Kevin's Blog

Radio Songs

2012-02-01T21:02:00.000-08:00

Heard on 88.9 FM KXPR out of Sacramento, CA:

Exotic: Mikhail Ippolitov-Ivanov: Procession of the Sardar Opus 10 - Baltimore Symphony Orchestra; David Zinman, conductor; Label: Telarc; Number: 80378 BUY BUY

Philip Lane: Suite of Cotswold Folkdances - Royal Ballet Sinfonia; Gavin Sutherland, conductor; Label: ASV; Number: 2126 BUY

Slatkin & Co Candle

2012-01-29T15:36:00.000-08:00

A great candle: Slatkin & Co "Winter"

Radio Songs

2012-01-29T11:55:00.000-08:00

Heard on 89.3 KQEI out of North Highlands, CA (rebroadcast of KQED out of San Francisco):

Moyers & Company's premiere episode: "The premiere episode explores how America's gross inequality is no accident, but was in fact "politically engineered," with insight from "Winner-Take-All Politics" authors Jacob Hacker and Paul Pierson. Also, Bill Moyers reads an essay on how Occupy Wall Street is waking us up to economic inequality."

Heard on 94.7 KKDO out of Sacramento, CA:

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based Rusted Root's "Send Me on My Way," from their 1994 album "When I Woke," on the PolyGram label. Video. Joyful fun.

Now defunct London, UK Elastica's "Connection" from their 2007 eponymous album on the Deceptive and Geffen labels. Video.

Radio Songs

2012-01-15T12:53:00.000-08:00

On 91.5 KYDS out of Sacramento, CA:

Helsingborg, Scania, Sweden natives The Sounds' "The Best of Me" from their 2011 album "Something to Die For," on the SideOneDummy label. Audio. "Oh my love!We've got to save ourselves, if we want to save the world..."

On 88.9 KXPR out of Sacramento, CA:

Křečovice, Czechoslovakia-born Josef Suk's "Fantastic Scherzo Opus 25," performed by the Buffalo Philharmonic, JoAnn Falletta conducting, on the Naxos label.

Wikipedia Editing

2011-12-11T08:59:00.001-08:00

Playing with this Microsoft Excel to Wikipedia table convertor:

http://excel2wiki.net/wikipedia.php

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Convert_tables_and_charts_to_wiki_code

Mall Art

2011-12-10T10:09:00.001-08:00

Really like this artwork:

Source: Westfield Downtown Plaza Mall, outside store Getta Clue

An Open Letter to KXPR 88.9 Sacramento

2011-12-07T19:19:00.001-08:00

Dear Capital Public Radio Classical KXPR:

Please, please, please: select a new on-air tagline to replace "the classical station."

Reasons to select a new on-air tagline

It states the obvious
It buries "classical" between two dead-weight words
It says nothing about what makes KXPR a great classical music station

Compare to San Francisco-based KDFC's "Classical. And then some."

"Classical" becomes a first-class citizen, out front and center
"And then some" telegraphs a vitality and positive energy to match the on-air talent
Listeners hear the tagline in a professionally-produced and packaged sound clip (please also package-up ads)
Packaging KXPR's sound clips and ads frees on-air talent to talk about the music and connect with listeners

I suggest holding a contest, inviting submissions, and allowing people to vote on your web site.

Thank you.

Ambrose Bierce

2011-12-05T20:52:00.001-08:00

Listened to this discussion about Ambrose Bierce on KQED 89.3 FM's "Forum with Michael Krasny"; pointed me to his memoir, "What I Saw of Shiloh."

Still digesting the imagery and new words (for example, "mien"). Powerful.

Revolution Foods

2011-12-05T20:50:00.001-08:00

A Revolution Foods truck passed me on the way to work several weeks ago.

I know nothing else about this company.

Mary Oliver

2011-12-05T20:32:00.001-08:00

Listened to Mary Oliver read poetry on San Francisco-based non-profit City Arts & Lectures . Loved it.

Sadly, no podcast.

She differentiated between "turning into" a writer versus "becoming" a writer; the former, she said, reminded her of people who lock themselves in rooms and sharpen their pencils, while the latter go out and live their lives and integrate poetry into it.

Bonus random connection event: Linda Hunt, the host, played the character of Shadout Mapes in Dune (1984).

Radio Songs

2011-12-05T19:37:00.001-08:00

Heard on a random Sacramento station:

Galveston, Texas-born Barry White's "Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe," from his 1974 album "Can't Get Enough," on the 20th Century Records label. Video. The original had cowbell. Look at that blaze orange suit!

Heard on KDVS 90.3 FM out of Davis, CA:

Los Angeles-based Army Navy's "The Long Goodbye," from their 2008 album "The Last Place" on the The Fever Zone label. Audio. Eminently sing-alongable. Sort of reminded me of Toad the Wet Sprocket.

Tokyo-based Yellow Magic Orchestra's "Simoon (シムーン)," from their 1978 eponymous album on the Alfa Records label. Audio. Lovely.

Heard on KXPR 88.9 FM out of Sacramento, CA:

Somerville, Massachusetts-native Alan Hovhaness's "Prelude and Quadruple Fugue Opus 128", 1936. Audio. A fantastic early morning accompaniment to crossing the flooded causeway into the rising sun.

Imperfect Veneer

2011-11-26T12:51:00.001-08:00

The above advertisement for "Make a Smile" dental here in the Sacramento region shows what happens when a half-baked idea gets the green light.

This ad ran on page 39 of Sacramento Magazine's November 2011 issue (meant to reflect Norman Rockwell's iconic 1943 painting, "Freedom From Want"):

Giraffes eat only plants; monkeys and hippopotamuses eat primarily plant-based diets (even the cat supplements it's diet with plants)--the entire premise seems half-baked.
Dental floss at each place setting?
In some ways, it comes off avante garde--the artist seems to have replaced the traditional grandmother and grandfather with a same-sex couple.
The turkey looks abnormally large.
Kind of creepy looking teeth-shaped salt and pepper shakers

To me, it all kind of comes off as the kind of turkey day animals might celebrate in a sanitarium--and, indeed, we cannot see the guests arms, so perhaps the nurses have placed them into straight jackets. It might also explain the lack of decoration on the facing wall and the joyful grins.

Haunting.

Five Years At HP -- The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly :)

2011-11-06T20:41:00.000-08:00

Five Years At HP -- The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly :)

Note: these will likely only make sense to those who were there. I wrote these in 2005, after working five years at HP's Roseville facility, where we manufactured high-end supercomputers for North American region and the world. I am not sure I even remember the details of them all, anymore.

The weirdest thing about leaving HP along with 15,000 others, that year: the concurrent e-mails prompting me to select a five-year HP Product Service Award Gift. :o) I still have the crystal planar bowl, somewhere, in Wisconsin.

First: The Bad and the Ugly

Me: “Hey Darryl, I need one more code release, just one more man....” ;)
prdmbpa:/var/opt/bp/home/mbpbat DEFR
Andy Taff/Su Chu/and so forth: “Hey Kevin, I need a SolConfig set-up done by this afternoon for proto picks....” ;)
Suky: “Hey Kevin, can you help me out with these fifteen P1 BLT tickets in the queue?” ;)
You overpaid me by HOW much??? :P
Mostly irrelevant but compulsory organizational meetings ;)
Voice-mail: “Hi this is Kevin Schultz at the New HP....”
Bonuses section of Carly earnings announcement: “You’ve all worked very hard. However, <$lame_excuse>”
(sfadmin:pts/0) cab01:/var/opt/sf/home/sfadmin/voltest/bin> ./VolTestMain -i2k
Order Execution team during ESG07a Rel 5: “Kevin, Frank wants to volume test some test picks tonight to test the backflush code, could you be available?” ;)
Houston folks, ESG07a Rel 5, one week into testing: “Hey Kevin, did we need to set-up inventory for test orders flowing through MBP?”
Operating on not enough sleep from the Houston hotel room during ESG07a Rel 5 volume testing: “Whoops, I just set all test orders in development backplane to BPCO.” x_x
Roseville War Room during ESG07a Rel 5: co-worker starts singing (whining) along to music and not realizing it because music was turned up too loud. Said person eventually ended up blowing out the iPod ear buds. :P
Overhearing Kurt’s daily soccer and on-line role-playing-game teleconference ;)
Don Bowen, talking to us in the RP cafeteria: “There’s a rumor they’re moving the factory to Houston....”
Cliff Henson, during site closure announcement, after answering 2 questions and telling people they just lost their jobs: “I think all your questions are answered on this handout and y’all should go back and read it. Thank you.”
Dysfunctional management: Cliff Henson, Robert Sharpe, C. Kevin Harper, Charlie “The beatings will continue until morale improves” Baugh, David Witt (others....)
TeamPlayer (TimeWaster)
Porting sfweb to Oracle (awk/sed/ksh/TCL/remsh/chicken-wire/weboor)
Non-productive interruptions inherent with cubicle office environment
Sean: Zebra printer noise -- *whiiiiiine* *cut*
HP laying off folks right before the winter holidays in 2002.
On the job for a week or two and watching security walk your co-worker/friend out the door. :P (Yes, I know now why y’all fired him) ;)
Huddling around RP ceiling speakers to hear quarterly earnings announcements
Sitting across cubicle wall from Don Conner at RP and listening to him record voice-mail greetings until he got it right ;)
Robert Sharpe bringing the wireless telephone headset into the bathroom. Wild.
That squeaky cart wheeled slowly down the hallway in R4. *squeak* *squeak* *squeak*
The alarm bell of the door in the corner of R4 going off for 10 minutes. *ringggggggggg*
Cell-phone ring-tones going off for 30 seconds with no one around ;)
Piercingly shrill SAP support pager going off but slow response because the wearer wears headphones. :P
Sitting across R4 cubicle wall from someone who hung their phone headset on the vertical cubicle connecter. *clink* *clink* *clink* .... :P

All's Well That End's Well: The Good

Kurt’s stories. “Party foul” :) Also one of the few people I know to have a saying, “Pull a Kurt.” :) Too much about Kurt to list here. “Dude!” ;)
Lieu Nguyen: Surviving serious illness, and handling stress so peacefully
Dave Horowitz’s hockey stories
Trivia at TGIF
Basketball at RP
RP Follies
Jim Behrens: Chupacabra :)
Monthly team birthday lunches (thanks Jewel)
Jay: Hospitality and can-do attitude
Chris Bell: Not being an absentee dad
Kindness and maturity of Indian contractors I worked with during ESG07a Rel 5.
Trent: “Wag monk”
John: “You can always tell if someone washes their car themselves by looking for dirt on the rims” ;)
Julie: Beach Buddy ;)
Doug Walters: Duct tape :)
Mary Kay Kane yelling: “Hey everybody! .... Happy birthday, to you....”
The Phantom Glenn Thomas, for having a protocol regarding the invocation of his name. :)
Alex Ulbrich: stories about life as a private investigator, rolling out of a moving vehicle at night to gather intelligence on potential insurance abusers. LOL
Naeya: for her grace and for making fantastic Halloween costumes
Kathy: Standing up for me
Mike: TCL ;)
Mila Congrove (SI): Positive attitude and I loved her accent :)
Cecilia, Jackie, Chris, Terri, and Ken (Sodexho): Super bean and rice, or rice bowl with veggies. And the black cook from RP who told me I could drive to LA on Hwy 99 in five hours. Even after I tried it and failed to do so, he claimed he could do it. :)
Sodexho’s vanilla bean yogurt (my favorite)
Kris: battling through arm problems. She had a note above her desk at RP quoting either Bill or Dave: “If anyone ships defective product to meet a deadline, I will personally fire them” (paraphrase).
Julia: taking care of all those animals, tirelessly helping out, always pleasant to chat with
DC: “I never thought I could get soaking wet in 5 seconds while running in the rain from my car to the entrance to a shopping mall until I moved to Houston” ;)
Tom: That dog won’t hunt. :)
Osamu Hayashi (Hayashi-san): Kevin-san. :)
Suky: “Oh my gosh!” :) Thanks for teaching me about The Tube. :)
Budd: future executive vice-president, I tell you ;)
Noeli: Introducing me to Marisa Monte and other Brazilian music, and being a friend during ESG07a Rel 5. Ate mais!
Countless kindness of everybody on the team. Thanks for giving me a chance. I’ll definitely let you know where I end up.

