silver Springs, NV and back in the middle of the worst storm of the winter to deliver someone some clothes.
Not to mention the blur that will be Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's and all that insanity.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Podcasts
My current favorites:
TWiT
DiggNation The latest episode actually made me snort soda through my nose at work. It's super-geeky and lightly obnoxious, but the bit about the sheepherder using wifi almost killed me.
Security Now
Sparkletack, which I haven't tried yet, but looks really interesting. It's history bits about San Francisco. I'll be listening to it during my commute in tomorrow.
TWiT
DiggNation The latest episode actually made me snort soda through my nose at work. It's super-geeky and lightly obnoxious, but the bit about the sheepherder using wifi almost killed me.
Security Now
Sparkletack, which I haven't tried yet, but looks really interesting. It's history bits about San Francisco. I'll be listening to it during my commute in tomorrow.
Sweet Zombie Jesus
Here's yet another reason why the internet rules. Zombie Simulator
And now a series of links:
1 Bloglines is a great way to keep track of your favorite websites or blogs. I love it mainly because I surf across 4 different machines, and bloglines keeps me straight.
2. Best car geekery Blog I've read. I love this guy's writing. If you like old cars, or odd ball car/mechanical related stuff, read his blog. Also he has Heelers so you know he's all right.
3. Trane's blog while he's teaching in Japan. Funny, well written and beautifully photographed.
4. And even though Flash may be devil spawn this game is terribly addictive. Actually all their games are. Warning: may lead to lost productivity and a tendancy to mutter
And now a series of links:
1 Bloglines is a great way to keep track of your favorite websites or blogs. I love it mainly because I surf across 4 different machines, and bloglines keeps me straight.
2. Best car geekery Blog I've read. I love this guy's writing. If you like old cars, or odd ball car/mechanical related stuff, read his blog. Also he has Heelers so you know he's all right.
3. Trane's blog while he's teaching in Japan. Funny, well written and beautifully photographed.
4. And even though Flash may be devil spawn this game is terribly addictive. Actually all their games are. Warning: may lead to lost productivity and a tendancy to mutter
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Eep! Shiny!
I did it. I pulled the trigger and got a newish car. I can't wait to pick it up (which I will do tomorrow morning at 7:30). Oh to have climate control again, and a lack of deafening wind noise. I'll even have 5 whole gears to use. It'll be bliss.
Here's a picture.
Here's a picture.
Thursday, September 29, 2005
The New De Young
I don't like the new De Young.
In fact I'm pretty upset about the whole business. All those great City Beautiful inspired public-palaces are gone. There is no more alligator pit in the Steinhart Aquarium. There is no fancy marble, or gilt paint on the iron work. It's all gone.
Beyond the loss of a historical resource, beyond the loss of craftmanship that cannot be regained, it is to me a loss of ideology.
Those museums were old school. Seriously old school. Science and the arts weren't interactive. They were lofty relics stored in dimly lit halls behind glass. Somber, imposing, inscrutable. That's what I loved about those places. I can't really get into the whole new-science, info-tainment, facts-delivered-by-handpuppet places that seem to have swept over the museum scene. I'm sure there are educators who'll tell me that this method is more effective in teaching facts to ADD addled children, but will it make them more curious about the world? I don't know. I don't think so.
As a kid those palaces instilled in me that science was important, that it was mysterious. Why else would there be such a big fancy building to house it all in? You had to meditate on what was in those dusty diaramas to make sense of it. And more often than not, you couldn't make sense of it. Not completely, because the whole story wasn't told. It wasn't holistic. A friend of mine once told me that good art leaves you with more questions than it answers, and I felt that way about those museums in Golden Gate Park. They gave you the briefest taste that the world was a very interesting place.
And if they ever do anything to the Exporitorium I'll bite somebody.
In fact I'm pretty upset about the whole business. All those great City Beautiful inspired public-palaces are gone. There is no more alligator pit in the Steinhart Aquarium. There is no fancy marble, or gilt paint on the iron work. It's all gone.
Beyond the loss of a historical resource, beyond the loss of craftmanship that cannot be regained, it is to me a loss of ideology.
Those museums were old school. Seriously old school. Science and the arts weren't interactive. They were lofty relics stored in dimly lit halls behind glass. Somber, imposing, inscrutable. That's what I loved about those places. I can't really get into the whole new-science, info-tainment, facts-delivered-by-handpuppet places that seem to have swept over the museum scene. I'm sure there are educators who'll tell me that this method is more effective in teaching facts to ADD addled children, but will it make them more curious about the world? I don't know. I don't think so.
