Hazel will celebrate her birthday in a few days. I won't say how old she is, that's her prerogative (she is younger then I - you know, child bride thing).
If you are curious I will give a couple hints. When she was sweet sixteen, her dates had to pay $.25 for a gallon of gas. For the economists, the Dow Jones was 680. If you bought a $1000 mutual fund indexed to the market (those funds didn't exist then), it would have grown to be a bunch more. And...Bobby Darin wrote Dream Lover to hint about her meeting me.
She was born just after Tommy Smothers who's birthday fell a day before hers - OK, he is some years older too.
She welcomes birthday wishes.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Global Warming
Ok, I've gotta weigh in on the global warming thing. However, if you are expecting something insightful, stop reading. Of course I reserve the right to write more later and remove all doubt of my ignorance on this topic.
I have heard the conservative talk show hosts disparage the concept, often ascribing it to the category of trash-science. But I wonder what Sean Hannity or Rush Limbaugh would say if President Bush clearly affirmed that man caused global warming instead of Al Gore (I don't mean that Al caused global warming but that mankind was responsible)?
I have heard the conservative talk show hosts disparage the concept, often ascribing it to the category of trash-science. But I wonder what Sean Hannity or Rush Limbaugh would say if President Bush clearly affirmed that man caused global warming instead of Al Gore (I don't mean that Al caused global warming but that mankind was responsible)?
Golf Clubs
When I decided to resume my golf carer after about a 35 year hiatus I did a little research about which clubs to buy. I was advised to just buy a set of irons and maybe a three wood to start, drivers being more difficult to control. Certainly seemed like profoundly good advice since I struggle to control any of the clubs. Bought a used set of irons (3 or 4 years ago) and soon after a three wood. Since then I've focused on getting the balls to go down range rather then sideways or behind me - striking fellow golfers (there sure are some grouches out there).
Well, I think I've made enough progress to consider buying a driver. There are a bewildering assortment and now the manufacturers have come out with some rather unorthodox shapes and designs. Obviously these must have the secret elixir that will shave 40 strokes off my game, getting my score below a hundred.
So, my research has intensified and I think Callaway may have the club for me. Always liked a company that called their club "Big Bertha." Now they have a square headed club called the FT-i (not as catchy but not a deal breaker). The icing on this cake is that Callaway consulted BMW in developing the design. OMG, gotta have a club like that...there is just a little problem with the price, they sell for $625. Anyone got a used FT-i they'd sell me for $50?
Well, I think I've made enough progress to consider buying a driver. There are a bewildering assortment and now the manufacturers have come out with some rather unorthodox shapes and designs. Obviously these must have the secret elixir that will shave 40 strokes off my game, getting my score below a hundred.
So, my research has intensified and I think Callaway may have the club for me. Always liked a company that called their club "Big Bertha." Now they have a square headed club called the FT-i (not as catchy but not a deal breaker). The icing on this cake is that Callaway consulted BMW in developing the design. OMG, gotta have a club like that...there is just a little problem with the price, they sell for $625. Anyone got a used FT-i they'd sell me for $50?
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Home Again
We are home from the bay area and it is nice. Alhtough I sometimes wish we still lived in the bay area, this is home now and we have developed new friendships and interests.
I do miss living in the bay area, I miss the many fine restaurants, many interest you can pursue which often have the most expert people in the country to teach you. And, of course, I miss get togethers with family and California friends.
I hope to post a few more photos of the grandchildren and maybe photos of the city. It is fun to go to the city as a tourist. I don't think the shots of San Francisco are particularly good. The sunlight was harsh against the shadows on the city streets - too much contrast for any really decent pictures.
Now that I'm back I've started pursuing my new sport. I started doing this a long time ago purely by accident, now I seem to spend more time in its pursuit and find it passes the time, can be very challenging, and is often frustrating. My new sport is looking for things I've mislaid.
I do miss living in the bay area, I miss the many fine restaurants, many interest you can pursue which often have the most expert people in the country to teach you. And, of course, I miss get togethers with family and California friends.