Thanksgiving Dinner 2011

2011-11-06T14:32:00.000-08:00

Restaurants offering Thanksgiving dinner in Sacramento for 2011:

Yelp's List: http://j.mp/uTGhN3

CSUS University Center Restaurant (Sacramento): http://www.enterprises.csus.edu/dining/ucr/index.html

Silva's Sheldon Inn (Elk Grove; ): http://www.silvassheldoninn.com/holiday.html $??? THANKSGIVING 2011 Serving from 1-5:30 Reservations required 686-8330 Tuesday -Saturday after 4p.m. A SAMLING OF THE MENU Dinner includes soup and salad. Butternut Squash Soup served with a Savory Crouton Mixed Baby Green Salad with Honey Toasted Walnuts, and Cranberry Vinaigrette - MAIN COURSES - Traditional Roasted Turkey with Cornbread Stuffing, House made Cranberry Relish, Mashed Potatoes and Turkey Gravy Center Cut Pork Chop Stuffed with Apples, Bacon and Sage, served with Apple Cider Cream Sauce Prime Rib of Beef served with Creamy Horseradish Sauce Organic Farm Raised Salmon Grilled, and served with Garlic,Herb Butter Half Duckling Roasted crisp, served with Cranberry, Orange, Port Wine Sauce Children 10 yrs. and under may select from : Turkey, Prime Rib or Fresh Fish Desserts are all made in our kitchen and are priced separately Beverage selections are priced separately 18% Gratuity added to parties of eight or more

Sam's Hof Brau (Sacramento; American): http://www.thehofbrau.com/sams-monthly-specials This Thanksgiving… Enjoy the Freshness of Home Without the Dishes! Choice of Roast Turkey or Bakes Ham Entree for $12.49 Includes Yams, Mashed Potatoes, Dressing, and choice of Vegetable or Salad and a piece of Pie! Valid Thanksgiving Day only (open from 11am-8pm) *not valid with any other promotion of discount

OpenTable's list: http://www.opentable.com/promo.aspx?pid=1&m=35

Buca di Beppo's (Sacramento; Italian): http://www.bucadibeppo.com/thanksgiving/ Celebrate an American Feast with an Italian Twist… and Family-Style with portions meant for sharing! Make your reservation now for a Traditional Thanksgiving Meal and complement your meal with our Classic Italian Favorites. Our thanksgiving Feast inclUDes _ Turkey • Sausage Stuffing • Mashed Potatoes • Gravy • Green Beans • Cranberry Sauce SMALL Serves up to 3 $39.99 LARGE Serves up to 6 $69.99

Formaggio Taverna & Patio - Sacramento Marriott Rancho Cordova (Rancho Cordova; Italian): http://j.mp/uFfbkD Thanksgiving, November 24th - 11am to 8pm. Entrees: Turkey $30 Prime Rib or Salmon $28 Butternut Squash Ravioli $28 Includes Salad & Dessert Buffet Complimentary Wine

Grange (Sacramento; Californian): http://www.grangesacramento.com/events.aspx Thanksgiving Dinner November 24, 2011 2-7pm $65 plus tax, plus gratuity First Course (choose one) Delta Pear Salad Mulled Wine Poached Pear, Deviled Walnuts, Point Reyes Blue Cheese, Picked Greens, Sherry Vinaigrette Smokey Pumpkin & Black Bean Bisque Spicy Spoon Bread Croutons Confit California Albacore Tuna Warm little farm fingerlings, shaved fennel, water cress Preserved lemon citronette Seasonal Salad Greens White Balsamic – Cranberry Vinaigrette Second Course (choose one) Organic Roast Turkey Stuffing, Pancetta Brussel Sprouts, Sweet Potato Gratin, Roast Heirloom Carrots, Cranberry Relish, Natural Jus Dungeness Crab Stuffed Passmore Trout Marcona Almond Puree, haricot vert, wild rice, Brown butter Vinaigrette Martin Amigh Braised Lamb Shanks Stone ground polenta, Root Vegetable hash gremolata, Pomegranate braising jus Autumn Vegetable Strudel Braised greens, Sweet potato, Sweet & Sour onions
Dessert (choose one) Sweet Potato-Pecan Pie Cinnamon Ice Cream Pumpkin-Chocolate Bread Pudding Seasonal Creme Anglaise Apple Cranberry Cobbler Oatmeal Crisp, Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Il Fornaio (Sacramento; Italian): http://www.ilfornaio.com/images/thanksgiving/IF_TG_menu_A_11_11.pdf Thanksgiving 2011 Thursday, November 24, 2011 Join us this Thanksgiving 11:30am-8pm for a four-course feast with an Italian twist: $35 for adults, $18 for children 12 and under. A la carte menu will also be available. Start a new Thanksgiving tradition with your family at Il Fornaio.

La Provence (Roseville; French): http://www.laprovenceroseville.com/docs/october/THANKSGIVING%20%20prix%20fixe%202011.pdf Thanksgiving Dinner at La Provence For the table An assortment of artisan pâtés, spreads, tapenade and breads Starters Potage de Courge d’Héritage Heirloom squash soup garnished with crème fraîche Salade de Betteraves et Roquefort Roasted beets, Roquefort cheese, honey walnuts, wild arugula, citrus tarragon vinaigrette Main Course (choose one) Dinde en Deux Cuisson Lacquered and roasted breast of turkey, confit of leg Accompanied by traditional cranberry sauce and turkey gravy Pavé de Saumon Crispy pan-seared salmon, fennel and Fuji apple salad, cider sauce Côte de Bœuf Bordelaise Thyme and Dijon crusted prime rib with a Côtes-du-Rhône shallot sauce Suppléments (Sides for the table) Haricots Verts Sautéed Blue Lake green beans Choux de Bruxelles Brussels sprouts sautéed with cherrywood smoked bacon and shallots Purée de Pommes de Terre Roasted garlic mashed potatoes Dessert (choose one) Crumble de Canneberges Cranberry and grape crisp Tarte de Potiron Pumpkin tart Gâteau au Chocolat Flourless chocolate decadence cake served over crème anglaise $45 per person $12 children 10 or under plus tax and gratuity Corkage Fee $13 18% gratuity and one check for parties of 7 or more Sous Chef Derrick Sand Chef Partner Shane McMahon Pastry Chef Sandra France

McCormick & Schmick's Seafood (Sacramento; Seafood): http://j.mp/vpe18R Thanksgiving 2011 Thursday, November 24, 2011 Join us on Thanksgiving!

The Mustard Seed (Davis; Californian): http://www.mustardseeddavis.com/ Thanksgiving 2011 Thursday, November 24, 2011 We will be serving our Annual Traditional Thanksgiving Feast. Four Courses for $48.00 a person. Featuring Organic turkey breast with all the trimmings.

Osteria Fasulo (Davis; Italian): http://osteriafasulo.com/ Thanksgiving at Osteria Fasulo Thursday , November 24th. 2011 11:30am till 6:00pm Tacchino Tonnato Thinly sliced cold turkey in a tuna creamy sauce * Tortellini in brodo Homemade turkey ground stuffed tortellini served in turkey broth * Tacchino Ripieno Stuffed turkey breast with prosciutto & Fontina cheese And a white wine sauce * Torta di Castagne Homemade chestnut cake served with vanilla ice cream Buon Appetito! $ 45.00 per person

Piatti (Sacramento; Italian) : http://j.mp/uhh6nF Thanksgiving 2011 Thursday, November 24, 2011 Join us on Thanksgiving! Open 12pm-7pm

Rudy's Hideaway Lobsterhouse and Bar (Rancho Cordova; Seafood): http://j.mp/tsaY9T Thanksgiving 2011 Thursday, November 24, 2011Serving dinner from Noon to 6 pm. Featuring a Turkey Dinner with all the trimmings including mashed potatoes, stuffing and pumpkin pie for $23.95. Come celebrate with us!

Sienna (El Dorado Hills; Californian): http://www.siennarestaurants.com/schedule-of-events.htm Thanksgiving 2011 Thursday, November 24, 2011We are preparing a spectacular Feast Buffet featuring Hand Carved Prime Rib & Roast Turkey, Fresh Shrimp, Roasted Salmon, and much more! From 12pm-8pm, $32.95/Kids U12 $15.95

Tazzina Bistro (Woodland; American): http://www.tazzinabistro.com/files/Thanksgiving_2011_No_wine_pairings.pdf Tazzina Bistro Thanksgiving Prix Fixe Menu Starters Mixed Baby Lettuces balsamic vinaigrette, pickled red onions & cucumber Caesar Salad with garlic croutons & Grana Padano cheese Tart Apple Salad with Granny Smith apples, endive, romaine, radicchio, Shaft's Bleu cheese, candied pecans & sour apple vinaigrette Prawn Cocktail with housemade cocktail sauce Wild Mushroom Pâté with crostini, white truffle oil & toasted hazelnuts Caramelized Onion Soup with garlic crouton & Gruyère cheese Clam Chowder Entrées Herb-Roasted Turkey with Wild Mushroom dressing, mashed potatoes, lots of gravy "love" & cranberry-orange relish Children’s Turkey Plate with mashed potatoes, gravy and cranberry-orange relish…$8.95 Beluga Lentil Ragout with roasted garlic, herbs, broccoli, roasted carrots & gremolata Kurobuta Baked Ham with gingered sweet potato purée, braised cabbage & orange maple glaze Snake River Farms Kobe Burger with Tabasco Aioli, sweet & spicy pickles, grilled red onions, choice of Shaft's Bleu cheese or white cheddar on ciabatta bun with French Fries Grilled Salmon with roasted pepper-olive relish, braised greens & crispy horseradish potato cake Grilled Flat Iron Steak with roasted garlic butter, broccoli & potato-Gruyere gratin Dessert Pumpkin Mascarpone Cheesecake with whipped cream & caramel sauce Chocolate Mousse & Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Apple Pie with vanilla bean ice cream Three Course Prix Fix $32.00 per person Two Course Prix Fix $27.00 per person Children’s Entrée A La Carte Historic Cranston's Building 614 Main Street Woodland, CA 95695 (530) 661-1700

Zinfandel Grill (Sacramento; Californian): http://zinfandelgrille.com/index.php/menus/thanksgiving-2011.html Thursday, November 24, 2011 Join us at Zinfandel Grille for Thanksgiving! Special three course menu including a traditional turkey dinner from 1-7pm for $32.95 per person and $10.95 for kids!

Other:

Sheepherder Bar & Grille (Rancho Cordova; American): special Thanksgiving menu 11:00-6:00 p.m.

Rio City Cafe (Sacramento; American): http://www.riocitycafe.com

Black Angus Steakhouse (Citrus Heights; Steakhouse): http://www.blackangus.com/ special Thanksgiving menu & regular menu

The Broiler Steakhouse (Sacramento; Steakhouse): http://j.mp/vPagNT special Thanksgiving menu & regular menu

The Firehouse Restaurant (Sacramento; American): http://www.firehouseoldsac.com/thanksgiving-november-24/ Thanksgiving 2011 Traditional Menu November 24, 2011 12:30 ~ 8 p.m. First Course Please Select One Seafood-Stuffed Prawn stuffed with a scallop-crab mousse rolled in puff pastry and baked golden, sauce cardinal and crème fraîche Leek Tart with Duck Confit savory herbs with chèvre, roasted fall vegetables and house-cured duck confit salad Second Course Please Select One Mixed Greens spiced walnuts and blue cheese, pickled beets and citrus fruit and orange honey vinaigrette Butternut Squash-Pear Bisque roasted squash and warm fall spices, sherry-infused velouté and toasted pepita-root vegetable ragoût Third Course Please Select One Herb-Roasted Turkey boneless breast with cranberry relish, spiced apple-pecan stuffing, mashed potatoes and sage velouté Prime Rib slow roasted with signature dry rub, mashed potatoes, sautéed vegetables, demi-glacé and horseradish cream Salmon seared with smoked salmon persillade, lacinato kale with garlic and bacon, confit potatoes and Dijon crème Braised Lamb Shank slowly braised with tomato and herbs, wild mushroom risotto and pistachio-lemon gremolata Fourth Course Please Select One Pumpkin Spice Cake maple filling, cream cheese icing, caramel sauce and vanilla anglaise Chocolate Bar chocolate mousse, chocolate ganache, hazelnut royaltine, chocolate cake and vanilla bean chantilly $46.95 per person Deneb Williams ~ Executive Chef Jill Berger ~ Pastry Chef Split entrées not permitted. Tax, gratuity and beverages not included. Gratuity of 20% will be added to parties of six or more guests. Special holiday menu. As a courtesy to other guests, please turn off electronic devices. A corkage fee of $20 will be applied per 750 ml bottle brought into the restaurant. ~ Thanksgiving 2011 Vegetarian and Vegan Menu November 24, 2011 12:30 ~ 8 p.m. First Course Please Select One Leek & Chèvre Tart savory herbs with chèvre, roasted fall vegetables, toasted almonds and frisée Eggplant Napoleon fried eggplant and olive tapenade with sweet pepper hummus (vegan option) Second Course Please Select One Butternut Squash-Pear Bisque roasted squash and warm fall spices, sherry-infused velouté and toasted pepita-root vegetable ragoût Mixed Greens baby greens and spiced walnuts, pickled beets and citrus fruit and orange honey vinaigrette (vegan option) Third Course Please Select One Yam-Ricotta Gratinée caramelized onions baked in herbed artisan ricotta with crisp pickled fennel salad Paella “Style” Risotto artichoke hearts, peas and tofu, fire-roasted bell peppers and tomatoes and saffron-infused rice (vegan option) Fourth Course Please Select One Pumpkin Spice Cake maple filling, cream cheese icing, caramel sauce and vanilla anglaise Apple-Cranberry Crisp spiced apples and cranberries and pecan-oat crumble (vegan option) $46.95 per person Deneb Williams ~ Executive Chef Jill Berger ~ Pastry Chef Split entrées not permitted. Tax, gratuity and beverages not included. Gratuity of 20% will be added to parties of six or more guests. Special holiday menu. As a courtesy to other guests, please turn off electronic devices. A corkage fee of $20 will be applied per 750 ml bottle brought into the restaurant. Deneb Williams ~ Executive Chef Jill Berger ~ Pastry Chef Beverages of soda, milk or juice included. Split entrées not permitted. Tax and gratuity not included. Gratuity of 20% will be added to parties of six or more guests. Special holiday menu. As a courtesy to other guests, please turn off electronic devices.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House (Sacramento; Steakhouse): http://www.ruthschris.com/Menu/Thanksgiving Ruth's Chris Thanksgiving Day Menu This Thanksgiving enjoy a 3-course turkey dinner for $34.95* First Course (Choice of) Ceasar Salad Steak House Salad Seafood Gumbo Entree Roasted Turkey Breast Sliced oven roasted turkey breast, served with homemade gravy, Ruth's sausage and herb stuffing and cranberry relish. Sides (Choice of) Garlic Mashed Potatoes Sweet Potato Casserole Green Beans with Roasted Garlic Creamed Spinach Dessert A Dessert duo Pairing of Pumpkin Cheesecake and Vanilla Ice Cream *A la carte dinner menu will also be available.