As a kid those palaces instilled in me that science was important, that it was mysterious. Why else would there be such a big fancy building to house it all in? You had to meditate on what was in those dusty diaramas to make sense of it. And more often than not, you couldn't make sense of it. Not completely, because the whole story wasn't told. It wasn't holistic. A friend of mine once told me that good art leaves you with more questions than it answers, and I felt that way about those museums in Golden Gate Park. They gave you the briefest taste that the world was a very interesting place.
And if they ever do anything to the Exporitorium I'll bite somebody.
Edith Saved?
Plans were afoot to decommission and dismantle edith at the end of October. Those plans have been put on hold. Gary and I think, with a little application of money (>$200) and several weekends of light work we could stabilize her decline and keep her 'seaworthy' or at least river-worthy for months, if not years to come. We've currently decided that is the best course of action.
We'll see if we feel the same way during the depths of winter.
Soon to follow, more river barge pictures, taken this very morning. All I'll say is that I was on the water for work, and it was glorious.
We'll see if we feel the same way during the depths of winter.
Soon to follow, more river barge pictures, taken this very morning. All I'll say is that I was on the water for work, and it was glorious.
Changes
All my little plans run amok in the streets, throwing stones and banging on newspaper machines.
Earlier I noted that I would be transfering to Oakland on November 1st, and moving to SF sometime around the new year. Well, not anymore folks. At least not this week.
Staffing at the Oakland office went through some unforseen hiccups and I volunteered to setup there for the short term until things settled down again. Of course the short term will probably take me until Nov 1st, then I'll be here officially.
As far as moving goes, I may need to put that off for a bit, as now that my commute has started I need a good reliable car soon. And that will soak up a lot of my 'moving' money. That said, my lovely truck and BMW are going up for sale at bargain prices for the discerning collector. Contact me if you are interested.
In addition to the location change I've been given some complex jobs with very short deadlines. So that's why I'm sitting in a sweltering office at 6:30 on thursday, when I should be having dinner with Meredith. Sigh. And I'll be here a while yet.
I'll spare you the promise to update my blog more often, but I won't spare you a picture of my cat looking cute.
Earlier I noted that I would be transfering to Oakland on November 1st, and moving to SF sometime around the new year. Well, not anymore folks. At least not this week.
Staffing at the Oakland office went through some unforseen hiccups and I volunteered to setup there for the short term until things settled down again. Of course the short term will probably take me until Nov 1st, then I'll be here officially.
As far as moving goes, I may need to put that off for a bit, as now that my commute has started I need a good reliable car soon. And that will soak up a lot of my 'moving' money. That said, my lovely truck and BMW are going up for sale at bargain prices for the discerning collector. Contact me if you are interested.
In addition to the location change I've been given some complex jobs with very short deadlines. So that's why I'm sitting in a sweltering office at 6:30 on thursday, when I should be having dinner with Meredith. Sigh. And I'll be here a while yet.
I'll spare you the promise to update my blog more often, but I won't spare you a picture of my cat looking cute.
Friday, September 09, 2005
Soul Sucker
The weather has cooled down, and I see kids trudging to school when I go to work in the mornings. Fall is nearly upon us (yay!) and I've rediscovered video games. This happens nearly every year. When back to school sales start, I suddenly get the urge to see what new and exciting games have come out. It must be a ingrained habit for procrastination from going to college. There's no better way to procrastinate than geeking out with a good game...unless it's cleaning house.
So earlier this week I bought World of Warcraft because I kept hearing such good things about it. I confess I was quite a D&D/Middle Earth geek as a kid, and I still secretly enjoy that whole genre of game. The great thing about WoW is that it's basically online-digital-real-time D&D. Sure there are differences, but it scratches that same mental/emotional itch. Now my days of working late hours and optimizing my network and file systems are past, it's all about running around in the forest and bashing creatures on the head.
So earlier this week I bought World of Warcraft because I kept hearing such good things about it. I confess I was quite a D&D/Middle Earth geek as a kid, and I still secretly enjoy that whole genre of game. The great thing about WoW is that it's basically online-digital-real-time D&D. Sure there are differences, but it scratches that same mental/emotional itch. Now my days of working late hours and optimizing my network and file systems are past, it's all about running around in the forest and bashing creatures on the head.
Thursday, September 08, 2005
San Francisco Love Vacation
A couple of weeks ago, Meredith's ex-mother-in-law watched M's kids for the weekend so we could get out of town. We both needed a break from our routine, and a mini-vacation was the perfect thing. Since we didn't have much time and Meredith has just begun exploring San Francisco, we thought it would make lots of sense to get a hotel room in the city and wander around all weekend.
Photos first then details.
Photos first then details.