I hope to post a few more photos of the grandchildren and maybe photos of the city. It is fun to go to the city as a tourist. I don't think the shots of San Francisco are particularly good. The sunlight was harsh against the shadows on the city streets - too much contrast for any really decent pictures.
Now that I'm back I've started pursuing my new sport. I started doing this a long time ago purely by accident, now I seem to spend more time in its pursuit and find it passes the time, can be very challenging, and is often frustrating. My new sport is looking for things I've mislaid.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Cattle Can Fly
The airlines continue to experiment with various ways to rapidly load and unload passengers. Given our status as “cattle” I think I have a suggestion. Perhaps you might think of more ways and can add them to the comments section.
Much of the loading time is consumed by people taking too long getting settled in their seats. You know, removing coats, stowing bags which only fit with much pushing and shoving under and over the seats, grabbing the wrong seat, etc.
The NFL and energy credits provide a solution. First, give the flight attendants stop watches and whistles. When a passenger takes longer then 10 seconds to stow their gear and get seated, blow a shrill whistle and penalize them $5 per second for “Delay of Flight.” If a passenger goes against the flow to put baggage overhead, they would be ejected from the flight for “illegal procedure” - and required to pay a $20 fine as well. If the passenger cannot lift his/her luggage into the overhead bin, whistle and fine them $20 for “false start.”
Now, the energy credits concept come to bear through distribution of revenue gained by fines. The revenue is distributed to those passengers that were able to assume their seat in less then 10 seconds. Distribution is pro-rata based on time under the specified 10 second limit.
Okay the idea needs a little work. I can envision some unscrupulous seatmate surreptitiously holding luggage while the other endeavors to hoist it into the bin and thus drawing a penalty. Even if flawed isn’t this a brilliant idea? Aren’t you glad you took the time to read this post?
Much of the loading time is consumed by people taking too long getting settled in their seats. You know, removing coats, stowing bags which only fit with much pushing and shoving under and over the seats, grabbing the wrong seat, etc.
The NFL and energy credits provide a solution. First, give the flight attendants stop watches and whistles. When a passenger takes longer then 10 seconds to stow their gear and get seated, blow a shrill whistle and penalize them $5 per second for “Delay of Flight.” If a passenger goes against the flow to put baggage overhead, they would be ejected from the flight for “illegal procedure” - and required to pay a $20 fine as well. If the passenger cannot lift his/her luggage into the overhead bin, whistle and fine them $20 for “false start.”
Now, the energy credits concept come to bear through distribution of revenue gained by fines. The revenue is distributed to those passengers that were able to assume their seat in less then 10 seconds. Distribution is pro-rata based on time under the specified 10 second limit.
Okay the idea needs a little work. I can envision some unscrupulous seatmate surreptitiously holding luggage while the other endeavors to hoist it into the bin and thus drawing a penalty. Even if flawed isn’t this a brilliant idea? Aren’t you glad you took the time to read this post?
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Tyler meets Maya
Since we don’t see our grandchildren for months at a time it is remarkable to see the changes. And, when we meet again, it is a process of getting to know them again. Tyler seemed so angelic when we first met him the other day.
Tyler seems to be a bit of a Romeo. In the photo below you can see he is making moves on Maya (check out his right hand). Pretty blatant isn't he? Later, he had his arm around her. The kid has fast hands.
He has a good line and Maya thinks he can tell a mean joke. We wanted to know what he told her but he refused to repeat himself. We suspect it wasn’t very clean, you know how kids can be at this age.
Maya pretended to not always like it but then privately confided that Tyler seemed pretty cool.
San Jose Car Show
Josh, Chris. Travis and I went to the San Jose auto show. Although smaller then I expected (San Jose has a larger population then San Francisco), the show was still fun and it is nice to view cars without salesmen hovering. Apparently the show was a little hard up for women to pose by the cars – wonder what he got paid.