Scott’s Seafood Grill and Bar (Sacramento; Seafood): http://www.scottsseafood.net/_pdf/Tdaymenu_2008_rev.pdf Their 2008 menu: Oven Roasted “Diestel Ranch” Turkey $25.95 with garlic mashed potatoes, natural gravy, pancetta-sage stuffing, candied sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, green beans almandine and pumpkin cheese cake for dessert

Scott’s Seafood On the River (Sacramento; Seafood): http://www.scottsseafood.net/_pdf/Tdaymenu_2008_rev.pdf Their 2008 menu: Oven Roasted “Diestel Ranch” Turkey $25.95 with garlic mashed potatoes, natural gravy, pancetta-sage stuffing, candied sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, green beans almandine and pumpkin cheese cake for dessert

Hyatt Regency Dawson's Restaurant (Sacramento; American): http://www.hyatt.com/hyatt/images/hotels/sacra/SACRA_thanksgivingmenu.pdf Thanksgiving Dinner November 24, 2011 Puree of Sweet Potato and Apple Soup, Crème Fraiche Sage and Country Sausage Stuffing Mascarpone and Lemon Whipped Potatoes Candied Garnet Yams Brussel Sprouts with Brown Butter, Hazelnuts and Orange Zest Roasted Mushrooms, Pearl Onions and Fennel Pan Seared Pacific Salmon, Roasted Root Vegetables Dry Rubbed Chicken Breast, Melted Leeks, Natural Jus Carved Items Whole Roast Turkey, Traditional Giblet Gravy and Fresh Cranberry Relish Rock Salt and Rosemary Crusted Prime Rib of Beef, Au Jus, Horseradish Rum Raisin Glazed Ham, Assorted Mustards Salad Bar Crisp Romaine and Baby Spinach, Assorted Dressings and Toppings Marinated Mushroom Salad Sherry Vinegar and Herbs, Lentil and Wild Rice Salad, Roasted Sugar Beets French Beans and Bleu Cheese, Bay Shrimp and Lobster Salad with Cucumber Sweet Onion and Louie Dressing Seafood Bar Chilled Prawns, Fresh Lemons and Cocktail Sauce Oysters in the Half Shell with Champagne Mignonette Smoked Salmon, Capers, Shaved Red Onions and Tomato Dessert Station Pumpkin, Cherry and Old Fashioned Apple Pies, Decadent Chocolate Cake, Pastries, Fruit Tarts, Bread Pudding, Assorted Cheesecakes and Made to Order Crepes Hyatt Regency Sacramento 1209 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 For Reservations please call 916-321-3600 $44.95 adults, $22.95 children 5-12 years of age Hours: 5:30p.m - 10:00p.m Nightly Reservations: 916 321 3600

Hyatt Regency Vines Cafe (Sacramento; American): http://sacramento.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/entertainment/restaurants/index.jsp#1923 Thanksgiving Buffet – Thursday November 24th Time: 11am – 4:00pm Price: Adults - $44.95 Children 5-12 years old - $22.50 Children 4 and under free Reservations required by call 916-443-1234 No Thanksgiving is complete without a slice of pie. Or two. Or three. Celebrate Thanksgiving at Hyatt Regency Sacramento on Thursday, November 24th from 11:00am to 4:00pm. Join us for a bountiful buffet featuring traditional holiday favorites. Up to three hour complimentary valet parking included.

Ryde Hotel's Thanksgiving Day Feast (Ryde; American): http://www.rydehotel.com/html/thanksgiving.html THANKSGIVING DAY FEAST RYDE HOTEL & EVENT CENTER THURSDAY NOVEMBER 24, 2011 12:00 PM-4:00PM STARTERS International Cheese And Fruit Selection Ambrosia Holiday Fruit Salad Fruited Baked Brie with Sliced Baguettes Local Greens with Bleu Cheese Crumbles, Sugared Walnuts and Pear Vinaigrette Selection of Relishes Rolls and butter ENTREES Roasted Turkey with Maple Herb Butter Apple Cider Giblet Gravy Fresh Cranberries Apple, Cranberry and Sausage Dressing Sangria Baked Ham Mashed Potatoes With Chives Candied Yams Green Beans Almondine DESSERTS Chef prepared Apple, Pecan and Pumpkin Pie with fresh whipped cream Bread Pudding with Crème Anglaise $35.00 Per Person plus tax and gratuity Children 10 Years And Under Half Price Parties Of 8 Or More Subject To 18% Gratuity Chef Michael Ivie Ryde Hotel 14340 Highway 160 Walnut Grove, Ca. 95690 Reservations Call 916-776-1318

Also, too, my list from 2007: http://schultkl.blogspot.com/2007/11/sacramento-area-thanksgiving.html

Sacramento Downtown Free Parking Spots

2011-10-23T11:22:00.000-07:00

Sacramento Downtown Free Parking Spots:

Between 5th and 6th Street on W Street (Google Map: http://g.co/maps/9k74d)

Park before 8:30 a.m.

(Unverified) Between 6th and 7th Street on P Street (Google Map: http://g.co/maps/bhdcp)
(Unverified, 2004) 1900 block of G Street http://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/people-places/content?oid=31507 (Google Map: http://g.co/maps/zq6ez)

Others?

The City of Sacramento publishes the location of "long-term" meters, here: http://www.cityofsacramento.org/transportation/parking/onstreetmaps.html

However, they do not show controlled areas.

Six Month Feedback on Raised Work-Surface

2011-10-23T10:52:00.000-07:00

I wrote this feedback for my raised work-surface at my place of employment; adapting to share my thoughts with the general public. I raised my work-surface in April, 2011.

Six Month Feedback on Raised Work-Surface

· General Feedback

o I suggest a strategy of standing and sitting:

§ I stand for two hours, then sit for two hours

§ Adjust as needed (sit more if tired, and so forth)

o Per above, I suggest you obtain a chair with proper ergonomic seat height (see “Suggested Equipment,” below)

o Occasionally, I still feel some light back soreness—but I would never go back to sitting all day, given the choice

o Food for thought, only—electric or hydraulic height-adjustable desks would allow for variable work-surface heights throughout the day

· Installation

o I raised two work surfaces and left one lower, which allows a bit more room to spread papers and such, and looks a bit cleaner

o Face monitors toward a low-traffic area, to minimize passer-by distractions/eye-contact

o Before the movers arrive, make it easy for them by moving all objects off of the desk, disconnect any cables, remove things from walls, and so forth, as needed

o Set work-surface height at distance from 90-degree elbows to the floor

o Monitor at time of installation, to properly set the ergonomic work-surface height (critical):

§ Take a tape measurement from the floor to your 90-degree elbow to determine the ergonomic desk height

§ After installing the work-surface, confirm the height (for example, place an unplugged keyboard on top and verify ergonomic arm position)

§ A bit low work-surface height is better than a bit high work-surface height, as you can always fine-tune height increase (for example, standing on a mat)

§ Surface height should feel comfortable!

· Standing “Pros”

o Standing eliminates post-lunch lethargy, for me

o I perceive an increased focus while standing

o I still feel a bit of back soreness while standing, from time to time—standing helps but is not a miracle solution

o Some argue standing is good for dieting as it burns more calories than sitting:http://lifehacker.com/5798791/calculate-how-many-calories-you-can-burn-if-you-switch-to-a-standing-desk

· Standing “Cons”

o Standing all day, like sitting all day, is hard on the body, but in different ways—to compensate, alternate between standing or sitting, and take breaks, walk around, and so forth

o Shorter colleagues may find a high work-surface challenging during desk-side meetings (a good reason to keep at least one lower work-surface)

· Suggested Equipment

o Foot rest

o Anti-fatigue mat

§ $10 at Harbor Freight Tools for four 2’x2’ foam mats

§ Alternatives at Amazon.com

o Chair with ergonomic seat height

§ A short-term work-around: adjust existing 30” stool with reams of paper until 90-degree elbows (while seated)

§ Chair options: foot-rest, seat back

Radio Songs

2011-10-16T15:45:00.000-07:00

Heard on 90.3 FM KDVS out of Davis, CA:

Belfast, Northern Ireland-natives Language of Flowers' "Tara Mascara," from their 2004 album, "Songs About You," on the Shelflife Records label. Audio. Fun lyrics: "Your family name is my number one aim."

Los Angeles-based Earth, Wind, and Fire's "I've Had Enough," from their 1981 album, "Raise!" on the ARC/Columbia Records labels. Audio. Love the horns! :o)

Eisenhüttenstadt, Germany-native Paul Van Dyk's (Matthias Paul) "Kaleidoscope," from his 2004 album, "Reflections," on the Vandit label. Audio.

Chicago-based Fruit Bats' "Shivering Fawn," from their 2011 album, "Tripper," on the Sub Pop label. Audio. Mellow and much appreciated in the early morning commute.

Essex, England-native Blood Orange's (Dev Hynes) "Sutphin Boulevard," from his 2011 album "Coastal Grooves," on the Domino Records label. Video.

Sacramento Greek Festival

2011-09-04T22:50:00.000-07:00

Dawn and I attended the 48th annual Sacramento Greek Festival on Saturday. :o) http://sacramentogreekfestival.com/

Noting for 2012: We tried stifado, moussaka, fasolakia, tiropita, dolmathes, pilafi, avgolemono soup and horiatiki salata plus dessert of kourambiedes, galaktobouriko, koulourakia, diples, yiaourtopita, and melomakarona, with drinks including Retsina (wine) and Greek coffee. ^__________________^

Retsina: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retsina ; we drank a bottle (with two others) of the Retsina shown in the Wikipedia article, from Greek producer Kourtaki.

Felt greedy when I saw all the other foods we missed, like the gyros, kalimari, and so forth, but very happy I listened to my stomach's fullness sensors.

A vendor from "Sheet Guys" (http://sheetguys.com) told us he would give free shipping if we call him (his name was RT) and tell us we saw him at a Greek festival. He sells 1,500 thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets.

The place was packed with people on a Saturday night around 6:30 p.m. We stayed until 9:30 p.m.

When You Die You Never Fear Anymore

2011-07-14T22:56:00.000-07:00

I misheard this lyric last week as "When you die you never fear anymore."

I forget the correct lyric, but I thought that was so cool it was worth writing down.

CostCo Sightings

2011-07-14T22:54:00.000-07:00

Random observations from CostCo:

Overhearing one food sample presenter remark to another, "If I see one more piece of freaking cheese..."
Seeing a raised truck with an American flag on a pole and several cases of Top Ramen in the bed.

No judgments--just psychologically memorable as unusual.

Forks Over Knives

2011-07-14T22:35:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, while others were distracted by Akira Kurosawa's epic masterpiece Seven Samurai, I watched "Forks over Knives" (2011; Trailer #1; Trailer #2),

First, the high points the movie claims during the trailer:

(Trailer #1) ?: "This could be the first generation of children in the United States that lives less than its parents."
Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn: "Heart disease is an absolutely toothless paper tiger that need never ever exist."
Dr. John McDougall: "People who were raised in Japan, the Philippines, Korea, China, never had heart disease, prostate cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis...."
Dr. T. Colin Campbell: "We learned we could turn on and turn off cancer growth just by adjusting the level of intake of that protein."
Dr. John McDougall: "I knew, at that point, what caused most diseases...."
Dr. T. Colin Campbell: "Our national authorities are simply excluding this concept...to protect the status quo...."
Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn: "With a Western diet, there are gonna be half-a-million people in this country, this year, who will have to have the front half of their body divided, their heart exposed; some people would call that extreme."
Dr. T. Colin Campbell: "I know of nothing else in medicine, that can come close to what a plant-based diet can do."
Dr. Pam Popper: "If you go through life thinking what happens to you from a health perspective is based on your genes you're a helpless victim."
San’Dera Nation (random patient): "I reversed the diabetes. The diabetes is not coming back."
Rip Esselstyn (son of Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn): "To me the answer is so simple, it's criminal. It's just, people starting to take responsibility for their health and starting to eat more plant-based foods. It's that simple."
(Trailer #2) Katie Couric: "Heart disease is the #1 killer of women in this country...."
Tagline: "What if we could cure sickness without medicine?"
Tagline: "What if our nation's health crisis could be solved?"

Dr. T. Colin Campbell: "If everyone were to adopt this, I...I really believe we could cut health care costs by 70-80%...."

Tagline: "Two men who grew up on farms turned their backs on the past and turned to science to find the answer."

Dr. T. Colin Campbell (speaking about milk): "When I was young, we promoted our product because it was nature's most perfect food; but it took a slightly different twist as time passed. I mean it's the most perfect food--for calves."
Dr. T. Colin Campbell: "I mean it's so provocative, this information: we learned we could turn on and turn off cancer growth just by adjusting the level of intake of that protein."
Dr. Junshi Chen: "Because they are all Chinese, genetically they are all the same. Why they have so much difference in single cancer mortality."
Tagline: "What if there was a single solution to all these problems?"
Dr. T. Colin Campbell: "On the one hand, I'm coming from the scientific route, getting some ideas. He's coming from the clinical route. Here's the science, here's the clinical evidence. What they do together's amazing."
Tagline: "A solution so overlooked that no one is taking it seriously?"
Tagline: "Two men one improbable conclusion"
Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn: "The greatest gift that you could possibly give to their family--if you can make them be aware of the incredible power to avoid life's most painful events, you just don't have to have those kinds of events."
Tagline: "What if they're right?"
Dr. T. Colin Campbell: "I can say this with a great deal of confidence, that our national authorities are excluding this concept of nutrition from the debate and the discussion in order to protect the status quo...."