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Birthday Addendum
It's looking like a lot of people will be busy on the 27th. So I'm thinking about switching to a daytime bbq/arbitrary gift day to the 28th (Sunday). RSVP me whether or not you can make it on Sunday. That is all.
Saturday, August 13, 2005
To Quote Ice Cube
Today was a good day.
It's funny, I stayed up far too late last night, there was another accident on the curve just above our house, and subsequently slept in 'til 10:30. Which meant I woke up with a blinding headache. I feared it was going to be another wasted Saturday, where I didn't get anything meaningful done, but also didn't do anything fun. As it happened I was wrong on both counts!
I got up and went to the Recyclery in San Rafael (well, first I got coffee..) and looked for parts for my folding bike. Didn't find much, but that's best because I don't have much money to spend at the moment. There are some really nice bikes down there right now for small people. I almost bought M another bike cause it was so rad, but she loves her bike and it would be presumptious of me to diffuse that love.
When I got home I spent a couple of hours working on my folder. Lemme back up a bit. Last night I spent almost all evening (after working 11 hours) fixing up my covy of bikes which have been neglected for too long. I had run into some problems with the folder that had vexed me all evening. Today I solved all those problems in no time at all! A little application of a torch and voila, it is done. Then I spruced up the paint some to stop the rust until I have a better sense of what it's aesthetic should be. After that I ate some lunch and took some aspirin (head still pounding), and started cleaning. Before I knew it, it's 9pm and my house is cleaner than it's been in...well since a girl lived here. Laurel's mom (my landlord) stopped by in the afternoon and we had a long pleasant talk about the house, my plans for moving (which she was very supportive about, something I was uneasy about bringing up), and life in general.
Also I found a good cheap source for some anime I've been wanting.
Also tomorrow is Sunday, which means Meredith-Day. Yay! I forsee a nice bike ride along the Sebastopol bike path, then lunch, then lounging around watching anime, maybe a nap and tea.
I hope you had as good of a day as me.
It's funny, I stayed up far too late last night, there was another accident on the curve just above our house, and subsequently slept in 'til 10:30. Which meant I woke up with a blinding headache. I feared it was going to be another wasted Saturday, where I didn't get anything meaningful done, but also didn't do anything fun. As it happened I was wrong on both counts!
I got up and went to the Recyclery in San Rafael (well, first I got coffee..) and looked for parts for my folding bike. Didn't find much, but that's best because I don't have much money to spend at the moment. There are some really nice bikes down there right now for small people. I almost bought M another bike cause it was so rad, but she loves her bike and it would be presumptious of me to diffuse that love.
When I got home I spent a couple of hours working on my folder. Lemme back up a bit. Last night I spent almost all evening (after working 11 hours) fixing up my covy of bikes which have been neglected for too long. I had run into some problems with the folder that had vexed me all evening. Today I solved all those problems in no time at all! A little application of a torch and voila, it is done. Then I spruced up the paint some to stop the rust until I have a better sense of what it's aesthetic should be. After that I ate some lunch and took some aspirin (head still pounding), and started cleaning. Before I knew it, it's 9pm and my house is cleaner than it's been in...well since a girl lived here. Laurel's mom (my landlord) stopped by in the afternoon and we had a long pleasant talk about the house, my plans for moving (which she was very supportive about, something I was uneasy about bringing up), and life in general.
Also I found a good cheap source for some anime I've been wanting.
Also tomorrow is Sunday, which means Meredith-Day. Yay! I forsee a nice bike ride along the Sebastopol bike path, then lunch, then lounging around watching anime, maybe a nap and tea.
I hope you had as good of a day as me.
Monday, August 08, 2005
Don't trust me.
As of 8/26 I'll be 30. I'm having a rare celebration of my birthday that Saturday, come by the house, we'll bbq, drink beer, etc. Put it on your calendar. Presents are REALLY not neccesary as I'm trying to get rid of stuff (exceptions of course are the center-cockpit sloop from below, or anything from my amazon wish list) Just come by and eat food. It'll be good to see you.
Not so much news, as a formal announcement of rumor.
I'm moving. Starting Nov 1st I'll be working at our company's nacent east bay office in downtown Oakland. I hope to be living in SF by January 1st, but we'll see. I have a lot of sorting, tossing, selling of my crap to do first. Also, I'm thinning the vehicle herd. As I'll be commuting for the first 2 months (maybe longer) I need a reliable, confortable vehicle to get from Petaluma to Oakland in. I'd rather not go for a honda (theft problems), but I'm open to suggestion, btw thanks Laurel for the 2CV idea, but probably not so good on the freeway.
Friday, July 29, 2005
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