One of the things that impressed me the most was the windshield wipers on the Lamborghini Gallardo Spider. Those were big suckers! Bet the cost a bunch to replace, first there is the fuel cost to get to the dealer (sorry, your local auto parts probably carry them), and then, I expect a minimum of $200 labor to inspect the wipers plus another $200 for the replacements. Now, since you own an Lamborghini, you don’t want to appear cheap so when the service manager tells you your tires need rebalancing, your engine sounds a little out of tune, etc. well, figure a couple thousand more and, of course, you’d feel cheap to say no.
Hilllary vs. Obama
There is a lot of media excitment and hence, the public excitment about Barack Obama. I think, however, Matier and Ross in their San Framcisco Column have pointed out an extremely important distinction between the two.
They tell how San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsome and L.A. mayor Antonio Villaraigosa were outside a recent reception at the Italian Emabassy in Washington, D.C. Hillary Rodham Clinton walked up to them saying "My mayors!" and started to discuss with each of them their respective pet issues of health care and education.
Later the mayors were inside at the reception when Barack Obama walked by. He did not recognize either mayor.
I think this ancedote is very telling, when the rubber meets the road, Hillary will persevere in obtaining the Democratic nomination. I think she will surpise us in the strength of the contest she will wage. Whether she will win will depend heavily on who the Republicans put against her.
They tell how San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsome and L.A. mayor Antonio Villaraigosa were outside a recent reception at the Italian Emabassy in Washington, D.C. Hillary Rodham Clinton walked up to them saying "My mayors!" and started to discuss with each of them their respective pet issues of health care and education.
Later the mayors were inside at the reception when Barack Obama walked by. He did not recognize either mayor.
I think this ancedote is very telling, when the rubber meets the road, Hillary will persevere in obtaining the Democratic nomination. I think she will surpise us in the strength of the contest she will wage. Whether she will win will depend heavily on who the Republicans put against her.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Arnold
Matier and Ross are political reporters for the San Francisco Chronicle. I enjoy their column because they seem to be well connected and give some interesting insight to the local political scene. It didn't take deep sources to write the following which appeared in today's Chronicle.
"Speed Bump: Busted leg or no, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger isn't letting up on his public appearances.
Many thought the Governator might take a break after his inauguration and State of the State speech. Instead, he's hobbling along, coming down San Francisco for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day breakfast Monday, then off to Los Angeles that night for the Golden Globe Awards.
He's done quite a job of working through the pain, although some think the painkillers have kicked into gear a bit unexpectedly at times.
Like at the post-inaugural luncheon when he introduced Eunice Shriver, telling the crowd: "She's 86 years old, and she flies out here all by herself. Eunice - you don't look a day over 90!"
Whoops."
"Speed Bump: Busted leg or no, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger isn't letting up on his public appearances.
Many thought the Governator might take a break after his inauguration and State of the State speech. Instead, he's hobbling along, coming down San Francisco for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day breakfast Monday, then off to Los Angeles that night for the Golden Globe Awards.
He's done quite a job of working through the pain, although some think the painkillers have kicked into gear a bit unexpectedly at times.
Like at the post-inaugural luncheon when he introduced Eunice Shriver, telling the crowd: "She's 86 years old, and she flies out here all by herself. Eunice - you don't look a day over 90!"
Whoops."
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Flying to San Francisco
We are in the bay area now, our flight went smoothly, although it was long. This time we flew from Wilmington connecting through Charlotte.
Previously we’ve flown from Raleigh since it tends to be less expensive – although not as convenient. The problem with the Raleigh route is it took us through Dallas on the way to San Francisco. I had come to view these trips with trepidation since it was like playing roulette with the schedule. If there are no delays, the trip takes around 8 – 10 hours including connections but last July it took 20 hours (and serious frustration with American Airlines). Other trips have seen troubling delays.
A few days ago, passengers trying to get to DFW from San Francisco had a trial much worse then ours. They were delayed about an hour or so leaving San Francisco due to mechanical problems. That delay caused them to be diverted to Austin because severe thunderstorms had grounded Dallas flights. If the flight had left San Francisco on time they would have arrived Dallas okay. Unfortunately, the diversion to Austin not only added time to the trip – it had them sitting on the tarmac for 8 hours. They did not get relief – assignment to a gate only when the captain, on his own initiative, demanded and got a gate, permitting the passengers to deplane. American Airlines was prepared to keep them out there longer.