Some thoughts:

I went in skeptical, expecting a weak argument--and came out pleasantly surprised at the amount of information and quality of information presented.
This movie pulled no punches in casting a negative slant on the practices of the USDA with respect to commodities (namely, both advocating for, and regulating the same industry) and the opinions of former President of the American Dietetic Association, Connie B. Diekman.
The main target of the movie seems to be animal protein, whether by meat, dairy, or other dietary products.
They claimed acidosis results from consumption of dairy, which leaches calcium, contributing to osteoporosis.
The movie claims "Over 50% of our firefighters who die in the line of duty are dying from heart attacks and strokes."
It talks about the USDA food pyramid (then MyPyramid, now MyPlate) and it's origins and how milk and meat remain(-ed?) a key part of it.
The movie claims people need Viagra because of cardiovascular dysfunction brought on by high cholesterol diets.
The movie talked about stretch and fullness sensors on the stomach and how different foods fill the stomach differently (oils: most caloric, barely fill; vegetables: least caloric, completely fill)
The movie also talked about endothelial cells on the interior walls of blood vessels and how they serve a critical role in preventing heart disease.

CSICOP savages the movie here: http://www.csicop.org/specialarticles/show/a_review_of_forks_over_knives

2011 7th Annual Japanese Film Festival of Sacramento

2011-07-10T23:43:00.000-07:00

Shortbread cookie provided with peasant tea during intermission of "Seven Samurai"

Dawn and I attended the 7th annual Japanese Film Festival of Sacramento this weekend. This year, the committee selected the following films (descriptions from the festival guide):

‎"Dear Doctor" (2009; Trailer (in Japanese)):

"Winner of two Japan Academy Awards for Best Screenwriter/Best Supporting Actress. A doctor faithfully serves 1,500 residents in a Japanese Mountain Village. Dr. Ino is humble and selfless and he makes house calls. The villagers think he is a saint. The doctor is actually a fake, would be physician. The story is about a decent man who is caught in a web of his own lies and wants out. The reaction of the villagers when they learn the truth is acid comedy. Film maker Miwa Nishikawa's movie asks what counts in life and how well do we know each other?"
"Still Walking" (2008; Trailer):

"Two adult children return to visit their parents in a family reunion. Family tensions and old hurts contrast with the peaceful setting in a beautiful seaside town. Grandfather Kyobei hides behind his newspaper at the family table. Grandmother Toshiko is cute as she bustles around the kitchen throwing insults saying, "I'm not being cruel, it's normal." Second son, Ryo can't live up to his parents' memory of his dead brother. Brilliantly acted, Director Hirokazu Kore' eda's 7th film has parallels with Ozu's Tokyo Story."
"Tokyo Godfathers" (2003; anime; Trailer):

"It's Christmas Eve in Tokyo. An alcoholic, Gin, an aging drag queen, Hana, and a teenage girl, Miyuki, are unlikely friends who are homeless. They discover an abandoned baby girl in a trash barrel. In their odyssey of learning how to care for a baby, they learn about themselves. The film pays loving tribute to the Tokyo's snowy winter beauty. Director Satoshi Kon's animated film is one of the rare movies which use anime to tell a story of human suffering, love, and redemption which is too painful to be realized in live action."
"The Harimaya Bridge" (2009; Trailer):

"American Daniel Holder goes to Japan to bring back his late son's art work. He dislikes the Japanese because his own father died in a Japanese prisoner of war camp during WWII. While wrestling with his personal demons in Japan he finds peace within himself. Producer Danny Glover has a supporting role in the movie which is in English with Japanese subtitles and in Japanese with English subtitles. African American film writer and director, Aaron Woolfolk was a junior high school English teacher in rural Japan. Beautifully shot scenes are Japanese in spirit and technique and reveal Woolfolk's love for that country."
"One Big Hapa Family" (2010; Trailer):

"Documentary with live action and anime. Yonsei Japanese Canadian Jeff Chiba Stearns uses his anime art to explore four generations of intermarriage in the Koga family. The story of the Canadian Issei, Nisei, Sansei, and Yonsei generations is told through interviews, archival photos, historical film footage, home movies, and animation. Issues of racism, integration, and the instinct to retain the Japanese Culture and language are expressed with a freshness, wonderful sense of humor and open heart. In his journey of self-discovery, documentarian Stearns also explores the reasons why over 98% of Japanese Canadians have intermarried."
"Seven Samurai" (1954; Trailer):

"Akira Kurosawa's great film inspired the next 50 years of international film making. The story is simple and clear. Farmers in a small village approach seven ronin samurai to teach them how to fight bandits who will rob their barley crop. The samurai agree for daily rice and lodging. Seven Samurai is anchored in Japan's feudal values of caste and social hierarchy. Kurosawa also argues for individual worth and humanism through Seven Samurai's misfits and renegade heroes. The battle scene of sweeping tides of men moving from a higher to lower plane has been called one of the glories of world cinema. There is deeper meaning in this movie by one of the greatest film makers at the height of his powers. The samurais win the battle but it is the villagers who are the winners."

My favorites, in order, excluding Seven Samurai, starting with my most favorite:

‎"Still Walking": What happens when familial expectations fall apart? An annual family reunion strains and strengthens social ties. The movie sensuously highlights Japanese food preparation, summer heat, childhood friendships and adult dysfunctions. By turns both cruel and kind, the family's matriarch and patriarch find their attempts at control over their childrens' lives frustrated--or do they impact them more than their children let on? Rich landscapes of Yokosuka, Kanagawa, Japan inspire. This was my favorite movie, showing limits of control and our ability to forgive and accept our own loved ones.
"Dear Doctor" (2009): A quack in a remote Japanese mountain village finds his practice challenged by unexpected developments. Everyone suspect--and accepts. The town has never had it so good; or has it? Another lushly-filmed movie in high summer, the greens and the mountains dazzle. A study in contrasts between institutional and rural doctor-patient relationships, Shôfukutei hits all the right notes.
"Tokyo Godfathers" (2003; anime): In the cool dark of the theater, I felt the fall of snow watching this film. Set at Christmas, three homeless companions make a discovery which will change their lives forever. Winter is pitch-perfect, even if some scenes and plot resolutions stretch credibility.
"The Harimaya Bridge" (2009): This movie had moments of greatness (for example, the Shinto shrine marriage). Bennet Guillory comes across as a caricature of Americans abroad. Misa Shimizu shines, as do Saki Takaoka and actress Misono. Cinematography in Kochi Prefecture is amazing. A great debut film by Oakland, CA-native Aaron Woolfolk.
"One Big Hapa Family" (2010): A short (50-minute) documentary of growing up Japanese-Canadian, by Jeffrey Chiba-Stearns. I actually liked this a lot, but could not rank it higher than a feature film and all its attendant challenges. Chiba-Stearns talks in detail, showing several provocative historical photos about the Canadian Japanese internment camps and how World War 2 triggered mass assimilation of Japanese-Canadians. Informative, entertaining, and moving--and this was my lowest ranked screening! :o)

Festival Notes

Gave my ticket to Seven Samurai to a friend who had never seen it; I watched it in 2010. Just an epic film.
Overall, another great festival year.
The crowed seemed bigger this year--we missed out on getting a goodie bag on opening night, as we arrived just before showtime and they had ran out. So--no list of goodie bag items, this year.
The goodie bags did look the same as last year, however (small #3 brown paper shopping bag), with rice crackers, coupons, organic seeds, and so forth.
Noticable lack of political sponsorship (again) this year. Where are you, Doris Matsui?
On Thursday, we attended a rare screening of Kenji Mizoguchi's film "Osaka Elegy" (1936), a companion piece to his film "Sisters of the Gion" (1936), which they screened in 2010.
Coincidentally, the Sacramento Trash Film Orgy (http://trashfilmorgy.com/) kicked off their summer schedule this evening with a Zombie Walk, so as we exited the theater, we encountered zombies wandering about for the midnight showing of "Return of the Living Dead" :o)
First year I remember raffles--one before The Harimaya Bridge and one before Seven Samurai
Another first--peasant tea and cookies during the intermission of Seven Samurai.
Hats off to the staff of the Crest Theater--all class.
Tables in the lobby: books for sale, cards for sale, donations for Japan relief fund, donations for the Sacramento Japanese United Methodist Church, and so forth.
Not sure why, but this year I did not feel as moved by any of the films. :o| Distracted by so many other things going on in my life, presently, I guess.

Links to Previous Years

2010 (6th Annual)

2009 (5th Annual)

2008 (4th Annual)

2007 (3rd Annual)

Radio Songs

2011-07-02T17:56:00.000-07:00

Heard on 90.3 KDVS out of Davis, CA:

Hawaii-native Herb Ohta, Jr.'s "Pana Mai" from his online album, "‘Ukulele Nahenahe", on the Lele Music Productions label. Audio sample or hear the full audio at the MP3 streams at the 56:05 mark.

? and The Mysterians' "96 Tears (in Spanish)". Audio at the 88:00 minute mark.

Dolores Solá's "Cobardía" - from her album "Salto Mortal" on the OJO! records label. Audio.

13 Assassins (2010)

2011-06-23T23:11:00.000-07:00

We watched director Takashi Miike's 2010 movie "13 Assassins" Wednesday evening at Sacramento's Crest Theater.

Miike also produced the 2009 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, "Departures". Both movies deal with the topic of death and have cello music in their respective soundtracks--the similarities end there.

First, the bad news (no spoilers): I found this a challenging movie to watch. Miike opens with an extended, uncomfortably up-close-and-personal act of seppuku, then moves, in turn, through rape, murder, butchery, torture, and debasement. I think that was maybe the first 30 minutes. o_O;; The final 45 minutes depicts the graphic butchery of an army of men through--essentially--long, extremely sharp knives.

I struggled to keep up with the quickly scrolling intro expository subtitles. Differentiating the 13 assassins also proved difficult, equating characters to their choice in weapons.

Second, the good news: The acting, while good, was not great, mainly due to the massive amount of ground to cover, both literal and figurative, which left much less time for character development. I found the cinematography, the choreography, and the attention to detail with the sets pitch-perfect. Miike's attention to detail shines through in every scene. It is just an amazingly well-executed movie.

Final verdict: if you enjoy well-executed period pieces and do not mind gratuitous, over-the-top violence, this movie will not disappoint! :o)

Almost forgot: +1 for including a line referencing the Japanese folklore monster tanuki :o) I believe the exact subtitle was an assassin exclaiming "Are you a raccoon goblin?" when they first meet Kiga in the mountains on their way to Ochiai. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanuki

Romanticized Pasts

2011-06-20T19:01:00.000-07:00

Noted today how two people in disparate fields--Paul Krugman (Economics) and Richard Stallman (Computing)--both seem motivated by a romanticized vision of the past. In Krugman's case, a middle-class New York City suburb in the late 50's and early 60's. In Stallman's case, the bohemian M.I.T. computing culture of the early 70's.

http://thebrowser.com/interviews/paul-krugman-on-inspiration-liberal-economist?page=full

Trader Joe's - Receipt Amount Ending in Zero

2011-06-19T17:19:00.000-07:00

Trader Joe's currently offers customers tallying a "*.00" price on their receipt a free spin on their prize wheel.

Here is one combination which totals zero-zero:

FISH SALMON CHIMICHURRI FILLET $7.95
BEEF SIRLOIN ROAST FULLY COOKED $8.99
KERRYGOLD IRISH UNSALTED BUTTER, 2OZ @ $2.79/OZ $5.58
YOGURT GREEK STYLE PLAIN $1.99
ORGANIC SOUR CREAM - PINT $2.49
SUBTOTAL $27.00
TOTAL $27.00

I think we won an insulated bag on our spin.

Zipcar - Day One

2011-06-13T21:52:00.000-07:00

Via Wikipedia, "Zipcar is a membership-based car sharing company providing automobile reservations to its members, billable by the hour or day."

Brand new to the Sacramento-area, Zipcar now has five downtown locations: (1) 18th and Capitol Avenue; (2) 11th and L Street; (3) 10th and I Street; (4) 16th and J Street; and (5) 28th and J Street. These locations primarily serve denizens of Sacramento's dense urban core. (Did I just call Sacramentans dense? No offense intended!)

The Sacramento City Council voted to bring Zipcar to the city in late March, 2011, as a way to reduce fleet costs for City employees. From a March 28 article in BizJournals, "The only [startup] cost to the city is the loss of money from 10 spaces taken by the Zipcars and signs."

We signed up with Zipcar as an experiment. We own a car with a manual transmission and a driver in our household faces two challenges: (1) they are learning how to operate a manual transmission; and (2) they have not driven for a number of years and want confidence behind the wheel. So, Zipcar seems like a natural complement to getting back behind the wheel. Low investment and on-demand. Plus, we used code 75ZIP11 when signing up to get $75 free in credits, if used during a specified window (30 days?).

Our Zipcard--a credit card used to unlock the car--arrived in about a week. The reservation process went smoothly. We found our car--a silver, 2010 Honda Insight Hybrid--in a Zipcar parking spot just off 11th and L Street. It was clean, inside and out. Unlocking the doors stumped us, at first--until we noticed the Zipcar activator in the upper-left of the driver's side window. *Click* went the locks and we hopped in. Turning the car on immediately provided relief from the 93 F ambient temperatures.