During those 8 hours, other flights came and went but American Airlines did not want to relinquish a gate and delay any of those other flights. Holding on the tarmac is understandable, to a point, but 8 hours? Keep in mind these passengers had been on the plane through the hour plus delay in San Francisco as well as flight time to Dallas. Thus 11 – 12 hours on the aircraft for what would have normally been around 2-1/2 hours. There was no food and the toilets were overflowing.
The Wall Street Journal did an excellent job reporting the story – I think it was in the January 5th issue (or close to that). There is more, the treatment of these people was shoddy, not only by their experience during the “flight” but afterwards as well. Once at the terminal, the passengers had difficulty finding an American agent to assist them in rescheduling their flights and when located, had an attitude of “business as usual” – read the article if you can... I believe they are owed an apology by the airline. An acknowledgement of their trial and appreciation by the American how inconvenienced they were. It’s interesting to read some of the reasons why American wasn’t more helpful.
I am not surprised by American’s behavior. It mirrors what I have seen and experienced. It reflects an attitude toward their customers of disrespect – we are cattle. Toward that idea I have some suggestions in an upcoming blog. For now I think I will practice mooing.
Oh, and we flew USAir this time, the trip took 9-1/2 hours. We were well treated and the flight stewards seemed to be enjoying themselves.
Previously we’ve flown from Raleigh since it tends to be less expensive – although not as convenient. The problem with the Raleigh route is it took us through Dallas on the way to San Francisco. I had come to view these trips with trepidation since it was like playing roulette with the schedule. If there are no delays, the trip takes around 8 – 10 hours including connections but last July it took 20 hours (and serious frustration with American Airlines). Other trips have seen troubling delays.
A few days ago, passengers trying to get to DFW from San Francisco had a trial much worse then ours. They were delayed about an hour or so leaving San Francisco due to mechanical problems. That delay caused them to be diverted to Austin because severe thunderstorms had grounded Dallas flights. If the flight had left San Francisco on time they would have arrived Dallas okay. Unfortunately, the diversion to Austin not only added time to the trip – it had them sitting on the tarmac for 8 hours. They did not get relief – assignment to a gate only when the captain, on his own initiative, demanded and got a gate, permitting the passengers to deplane. American Airlines was prepared to keep them out there longer.
During those 8 hours, other flights came and went but American Airlines did not want to relinquish a gate and delay any of those other flights. Holding on the tarmac is understandable, to a point, but 8 hours? Keep in mind these passengers had been on the plane through the hour plus delay in San Francisco as well as flight time to Dallas. Thus 11 – 12 hours on the aircraft for what would have normally been around 2-1/2 hours. There was no food and the toilets were overflowing.
The Wall Street Journal did an excellent job reporting the story – I think it was in the January 5th issue (or close to that). There is more, the treatment of these people was shoddy, not only by their experience during the “flight” but afterwards as well. Once at the terminal, the passengers had difficulty finding an American agent to assist them in rescheduling their flights and when located, had an attitude of “business as usual” – read the article if you can... I believe they are owed an apology by the airline. An acknowledgement of their trial and appreciation by the American how inconvenienced they were. It’s interesting to read some of the reasons why American wasn’t more helpful.
I am not surprised by American’s behavior. It mirrors what I have seen and experienced. It reflects an attitude toward their customers of disrespect – we are cattle. Toward that idea I have some suggestions in an upcoming blog. For now I think I will practice mooing.
Oh, and we flew USAir this time, the trip took 9-1/2 hours. We were well treated and the flight stewards seemed to be enjoying themselves.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
San Francisco Bound
Hazel and I fly to San Francisco to visit our sons and their families. Not the best time of year to go there because it can often be chilly and rainy. Never the less I look forward to visiting the city again. I've been their countless times but always get a thrill. There is that sense that I'll discover some new place or thing - and sometimes do. I also hope to take more photos of Market street in my goal of matching the painting in our living room.
Will post more on this after we have safely arrived. Hoping, however, that we do not get this flight.