Early evening downtown traffic was moderate. We drove for just under an hour, returning before our time expired. Everything went smoothly, until we drove west into the setting sun, which provided a bit of tension as we fought sun-blindness.

Afterwards--Temple Coffee for post-stress drinks.

Overall a very positive experience.

Given the $8/hour price, can see this coming in useful for trips to the San Francisco area: (1) gas is included in the hourly rate; (2) 30 locations downtown and 13 in the East Bay (and a handful in the South Bay); (3) brand new, shiny, hybrid vehicle; and (4) no parking fees once you arrive. Which works out to maybe $32 round-trip for transportation to/from The City. Budget in public transportation of $2/ride, each, and tolls of ~$10, for a total of roughly $60 for transporting two people for a day. Compare that to the alternatives: (1) Amtrak: $116 for train fare, plus public transportation fees, so maybe ~$130 total; or (2) Personal vehicle: (180 miles / 30 mpg) * $4/gal = ~$25; parking fees = $25/day; tolls = ~$10, so ~$60.

On the way home, we realized we had forgotten to wave the card over the Zipcar reader to logout of our reservation. A call to Zipcar customer service clarified turning off the car ends the reservation. The customer service call went through efficiently and was handled quickly. The attendant even suggested we can review our reservations online, to see if they went over/under.

So, all-in-all, a great first experience.

For an alternative, more in-depth experience, see: http://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/low-car-diet/content?oid=2082256

Radio Song

2011-06-07T22:12:00.000-07:00

Heard on 90.3 FM KDVS out of Davis, CA:

Ghent, Belgium-based Soulwax's "E Talking (Live)" from their 2005 album "Nite Versions Live" on the PIAS label. Video.

Radio Song

2011-05-21T06:58:00.000-07:00

Heard on KYDS 91.5 FM out of Sacramento:

Berkeley, California-based Rancid's "Killing Zone," a non-CD bonus track from side four of their LP release of their 2003 album "Indestructible", on the Hellcat label. Audio. Liked the driving guitars.

There is also this song I hear occasionally on KYDS with a female lead singing "I Drive Away" in a death metal voice, then she switches back to a clear voice. I have no idea who sings it; perhaps a local band?

Radio Song

2011-05-07T17:11:00.000-07:00

Heard on 90.3 KDVS this past Wednesday:

Montreal, Quebec-based The Arcade Fire's "Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)" from their 2010 album "The Suburbs" on the Merge and Mercury labels. Audio; Video (live). Love the synth.

Belinda Darby, Homeless Computer Science Ph.D.

2011-04-28T21:52:00.000-07:00

PEGGY PEATTIE / Union-Tribune

At work, I keep a copy of IKEA's "America At Home" on my desk; while thumbing through it on April 15, I found a picture of homeless woman Belinda Darby.

It turns out Ms. Darby holds a doctorate in Computer Science. :o|

http://www.sdcitybeat.com/sandiego/print-article-2864-print.html

Born in Decatur, Ill., Darby, her four siblings and her parents moved to Chula Vista in 1968, when she was 8. She graduated from Bonita Vista High School, went to college and eventually got a job in computers, working for IBM in National City. She met her husband and moved to Oram, Utah, where he died suddenly at his desk in 1990, from a massive heart attack. Devastated, Darby took her daughter to live near her sister in Florida, where she stayed until 2002, when her parents became ill. She spent four years taking care of them until, in 2006, her father died.

Four years out of the workforce and heartbroken, Darby had a nervous breakdown. She couldn’t work, she couldn’t eat, she couldn’t sleep. She eventually had to be hospitalized. When she got out of the hospital, she was out of cash and out of ideas. So she took to the streets.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20080511/news_1h11athome2.html

The second photo depicts Anthony Robinson and Belinda Darby, homeless on the streets of San Diego. Robinson, in a sweat shirt watching a DVD, was a poor kid from South Carolina who had trouble with the law. Darby has a Ph.D. in computer science.

“They found each other on the street,” Peattie wrote. “Each night Robinson sets out their blankets and erects a shaky wooden table. And while Darby sleeps, Robinson gathers partially full cans from local Dumpsters to keep them fed.”

Months after the photo shoot, Peattie said she receives text messages from the couple asking if she's having a good day.

“America at Home” is available in local bookstores (Running Press, Philadelphia, $40) and can be ordered online with a custom-made dust jacket with a photo of your own. Information: MyAmericaAtHome.com

2011 Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival Vendor Links

2011-04-28T21:43:00.000-07:00

Vendors

Zombie Art, by Appley (http://appleyrotten.tumblr.com)

Cako Bakery (http://cakobakery.com)

Bok Choy Apparel (http://www.bokchoyapparel.com)

Piximix (http://www.piximix.com ; http://twitter.com/piximix ; http://myspace.com/piximix ; http://www.facebook.com/pages/Piximix/52177058958)

Chair For a Standing Desk - Search Notes

2011-04-24T22:28:00.000-07:00

Standing desk height roughly the same as my elbow height: 44 inches.

To temporarily sit at that height (for me), a chair would need a seat height of approximately 36 inches.

Notes

Hacker News discussion about various types of seating possibilities: lab stools, ironing chairs, bar stools, drafting chairs.

Barstools 4 U - great articles about what to look for. Also, too.

36 inch stools are also known as "spectator height stools".

Seating Possibilities

Office Star Ergo Drafting Chair (seat height 36 inches)

Premier Barstools (seat heights 34-36 inches)

Kallie Air Lift Adjustable Bar Stool in Natural Finish - Set of 2 (seat heights 33-36 inches)
Kallie Air Lift Adjustable Bar Stool in Cappuccino Finish - Set of 2 (seat heights 33-36 inches)

StandUpDesks stool (custom)

Adjustable Lab Stool with Square Hardboard Seat and Backrest (seat heights 31-39 inches)

Great American Barstools - 36SQV-O - 36" Oak Square Vinyl Cushion Barstool (seat height 36" but review claimed cushion brings to maybe 38")

Modify a saddle seat stool kit?

Make my own? On second thought...no. :o| Looks like way too much time and energy. But, there it is.

http://www.craftedbytim.com/?p=233 http://www.craftedbytim.com/?p=237 http://www.craftedbytim.com/?p=241

Glasses

2011-04-23T18:55:00.000-07:00

Picked up two pairs of glasses, one for work and one for home. Wore glasses originally from 1985-2003 (18 years). Had LASIK in 2003, a dramatic improvement in overall quality of life. So, here I am about eight years later, with a minor vision correction. Will use them primarily when working, as staring at text all day strains when vision needs correction, even if minor.

Frames: República Denver (brown), 51/18/138; Costco, #531870, $60.

Wedding Ring

2011-04-12T22:41:00.000-07:00

Stopped by Skalet Family Jewelers in Old Sacramento, where we purchased Dawn's ring, and inquired about a rose-gold men's wedding band (pictures for illustrative purpose, only; not final):

5mm - $500
8mm - $830

o_O

Will be saving...still have to see one to get a sense if it actually is something I want.

Maui Jim Kala Sunglasses

2011-04-12T22:38:00.001-07:00

Liked the look:

At Costco for $79

Wine: 101-13 (Dawn)
Dark Brown: 101-25 (Kevin)

Appears Maui Jim no longer produces them: http://reviews.mauijim.com/3012/101/reviews.htm

Running Journal, Monday, 2011-04-11: Running in Circles

2011-04-11T22:16:00.000-07:00

Running Journal, Monday, 2011-04-11

Resting heart rate: ? bpm (forgot)
Body Mass Index (BMI): n/a (kilograms/(meters^2))

Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR): calories
Weather: n/a

Temp:
Time: 6:45-7:30 p.m.

Terrain: super-flat

Comments: First run after missing six maintenance runs and three long runs, over a course of three weeks, including what was to be my first marathon distance, last Sunday. Ah, well. After the March 26 long run, I chose to take some downtime to recover from a persistent cough and sickness, and also I felt pain in my lower left back. After three weeks of downtime, the cough is finally gone and the lower back pain had become muted, again. The back pain is a warning sign, though; and so I am attempting to shake things up a bit: (1) minimizing street running, which involves lots of concrete, and instead run maintenance runs at the American River College stadium track and long runs on the American River Parkway; (2) and profit ?. Not sure what else to try, yet. I read one suggestion about strengthening my core through targeted exercise, to better support the torso while running. One resource suggests perhaps seeing an orthopedist, an osteopath, or perhaps a chiropractor. Possibilities: (1) muscle strain (the most common cause of back pain for runners); (2) sciatica; (3) uneven pelvis or unequal leg lengths (relatively common); (4) Relatively weak abdominal and lower back muscles; (5) flat feet and over-pronation (i.e., your foot tends to roll inward too much when you run); (6) if your second toe is longer than the big toe (a condition known as Morton's Toe), this could cause a weight imbalance resulting in back pain; or (7) disc degeneration. Well, #2 (sciatica) and #6 (Morton's Toe) seem out. #5 seems out, as local running shop Fleet Feet claims to have experts fit shoes based on pronation, and I have not had a problem with flat feet before. That leaves #1, muscle strain; #3, uneven pelvis/leg--would take a doctor to diagnose, so no immediate answer; #4, relatively weak muscles; and/or #7, disc deterioration, which would be the worst case scenario. So--will be taking it easy, investigating as I have time. Ran in circles this evening at the American River College stadium track, one of the most boring things to ever do. I hate it with a passion, but if it helps, I will do it.

Goal Time: n/a

Distance (running): ~39.0 km (~4.0 miles);

Weight (after run): n/a

Any irregular feelings, aches, pains, heart rate, and so forth?: left lower back sore
Foods eaten today: oatmeal + raisins + banana, banana x 2, veggie spring rolls, walnuts, almonds, apple sauce cup, peach yogurt, apple, milk, Amy's bean + cheese burritos x 2, Ben & Jerry's Late Nite Snack ice cream

Radio Songs

2011-04-07T21:57:00.000-07:00

Heard on 107.9 FM KDND out of Sacramento, CA:

Belleville, Ontario, Canada-native Avril Lavigne's "What the Hell" from her 2011 album "Goodbye Lullaby" on the RCA label. Video: the musical exuberance reminds me of summer; the product placement disgusts me.

Heard on 90.3 FM KDVS out of Davis, CA:

Glasgow, Scotland-based Belle & Sebastian's "I Didn't See It Coming", from their 2010 album "Belle and Sebastian Write About Love" on the Rough Trade label. Video. "We're following the right line...."

And...special super-spring extra song!

Heard on 91.5 FM KYDS out of Sacramento, CA:

Los Angeles-based Megadeth's "Five Magics" from their 1990 album "Rust in Peace" on the label. Audio. Blown away by the guitar work!

MacArthur's Children (1984 Movie) -- "A significant and rare film"

2011-03-25T23:42:00.000-07:00

The Sacramento Japanese Film Festival and the Jan Ken Po Cultural Association presented this "significant and rare film" for the free Spring 2011 film screening. As we did last year, Dawn and I attended and enjoyed the opportunity.

From Wikipedia:

"MacArthur's Children (瀬戸内少年野球団 Setouchi Shōnen Yakyū-dan) is a popular and influential 1984 Japanese motion picture. Describing the impact of the United States' occupation of Japan from the perspective of the inhabitants of a small, rural island community, the film featured the big screen debut of actor Ken Watanabe."

and from the IMDB:

"Starring Masako Natsume, Shima Iwashita, and Hiromi Go. Mac Arthur’s Children begins with Emperor Hirohito’s radio speech announcing Japan’s defeat. The Japanese face profound change and the American occupation. The movie is seen through the eyes of two boys in Awaji, a small fishing village on Japan’s Inland Sea. Young men return as wounded soldiers; lives are shattered; there are would be Yakuzas. There is also Glen Miller and American baseball. Director Masahiro Shinoda’s film is a rare gem which tells the story with compassion and humor. (1984, 120 minutes, color). PG"

Notes

Ken Watanabe made his film debut, playing the role of Tetsuo
While the advertising mailer implied the movie is rare, one new and six used VHS cassettes are available on Amazon.
"MacArthur's Children was written and directed by two of those titular children, Takeshi Tamura (writer) and Masahiro Shinoda (director); the film was adapted from the Japanese best-seller by Yu Aku." (via)
The Japanese title literally translates (roughly) to "The Inland Sea Schoolboys' Baseball Team"
An interview with director Masahiro Shinoda.
I looked for a link to the source novel, written by now deceased author Yū Aku (阿久悠, Aku Yū), but without success
The movie was held in the main church hall, this year
Subtitles were white and difficult to read, sometimes
The VHS player ate the film, once or twice
Afterward, Dawn and I relaxed and helped ourselves to a wide variety of snacks, including fresh fruit, hot tea, rice crackers and a homemade mochi-blueberry bar, which tasted delicious
Met Sam and his wife June
Did not get a chance to go outside and see their beautiful garden, this year
Overall, a well-organized event and a tribute to the hard work and dedicated volunteers who put on the Sacramento Japanese Film Festival

Glasses

2011-03-21T20:18:00.000-07:00

Shopping for glasses at CostCo:

República, 531870, 51/18/138, $60 (Denver, brown)
Kenneth Cole Reaction, 528363, 52/18/140, $70 (Color 731)
Geoffrey Beene, 334650, 52/19/140, $? (Demeter, brown)
Colours by Alexander Julian, 412532, 50/17/140, $60 (Panne, gunmetal)
Bulova, 469373, 52/18/140, $60 (Tenby, brown)

Shopping for glasses is an exercise in patience. I find the pairs I like in-store, yet they cannot be found, on-line. No better, vice-versa.

Radio Song

2011-03-21T19:49:00.000-07:00

Heard on KXJZ 90.9 out of Sacramento, CA:

Melbourne, Australia-natives Royalchord's "Midnight Lines" from their online album "The Good Fight" on the Supply and Demand/Mistletone labels. Audio.

Running Journal, Saturday, 2011-03-19: Saturnine Skies, Swollen Waters, Near Gale-Force Winds

2011-03-19T22:13:00.000-07:00

Running Journal, Saturday, 2011-03-19

Resting heart rate: ? bpm (forgot)
Body Mass Index (BMI): 22.381 (kilograms/(meters^2))
Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR): 1.821 calories
Weather: overcast with rain showers; winds out of the SSE at 42.65 km/h (26.5 mi/h) with gusts up to 53.75 km/h (33.4 mi/h); 93-76% humidity; 101.38-100.80kPa (29.94-29.77 inches pressure)

Temp: 8-9 C (46.4-48.2 F)
Time: 11:31-5:21 p.m. (14:15 min/mi, average)

Terrain: flat; +/- 221.9 m (728 ft)

Comments: Well, in all my years of running in Sacramento, today is about as bad it gets, at least in terms of wind--the rains were light and intermittent. Today's long run coincided with a winter storm. I am still recovering from illness. The walk from Fair Oaks village to Bridge Street and across the American River was cold; the winds cut right through the long-sleeved technical shirt, technical jacket, racing shorts, and leggings I wore. Thankfully, I found my old pair of RaceReady gloves, which did not absorb any water from the rain. Once I started running, I warmed up considerably and felt mostly comfortable. I took six Hammer Nutrition gels, one more than the run three weeks ago. The American River today had swelled to heights I have not seen since the winter of 2006. All 18 spillways of the Nimbus Dam and five eight spillways of the Folsom Dam were open, today. The bike path was flooded, as it was in 2006, near mile marker 20.5, so I took the parallel horse trail as a detour for the first time in many months. The skies overhead were overcast and off-white and the light rains persisted throughout the run. The biggest challenge today was the wind. On the way out, the south-east winds blew into me. On the way back, somehow they blew into me again as I passed by the tall bluffs near Negro Bar State Park. According to the Beaufort Scale, the winds reached near gale-force bursts. The Parkway was mostly empty, though an occasional cyclist passed by with a wet streak up their back. A few runners passed by--one man without leggings or gloves! Most runners were female and better prepared. What a difference the overcast sky makes! Three weeks ago, the sunny day opened up the sky. I noticed further construction at the north end of the Hazel Avenue Bridge--a pedestrian bridge which will allow for an extended path and a reduced grade up to the deck of the roadway. I noticed many birds enjoying the winds. Small birds flew circles around me on the bike path and on Lake Natoma, catching breezes and flitting quickly to and fro. Larger birds--hawks, geese, ducks--also rode the shifting winds. Noticing a pair of geese struggling to control their flight as they approached a perch helped reassure me others also shared my battles. I also saw a female wild turkey, a number of jackrabbits, and a few squirrels feasting on pine nuts, discarding the sharp and pointed pine cone bits loudly onto the bike path as I passed. Most of the run, today, however, was a solitary journey in rain and wind. I confirmed the Willow Creek Launching Facility lacked a water fountain. One man in a truck with the word "Curtis" (Plumbing?) on a magnetic sign on his door pulled in as I was running around; he parked and watched the waters. Some flowers and bushes are flowering--purple and orange and red and white ones--I wish I knew their names. Miles 26-south and 27-south represent my least favorite miles of the journey: they follow the telephone lines, with placer-mining rock deposits framing both sides, cutting off views. Or worse, three-story office buildings. Speaking of telephone lines--I solved a mystery, today. I have seen numbers spray-painted on the ground while on previous runs, in the format "4/2" or "2/3". It turns out these represent pole numbers, presumably with the first number the mile from the generation station, and the second number the pole in that mile. And they are zero-indexed--the first pole next to the Nimbus Dam is "0/1". On two of these poles, I saw a sticker reading, "SIG SAUER / To-Hell-and-Back Reliability"--apparently a small arms manufacturer based out of New Hampshire. Comforting? Reached Beal's Point and mile 32--the end of the American River Bike Trail--for the first time! The campground seemed moderately full, surprisingly, despite the weather. As I passed one site, a group of 20-30 adults in rain gear were listening to someone talk, though I could not clearly tell what was being said. Many years ago, I attended a workplace celebration at Beal's Point, in weather a bit milder than today, but not by much. So today marked only the second time I have made it; finding the empty park and picnic tables where we had celebrated so many years ago, I felt a bit melancholy remembering all the people who have gone their separate ways. I did not stay long--the winds coming in off Folsom Lake were fierce and cold. The sign at Beal's Point claims 11.2 miles to Sunrise Bridge. The first few miles went great--they were all downhill! On the way back to Negro Bar, I caught a glimpse of Folsom State Prison. The fences along the bike path near Folsom Dam have razor wire; I noticed a number of holes under the fences have also been reinforced with moderately-sized boulders. However, there is one part of the fence just past the new Folsom Lake Crossing bridge with a raised grate, presumably to allow small animals passage. It is obviously large enough to allow a person to squeeze through, though! Not to mention, the razor fencing ends farther down the line, allowing anyone who dared to simply walk around the end of the fence! Running past Folsom Dam gorge is a sight to behold, though. Today, five of eight spillways were open, releasing waters which crashed and frothed with thunderous might, below. The remaining miles went less than optimal. I wish I had taken one more gel pack--my legs were struggling. I challenged myself, climbing up the sharp grade to the roadway of Hazel Avenue Bridge. I found my large upper leg muscle groups still responded, even after all those miles. This allowed me to finish the last few miles, but tired me considerably. The walk up Bridge Street to Fair Oaks village did not help. Overall, a very challenging run, compounded by mediocre health and crazy winds. Twice, the top of my left foot began hurting, so I stopped and loosened my shoelaces. I love the electricity of the weather. Soon, summer, constant sunshine, and higher temperatueres will return, so I want to experience it while it lasts.

Goal Time: n/a

Distance (running): ~39.0 km (~24.2 miles); http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4361691 ;

Weight (after run): 76.6 kg (169 lb)

Any irregular feelings, aches, pains, heart rate, and so forth?: top of left foot is sore (loosened shoelaces, twice), moderate muscle aches
Foods eaten today: oatmeal + raisins + banana, banana x 2, Hammer Nutrition gels x 6, nuun U Natural Hydration Lemon Chai tablets x 4, hard-boiled egg x 2, protein powder drink

Running Journal, Wednesday, 2011-03-16: Sick

2011-03-16T22:45:00.000-07:00

Running Journal, Wednesday, 2011-03-16

Resting heart rate: ? bpm (forgot)
Body Mass Index (BMI): ? (kilograms/(meters^2))
Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR): ? calories
Weather:

Temp:
Time: 8:30-9:15 p.m.

Terrain: flat; +/- 11 m (36 ft)

Comments: Sick. Slept until 1:30 p.m., then spent the day mostly in bed. The run felt OK, tonight. The moon was out and perhaps 70% full, casting a white light on a wispy ring of clouds circling it. What does it feel like to run? At first, it feels strained, as though my msucles are waking up. After one-half mile, I sort of stretch out, fixing any issues with form, feeling out how my body is reacting to the current run. Tonight, I ate before Iran, so I was a bit concerned about how my body would handle blood-flow to my stomach as well as to my muscles. It worked out OK. Depending on the weather, I might feel chilly from whipping winds, or I might feel warm from overdressing, or I might feel cozy, as I did this evening. My normal run takes me on streets with sidewalks, streets with bike lanes and no sidewalks, and through a park and a high school. I run against traffic, so I can see the cars approaching and take action as needed. Tonight, there was water in the ditches and streets from rains over the last day or two. The streets were dry. I run past homes, the same barking dogs behind fences, and buses. In Gibbons Park, I might stop for a drink at the water fountains, or attempt to listen for what song is playing in the community center as people dance. I watch the stars. Tonight, I felt my quads, both front and rear, quite distinctly, as though I could consciously control them precisely, sort of how one can precisely control the arm muscles. I watch my footing while stepping off curbs or running along places where I know seams in the sidewalks lay in wait for me. I watch for headlights of cars coming around corners, hoping they stay on their side of the white line. As I reached Kimberly Way, I saw a new, long-haired, grey cat lying just to the side of the sidewalk, mewing as I approached. I stopped, laid down, and petted it for a minute or two. As I reached Mira Loma High School, I smelled marijuana in the air. To my left, on a bench near the football and track field, a group of giggling people were sitting. Running across the high school parking lot, I enjoyed the view of parking space lines disappearing underneath me as I ran. As I completed my run, a small dog in the high school field ran up to me from the other side of the chain-link fence. A good run; hoping I feel better, tomorrow.

Goal Time: n/a

Distance (running): ~6.18 km (~3.84 miles); http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/29804000

Weight (after run): ?

Any irregular feelings, aches, pains, heart rate, and so forth?: lower back slightly sore
Foods eaten today: pomegranate waffles and maple syrup, orange juice, banana, hard boiled egg, gnocchi, berry pie (in honor of Pi day), carrot, strawberry sorbetto, grapefruit x 2, milk, tomato soup, cornbread

Running Journal, Monday, 2011-03-14: $358

2011-03-14T21:48:00.000-07:00

Running Journal, Monday, 2011-03-14

Resting heart rate: ? bpm (forgot)

Body Mass Index (BMI): 22.5 (kilograms/(meters^2))

Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR): 1,827 calories

Weather: partly sunny with intermittent misting rain; winds out of the E at 16.1 km/h (10.0 m/h) winds; 88% humidity; 102.26kPa (30.20 inches pressure)

Temp: 15 C (59 F)
Time: 5:50-6:35 p.m.

Terrain: flat; +/- 11 m (36 ft)

Comments: Daylight Saving Time went into effect on Sunday and I found myself with an opportunity to run a maintenance run in daylight. Overcast skies cast a blueish-gray light on the neighborhood, dulling everything into drab, muted colors. The temperature was comfortable, the light precipitation a nice contrast to drier evenings, and the petrichor was amazing--pines and earth, grass and leaves. I enjoy daylight running. I feel safer, more sure-footed, and running faster. As I ran toward Deterding Park, near 3100 Berkshire Way, I approached a parked vehicle on my right and two groups of people: (1) a person behind the wheel of the parked vehicle; and (2) a man and woman standing in the driveway. "$385! I paid it! Yeah, that's right!" yelled the man to the driver of the parked vehicle. The woman appeared to be attempting to de-escalate the situation, but the man on the sidewalk was having none of it. "Go on, get out of here. Drive off," he yelled. The man in the vehicle seemed to say, "Are you drunk enough, yet?" This set off the man outside the vehicle again. "Tell that to your punk ass bitch girlfriend, the one who has done all of Sacramento," he yelled. By this time, I was hearing things well after I had passed the vehicle, almost to Dom Way. "Come on, get out of the truck!" As I rounded the corner, I heard a few thumps of what sounded like the man kicking the vehicle. At this point, I was glad to be well past the still escalating situation. I do not get this much excitement, every night. The rest of the run was uneventful. I noticed in the daylight another water fountain. I re-ran the muddy trail in Jonas-Landspur Park, only hearing one frog. As I ran, a man and his girlfriend warned me, "It's wet ahead." "Is it passable?" I asked. "Yeah, stay to the side," he replied. I thanked him and kept going. As I ran north on Evelyn Avenue, a young man walked past me and hopped into a parked vehicle. The vehicle drove half a block, passing me, then dropped him off. Not sure what that was all about--a drug deal? Strange. Also on this block, a bumper sticker reading, "English doesn't borrow from other languages; English follows other languages down dark alleys, knocks them over, and sifts through their pockets for loose grammar." I felt really great, physically, after this evening run. I found a new way to push off with my feet which seemed more like gliding. I ended the run feeling just fine. Four miles, no problem.

Goal Time: n/a

Distance (running): ~6.56 km (~4.08 miles); http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/29302358

Weight (after run): 76.4 kg (168.4 lbs); ??% body fat

Any irregular feelings, aches, pains, heart rate, and so forth?: lower back sore

Foods eaten today: oatmeal + raisins + banana, walnuts, almonds, low sodium V-8, Kirkland Chocolate Meal Replacement Shake, Ito En matcha green tea with lemon juice x 2, Fuji apple, Clover organic strawberry yogurt, Clover organic vanilla bean yogurt, banana, Panda raspberry licorice nibs, Trader Joe's yaki onigiri, hard-boiled egg, orange juice, Trader Joe's Mac & Cheese, Amy's organic rice and bean burrito with salsa, fries, Mikawaya chocolate mochi, cornbread

Radio Songs

2011-03-10T12:13:00.000-08:00

From 88.9 KXPR out of Sacramento, CA:

Hämeenlinna, Finland-born Jean Sibelius' "Swan of Tuonela", performed by the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Sir Neville Marriner conducting, on the Philips label (# 412727). Audio.

Saint-Germain-du-Val, France-born Léo Delibes' Sylvia Suite, performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra, Eugene Ormandy conducting, on the Sony label (# 46550). Parts of this piece reminded me of the theme from Knight Rider. See 4:34 of this recording.

Running Journal, Wednesday, 2011-03-09: Lots to See

2011-03-09T22:56:00.000-08:00

Running Journal, Wednesday, 2011-03-09

Resting heart rate: 69 bpm (60 second test, 60 minutes after exercise)
Body Mass Index (BMI): 22.73 (kilograms/(meters^2))
Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR): 1,846 calories
Weather: moon (waxing crescent @ 21%), partly clear; calm; 94% humidity; 102.22kPa (30.19 inches pressure)

Temp: 10 C (50 F)
Time: 8:30-9:15 p.m.