I know we will miss our friends and southern neighbors. But looking at baby videos like this one reminds us we will soon see our granchildren. So we jet off to California.
Will post more on this after we have safely arrived. Hoping, however, that we do not get this flight.
I know we will miss our friends and southern neighbors. But looking at baby videos like this one reminds us we will soon see our granchildren. So we jet off to California.
DMD
Golf zealously guards its past and traditions. And, I've wondered at times if golfers shouldn't simply get used to noise - people talking, gum popping, etc. After all, other sports have to deal with it. But I also acknowledge the intense concentration required, and with it, the hushed expectations of the crowd which conveys a type of respect and acknowledgment of the sport.
Golf struggles with change and clings to its traditions with fervor, kinda like the Catholic church struggling over ordination of women. In the past there was a sense of doom pervading golf when carts were introduced. Then there is the time when its pedigree confronted potential damage when blue collar pros were permitted to change in the locker room. I won't even comment about acceptance of minorities and women on the links.
Now it is high tech. The latest threat is the DMD or "Distance Measuring Device." The DMD uses lasers to measure the distance to distant objects. No longer do you have to guess the distance to the green (never mind that you have distance markers.) The USGA is ambivalent and sort of rules against them. I can't decide whether to spend the $400 for a DMD so I know the exact yardage to the pin.
As I think about it, I could care less. Whatever the distance I have to go, its going to take me twice the strokes of the next guy. If the DMD says I have 200 yards to go, it won't account for all the detours I'll make from rough to rough to trap to pond. A pedometer is more useful, I can at least know how far I walked that day.
Now, what I need ia a "BLD". A ball locating device (BLD) would indeed be revolutionary. I could pay $400 and justify it by all the balls I would recover. I imagine I would realize payback within a year. Its that or buy one of those new "forgiving" clubs and hit the ball straight...naw, that would take the fun out of it, not to mention exercise.
Golf struggles with change and clings to its traditions with fervor, kinda like the Catholic church struggling over ordination of women. In the past there was a sense of doom pervading golf when carts were introduced. Then there is the time when its pedigree confronted potential damage when blue collar pros were permitted to change in the locker room. I won't even comment about acceptance of minorities and women on the links.
Now it is high tech. The latest threat is the DMD or "Distance Measuring Device." The DMD uses lasers to measure the distance to distant objects. No longer do you have to guess the distance to the green (never mind that you have distance markers.) The USGA is ambivalent and sort of rules against them. I can't decide whether to spend the $400 for a DMD so I know the exact yardage to the pin.
As I think about it, I could care less. Whatever the distance I have to go, its going to take me twice the strokes of the next guy. If the DMD says I have 200 yards to go, it won't account for all the detours I'll make from rough to rough to trap to pond. A pedometer is more useful, I can at least know how far I walked that day.
Now, what I need ia a "BLD". A ball locating device (BLD) would indeed be revolutionary. I could pay $400 and justify it by all the balls I would recover. I imagine I would realize payback within a year. Its that or buy one of those new "forgiving" clubs and hit the ball straight...naw, that would take the fun out of it, not to mention exercise.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Watch out Senators!
Nancy Pelosi has now been elected Speaker of the House. An historic occassion.
There may a trend here. Did you know that 33 women have served in the Senate and of that number, 16 are presently in office.
Before you know it, Senators will have to learn how to put the toilet seat down.
There may a trend here. Did you know that 33 women have served in the Senate and of that number, 16 are presently in office.
Before you know it, Senators will have to learn how to put the toilet seat down.
Monday, January 01, 2007
Wed In The Park
Just put a new link on my blog, WedInThePark. Check it out (hope you can read Japanese).
What are they saying?
Yesterday Hazel and I were watching a golf challenge match on TV. An ad for Cialis came on and I noticed that they had a text message on the screen advising us that they advertised in Golf Digest Magazine. Were they trying to infer something?
If I take Cialis will this make me a better golfer? Improve my swing, my drive, my ...?
If I take Cialis will this make me a better golfer? Improve my swing, my drive, my ...?
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