Terrain: flat; +/- 11 m (36 ft)

Comments: First time running in my local neighborhood in a number of nights. A late start; we ran a few errands this evening--picked up the CSA box, Target, Bed Bath & Beyond. Then meal prep, cleanup, and finally ready for running. Sort of. I lay back on the bed to put on shorts and it felt really good, almost too good to leave. Altocumulus clouds in the sky reflected moon light and city light in a mixture of white and orange. I turned in several circles while running to take it all in. There is, perhaps contrary to intuition, a lot to see while running at night. As I mentioned on Monday, illuminated colors contrast sharply with the shades of gray and black. The tops of trees appear as shadows against the night sky. Yards and streets in general are well illuminated. Animal activity is limited to the occasional stray cat or owner and dog. It is worth noting, at the risk of stating the obvious, that all the objects around in the daytime are still there and have not changed; they are just not illuminated by the sun, presently. I think what I am trying to get at is sharing a growing comfort with running at night. It is not as strange as I once thought. Every time I pass over a seam in the concrete where I tripped, I remember. I enjoy the cool air and the sense of having the entire city to myself. Tonight's run started off smooth until Gibbon's Park, when I began breathing a bit heavier. I slowed down. The rest of the run went slower but smoother. Someone, smarter than the rest, has posted laminated Lost Dog posters all around the area. The dog was a border collie and looked really cute; I hope they get it back. I wore leggings, racing shorts, a long-sleeved technical shirt, and cotton gloves, which was just about right for the temperature. It was fun to open up a bit at the beginning and run faster. My left lower back has felt a bit sore this week, so I am forcing myself to go a bit slower. I think sprinting at the end of my run on Monday aggravated it, a bit.

Goal Time: n/a

Distance (running): ~6.48 km (~4.03 miles); http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/29406640

Weight (after run): 77.8 kg (171.5 lbs), ?% body fat
Any irregular feelings, aches, pains, heart rate, and so forth?: Left lower back a little sore
Foods eaten today: Oskri coconut bar with mango, oatmeal + raisins + banana, walnuts, almonds, low sodium V-8, Ito En matcha green tea with lemon juice x 2, Jazz apple, apple sauce, Trader Joe's Spicy Ranchero Egg White Salad on Jewish Rye bread, Tempt Mint Chip Ice Cream, orange juice, hard-boiled egg x 2, grilled cheese, Pacific Natural Foods organic roasted red pepper and tomato soup, Hav'A Corn chips with Trader Joe's Double Roasted Salsa, protein powder drink

Running Journal, Monday, 2011-03-07: Slippery Mud, Takeoff Lights in the Fog

2011-03-07T22:16:00.000-08:00

Running Journal, Monday, 2011-03-07

Resting heart rate: 63 bpm (60 second test, 45 minutes after exercise)
Body Mass Index (BMI): 22.73 (kilograms/(meters^2))
Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR): 1,846 calories
Weather: moonless (waxing crescent), overcast; winds out of the SSW at 11.1 km/h (6.9 m/h) winds; 82% humidity; 101.95kPa (30.11 inches pressure)

Temp: 10 C (50 F)
Time: 7:30-8:15 p.m.

Terrain: flat; +/- 11 m (36 ft)

Comments: Did not want to go out tonight. Spent the first part of the evening caulking kitchen and bathroom to stop ants from coming in. Wore leggings, racing shorts, a long-sleeve technical shirt, and gloves, which was just about right for the temperature. The overcast sky reflected the city light, showing me a bit more of the darkened streets than the otherwise moonless night would. Tonight I noticed colors. The overcast skies illuminated the residential area in a mixture of dark grays, with doorways bathed in bright, contrasting oranges and whites. Two cats on Sebastian Way watched me warily as I passed. Above, aircraft takeoff lights occasionally shone through the overcast skies as they ascended. About half-way through, I started picking up the pace a bit. I had sped up and slowed down a few times, watching for the characteristic burn of lactic acid which would indicate I was going into anaerobic mode. I reached Crabtree Park and started going faster. I started getting what must be a runner's high--what felt like clarity of thought and a high level of awareness. I ran west on Churchill Road, south on Morse Avenue, west on Joseph Avenue, then north on Jonas Avenue to Jonas-Larkspur Park. After last Wednesday's run, I had spotted a trail on the south side of the park which seemed to go closer to the frogs' croaking. I decided to head into the park, even though I often hear voices. As I ran past the playground equipment, I passed about five or six teens smoking (ha!). I followed the trail south, leaving cement for slippery mud and hard-pack dirt. Then I was right there with them--thundering frogs everywhere. I ran in the dark through the south of the park, the noise deafening, then diminishing a bit as I approached Evelyn Lane. Exhilerating. I sprinted north to finish the run.

Goal Time: n/a

Distance (running): ~6.56 km (~4.08 miles); http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/29302358

Weight (after run): 77.8 kg (171.5 lbs), ?% body fat
Any irregular feelings, aches, pains, heart rate, and so forth?: Left lower back a little sore
Foods eaten today: oatmeal + raisins + banana, walnuts, almonds, See's Cafe Latte candy, low sodium V-8, Kirkland Chocolate Meal Replacement Shake, Ito En matcha green tea with lemon juice x 2, Fuji apple, Brown Cow Low-Fat Lemon Twist Yogurt, Trader Joe's Butternut Squash soup, Marie Callendar's cornbread, Tempt Mint Chip Ice Cream, orange juice, Trader Joe's Egg White Salad With Chives on Jewish Rye bread

Running Journal, Saturday, 2011-03-05: A Wisconsin Summer in Sacramento

2011-03-05T23:16:00.001-08:00

Running Journal, Saturday, 2011-03-05
Resting heart rate: n/a (forgot)
Body Mass Index (BMI): 22.38 (kilograms/(meters^2))
Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR): 1,824 calories
Weather: partly sunny; winds from the SW at 5.6 km/h (3.5 mi/h); 40% humidity; 102.25kPa (30.2 inches pressure)
Temp: 21.1 C (70.0 F)
Time: 12:30-14:52 p.m. (2:22:00; 8:21 min/km (13:27 min/mi))
Terrain: flat; +/- 31 m (102 ft)
Comments: It felt like a Wisconsin summer's day, today. Trees have exploded with flowers and grasses are green and vibrant from winter rains. I passed a magnificent deep-purple tulip tree, today, at Alexon Way and Tono Way. Or it may be a magnolia tree--my neighbor suggests waiting until the fall to see if it has the magnolia's cones. A brief internet search seems to indicate, maybe, Magnolia soulangeana. On Park Road, a husband and wife seemed to be pulling up unwanted plants from the shoulder of the road near their driveway. I found two swans and one peacock (thankfully, alive) in the pond, today. A man was at Del Paso Park taking pictures of his two children. The 2001 Porsche Boxster Cabriolet convertible (navy blue) remains on the ASB Auto Wholesale lot at Myrtle Avenue and Auburn Boulevard--now only $9,950; I suspect something may be wrong with it? After 45 minutes, I consumed my first Hammer Nutrition gel (raspberry) as I reached Garfield Avenue. As I wound my way toward Winding Way, I passed two men taking a rest from transporting an old wood stove on a dolly. One remarked to the other, "If you are not going to sell it, we probably could have just let it drop." Lots of people assisting with repairing a church along Winding Way; painting parking spot lines, sweeping of leaves and plant debris, painting, and landscaping, including cutting down and mulching a large tree. On Barrett Road, I downed the second Hammer Nutrition gel (chocolate). I run past a community called "Fallen Oaks Estates" on Lincoln Avenue, and I wonder at the strange name. The houses look new and well kept. At Gibbons Park, a men's tennis match briefly captured my interest while I refilled my water bottle. Someone on Facebook asked for feedback on what I think about while I run; in no particular order: curb cuts--watch my step; judgmental thoughts about people who abandon all manner of items along my path; is that a vehicle approaching me from behind?; how much water can I drink so I conserve enough to last me until the end of my run?; watch out for seams in the concrete; slow down and enjoy the run; someone is on the sidewalk--do I have enough room to allow them to pass?; if I purchase a large bottle of Hammer Nutrition gel, how will I package it for individual servings for use during a run?; that is an interesting house; vehicle approaching, head for the shoulder; wish I had a camera to capture that; how would I engineer a tool to efficiently clean trash?; I want to show Dawn this; I wonder if xyz will be there again this week?
Goal Time: n/a
Distance (running): ~16.99 km (~10.56 miles); http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/29168882 ; ~1,038 calories burned
Weight (after run): 76.6 kg (168.87 lbs); ?% body fat
Any irregular feelings, aches, pains, heart rate, and so forth?: none
Foods eaten today: toaster waffles x 6 + real maple syrup; milk; Tempt Mint Chip Ice Cream;

Running Journal, Wednesday, 2011-03-02: Frogs

2011-03-02T23:04:00.000-08:00

Running Journal, Wednesday, 2011-03-02
Resting heart rate: n/a (forgot)
Body Mass Index (BMI): 22.67 (kilograms/(meters^2))
Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR): 1,839 calories
Weather: partly clear, no moon; winds out of the SW at 2.25 km/h (1.4 mi/h); 98% humidity; 101.81kPa (30.07 inches pressure)
Temp: 11.5 C (52.7 F)
Time: 20:21-21:06 p.m.
Terrain: flat
Comments: Did not feel like running, tonight. Felt tired and resting on the bed and couch felt very cozy. However, I am committed to continue, so I put on leggings, racing shorts, underarmour core, technical jacket, and gloves, and drove to the Hurley area to drop off Dawn at the gym. The run tonight went fine. The air felt humid from the recent rains. I see people entering and exiting homes I pass, so it satisfies a bit of my curiosity to see who lives in each place. One family has left up a single string of blue LED holiday lights on a bush outside their home. The sounds: helicopters, small-engine airplanes, traffic, dogs barking. I smelled what may have been marijuana as I ran down Berkshire. Wood smoke from chimneys. I still admire the miniature Japanese garden outside the home on Sebastian. The frogs' croaking was a cacophony this evening. I ran to the dead-end near Jonas-Larkspur park to see where the source was, and it turns out there is a small wooded area at the south end of the park. Felt stronger, this evening, almost fully recovered from last Saturday's long run.
Goal Time: n/a
Distance (running): ~4.0 miles
Weight: 77.6 kg (170.1 lbs), ?% body fat
Any irregular feelings, aches, pains, heart rate, and so forth?: a few aches in my knees
Foods eaten today: oatmeal + raisins + banana, tomato juice, walnuts, almonds, green tea, chocolate peppermint, Mikawaya chocolate mochi, Straus Family Creamery Organic Dutch Chocolate Ice Cream, orange juice, organic nacho chips, Trader Joe's rice and bean burritos + double-roasted salsa, Thai green curry + brown rice + salad, chocolate meal replacement shake

Running Journal, Monday, 2011-02-28: Urban Camping

2011-02-28T22:59:00.000-08:00

Running Journal, Monday, 2011-02-28
Resting heart rate: n/a (forgot)
Body Mass Index (BMI): 22.2 (kilograms/(meters^2))
Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR): 2,722 caloriesWeather: clear; calm; 81% humidity; 102.22kPa (30.19 inches pressure)
Temp: 5 C (41 F)
Time: 19:00-19:45 p.m.
Terrain: flat
Comments: Urban camping--that is what running through darkened suburban streets reminds me of. My parents took me "camping" (think: 24-foot camper with full hookups) and I remember exploring the paved campground roads at night. The other, random, thought which popped into my head this evening was American Beauty--who knows what dysfunction and violence goes on in the homes I pass? Felt a bit blah, tonight. Ate before running, then had to deal with legs still recovering from Saturday's 21.5 mile run. Went slow, running out of time before I finished my circuit. At the end, I felt more limber, so I completed the run with a strong increase in speed, even though Galloway cautions against it. The croaking of thousands of frogs at the end in the area around Jonas-Larkspur Park is really something to experience. Love it.
Goal Time: n/a
Distance (running): ~4.0 miles
Weight: 77.2 kg (170.2 lbs), ?% body fat
Any irregular feelings, aches, pains, heart rate, and so forth?: sore and stiff legs
Foods eaten today: oatmeal + raisins + banana, tomato juice, walnuts, almonds, green tea, fried rice, chow mein, eggplant and tofu, green beans in black bean sauce, broccoli, fortune cookie, Trader Joe's mac and cheese, Mikawaya chocolate mochi, Straus Family Creamery Organic Dutch Chocolate Ice Cream, milk, protein powder drink

Running Journal, Saturday, 2011-02-26: Thousands of Gulls Overhead

2011-02-26T22:00:00.000-08:00

Running Journal, Saturday, 2011-02-26
Resting heart rate: n/a (forgot)
Body Mass Index (BMI): 22.2 (kilograms/(meters^2))
Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR): 2,722 calories
Weather: sunny; winds from the WNW at 18.5 km/h (11.5 m/h); 40% humidity; 101.07kPa (29.85 inches pressure)
Temp: 7-8 C (44.6-46.4 F)
Time: 12:30-17:48 (5:18:00, ~4 mph, 9:06/km, 14:39 min/mi; 2:46:00 @ mile 11/2:32:00 @ finish)
Terrain: flats, then hills, some 7% grade and higher; +/- 89 m (292 ft)
Comments: A magnificent run, today. Per guidance from Jeff Galloway's books, I wore leggings, racing shorts, my 2007 Big Sur Marathon long-sleeved technical shirt, and cotton gloves. While I felt a bit chilly at the beginning as I walked from the car the starting point, I felt just right when I began running. On Friday night, I had mapped my route, choosing to run east into hilly terrain and conquer the hill which exhausted me in May 2006, due to lack of preparation. Adding hills to my long run was a calculated risk; it reduces the margin of error for conserving resources but would prove I had it in me to make it to the top. I had hoped to make it all the way to Folsom Lake, but ended up one mile short of Beal's Point State Park, at the U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation, Mid-Pacific Region's "The American River Water Education Center at Folsom Dam." Took along six Hammer Nutrition Gel Shots and started using them every 45 minutes, from the beginning. Left the camera at home due to weight and I think the jostling and heat may have swelled the battery cartridge. Was able to bend my sunglasses back into shape, so I took them along in my back pocket, but used them only for a short period of time. I prefer unaided vision, especially on some of the sun-dappled parts of the Parkway which pass in-and-out of sunlight frequently. At every opportunity, I used the restrooms; first at Nimbus Flat State Park, near the CSUS Aquatic Center; second, at Negro Bar State Park, heading east; third, and finally, at Negro Bark State Park, heading west. At the second stop, a cyclist stopped and chatted with me as I filled up my water bottle. The unexpected gush of water from the spigot had pushed the bottle out of my hand and onto the ground. I laughed and he must have heard me. He was, in his words, "puttering around the lake" with his family. He caught up to me a few minutes later, then took a right onto the historic truss bridge (Walker Bridge). I started my run from the Bridge Street pedestrian bridge, at mile marker 20. Knowing the hills awaited me and the knowledge glycogen-conservation would keep my legs fresh as much as possible, I went out super-slow. When I hit hills, I would slow down even more. I passed people fishing in the salmon spawning channel at mile 20.5. At mile marker 22.5, I stopped and refilled my water bottle, knowing this would be one of the last opportunities for the next 6.5 miles. Really liked the taste of the nuun U Natural Hydration Lemon Chai tablets. Different enough to make it interesting. I had placed two extra tablets in my pocket within a plastic bag, to protect them from getting wet. Heading east, I smelled the creosote of the Alder Creek Bridge beams near mile marker 24.0, then looked up at the tall pines heavy with cones. As I continued east toward the Willow Creek Launching Facility, I looked up and saw an amazing sight. Overhead, thousands of white gulls circled like a school of ocean fish, catching drafts of air and slowly drifting in a cloud across the sky. At one point, they soared so high, the aerosols in the air began to discolor them to a dirty gray, to the point where they became obscured. Listened to the rhythmic squeak of the Willows Creek bridge as I ran across it. Running slowly is an exercise in patience and resolution. I carefully monitored my breathing for exertion and reduced pace when I started to breath quickly. At one point, several miles in, I felt some fatigue in my calves and this irrational thought immediately sprang into my mind: "You are starting to feel tired--run faster so you will finish faster!" Happily, I slowed down a bit, corrected my running form to shift exertion to my upper thighs, and successfully reduced the stress on my calves. I found one benefit of running slow--a heightened awareness of the area around me and increased mental cognitive ability. The brain runs on glycogen, so exerting oneself starves the brain. Running slowly allows the body to flush away all the results of exertion so muscles stay loose and the brain stays engaged. As I found out today, bathroom breaks help the body clear out waste, as does regular sips of water (preferably with electrolytes) and regularly-timed gel shots. Finally figured out the purpose of the floating dock in Lake Natoma--an outhouse! Running slow also gave me a chance to do double-duty and clean up various bits of trash along the Parkway. Collected too many empty gel shot shells--of all the people using the Parkway, I had hoped athletes would be the most conscientious of the idea of "pack it in, pack it out." Found some odd items--a plastic coffee mug and an exploded basketball. The more general things--various paper and plastic bits, bottles, and gloves. Heading west just past Negro Bar State Park, I passed a mini-fridge someone had apparently tossed from the tall bluffs overhead. This area, with just a thin ledge of trail between the glass-like Nimbus Lake and the 60+ m (200+ ft) bluffs overhead, is one of my favorite stretches--and apparently that of a cyclist, as well, who I overheard remarking to her partner as she entered the area. As I left this stretch, I passed two women, one who looked backwards to see two runners approaching. She remarked to her companion, in a negative tone, "Here come those two runners again." The run to the top of the Folsom Dam went fine--I took it really slow, stayed within the limits I had trained for, and made it without too much trouble. Said hello to a man digging post-holes on the embankment near the Mountain Oak Court overpass. My hopes of taking the Folsom Dam Road to the top of the dam to see Folsom Lake were dashed--think cyclone fencing topped with serious razor-wire. Did pass underneath the newly completed ( March, 2009) Folsom Lake Crossing bridge. At the 11-mile turn-arountd point, I noticed something pleasantly surprising--my legs, far from feeling tight and tired, felt loose, warmed-up, and responsive, after completing the most demanding part of the run, no less! Heading back west into the setting sun, I put on my sunglasses, but took them off after a mile or two, as the transitions into and out of shade just contributed to blackout as my eyes struggled to continually dilate. I remembered many of the stretches of trail from my previous runs--now I viewed them from a perspective of strength, rather than exhaustion, and found many more things to enjoy. A hummingbird, possibly attracted to my red technical long-sleeved shirt, hovered, then darted, hovered, then darted around me several times more. Earlier in the run, I had encountered a red-tailed hawk flying low just over my head, crying out as it swooped away into the trees after what seemed to be another bird. The cry may have solved another question I have had, regarding a bird cry I hear from time-to-time. Coming down off the hill, I made pretty good time. The views of the steep decline to the bottom of the dam are dramatic. Taking an alternate way back to the starting point--this makes a huge difference, mentally. Instead of once again passing the dry, unicolor, post-Gold Rush Era dredgings of stone, I found myself exploring new terrain. Even the Mississippi Bar area, where the trail departs from Lake Natoma, and which I have traveled through many times, seemed fresh and new from a perspective of strength. Slow going, to be sure, but I felt solid and confident of my ability to continue. Saw the silhouettes of two people atop this hill with a flat top. As the mile markers decreased in number, I began to feel bolder. I had planned to stop my run at mile marker 21.0, which would make 20.0 miles, roughly. However, I began to also feel some qualms about the setting sun. Park personnel may begin closing gates at sunset, something Dawn and I found out one rainy day in May, 2010. With only three miles to go, I began picking up the pace and found my muscles responding. Even after nearly 20 miles, I had energy to spare. I crossed the Hazel Avenue Bridge and retraced my route to the mile marker 21.0. The sun now almost set, I decided to keep going. I ran my fastest mile of the day that last mile and felt fine. I ended tired, but strong. As I walked back to the parking lot north of Jim's Bridge, I saw the game warden and partner had detained three people who presumably had been fishing off the bridge. I found the gate unlocked and drove home happily.
Goal Time: n/a
Distance (running): ~34.9 km (~21.7 miles); http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4316388 ; ~2,748 calories burned
Weight: 76.0 kg (167.6 lbs), ?% body fat
Any irregular feelings, aches, pains, heart rate, and so forth?: calves a bit sore
Foods eaten today: oatmeal + bananas + raisins, hard-boiled eggs x 2, banana x 2, Hammer Nutrition Gel Shots x 5, nuun U Natural Hydration tablets - Lemon Chai x 4,

Running Journal, Wednesday, 2011-02-23: "I Don't Want To Be A Lonely"

2011-02-23T22:17:00.000-08:00

Running Journal, Wednesday, 2011-02-23
Resting heart rate: n/a (forgot)
Body Mass Index (BMI): ? (kilograms/(meters^2))
Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR): ? calories
Weather: n/a
Temp: - (- F)
Time: 6:40-7:25 p.m.
Terrain: flat: -
Comments: Ran around the area of Hurley and Fulton this evening. Beautiful night, heard the frogs croaking again. Ran out of gas after a few miles--did not eat before going out. Worked on my form a bit. Felt a slight soreness in my inner left knee at the beginning. Calves felt tight, especially my right calf. Went really slow, so slow I was not even really exerting myself. Finished about four miles in 45 minutes. The nice thing about going slow is I am more alert and aware of what is going on around me. No back pain. Wore leggings, racing shorts, technical shirt and technical jacket, which felt just right. Found the small Japanese-inspired garden at the corner of Sebastian and Gladstone, which was different than reported a few weeks ago. Seeing some regularity on my runs--the janitor leaves the gymnasium door open at Thomas A Edison Elementary School; a man sits alone on his porch near Sebastian Way and Greenhills Drive; Wednesday represents the night before trash pickup, so people roll out their bins to the curb. Usually the Winterstein Community Center parking lot is full, but tonight it was empty. On the way home, we listened to Terry Gross on NPR's Fresh Air. Her interviewee talked about why she had a second child: in part, because her daughter said she "did not want to be a lonely." By which, she meant, "only". Cute.
Goal Time: n/a
Distance (running): ~4.0 miles
Weight: ? kg (? lbs), ?% body fat
Any irregular feelings, aches, pains, heart rate, and so forth?: none
Foods eaten today:

Running Journal, Monday, 2011-02-21: Big Sky

2011-02-21T22:26:00.000-08:00

Running Journal, Monday, 2011-02-21
Resting heart rate: n/a (forgot)
Body Mass Index (BMI): ? (kilograms/(meters^2))
Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR): ? calories
Weather: mostly sunny; winds from the SSE at 11.1 km/h (6.9 m/h); 62% humidity; 100.94kPa (29.81 inches pressure)
Temp: - (- F)
Time: 12:15-1:00 p.m.
Terrain: flat: -
Comments: Ran today, but too tired to fill in the details. Really enjoyed a relaxed run during the day. Finishing at Mira Loma High School, the expansiveness of the wide-open sky impressed me. Another runner, a woman, passed me, then headed west on Pasadena. Lots of people in Gibbons Park walking dogs, playing with children, playing tennis. Wore leggings, a technical shirt, and a technical jacket. Was glad to have the long sleeves when the winds picked up, but felt warm during the lulls. Worked on my running form, keeping my back straight and my hips forward. Felt better, and no back pain.
Goal Time: n/a
Distance (running): ~4.0 miles
Weight: ? kg (? lbs), ?% body fat
Any irregular feelings, aches, pains, heart rate, and so forth?: none
Foods eaten today:

Running Journal, Saturday, 2011-02-19: Hi Hi, Bye Bye

2011-02-19T20:19:00.000-08:00

Running Journal, Saturday, 2011-02-19
Resting heart rate: n/a (forgot)
Body Mass Index (BMI): 22.2 (kilograms/(meters^2))
Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR): 2,722 calories
Weather: sunny; winds from the SSE at 11.1 km/h (6.9 m/h); 62% humidity; 100.94 kPa (29.81 inches pressure)
Temp: 9 C (48.2 F)
Time: 12:20-2:20 p.m. (2:00:00, 5 mph)
Terrain: flat; +/- 23 m (76 ft)
Comments: Ran ten miles today with relative ease. Almond trees are blossoming everywhere. Some sad scenes--one of the swans at the pond on Park Road has died; I found it floating in the water. It's partner walked out of the water and came up to the fence and bit at the wooden railing. A duck also walked up and let out a cry for food. A peacock walked by without stopping. I found another duck later in the run, near the north end of Gibbons Park. So, some brushes with death, today. Wore leggings, racing shorts, technical shirt and jacket. Felt just a bit warm out of the wind, but glad I had the long sleeves when I hit the chilly, windy spots, heading south. For the most part, I ran pretty slow, maybe 12 min/mile pace. Not much exertion until the last two miles, when I opened up and started running maybe a 9-10 min/mile pace. On Cypress Avenue, I passed two girls on the other side of the street with matching shirts that said "HI" on the front and "BYE" on the back. One girl's shirt was white with black lettering and the other's shirt was black with white lettering. Fun. Started taking gel shots at the first 45 minute mark and it seemed to work out well. The post-storm clouds were amazing--high contrast between dark grays and puffy white, lots of layers and formations. The ASB Auto Wholesale company at the corner of Myrtle and Auburn seems to have sold their Porsche, even though I saw it, today. Assisted a couple with directions as I crossed Garfield at Winding Way. The older gentleman said, "Hey! Where is Walnut?" And I pointed them west. Overall a very relaxed, easy run. Realized how much I prefer loop runs rather than out-and-back. Might try the 20 mile run locally, next Saturday.
Goal Time: n/a
Distance (running): ~16.15 km (~10.0 miles); http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4301726 ; ~1,271 calories burned
Weight: 76.0 kg (167.6 lbs), ?% body fat
Any irregular feelings, aches, pains, heart rate, and so forth?: left knee felt a bit sore, for a bit; lower back has felt a bit sore.
Foods eaten today: oatmeal + bananas + raisins, raspberries, Hammer Nutrition Gel packs (Montana Huckleberry) x 2, 1/2 bar chocolate, spinach and artichoke quiche, milk, mashed potatoes

Running Journal, Wednesday, 2011-02-16: Wild

2011-02-16T20:38:00.000-08:00

Running Journal, Wednesday, 2011-02-16
Resting heart rate: 55 bpm (60 second test, upon waking)
Body Mass Index (BMI): 22.56 (kilograms/(meters^2))
Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR): 1,833 calories
Weather: partly clear, waxing gibbous moon; winds from the ESE at 5.1 km/h (3 m/h); 82% humidity; 101.21 KPA (29.89 inches pressure) and risingTemp: 7.2 C (45 F)
Time: 6:30-7:15 p.m.
Terrain: flat; +/- 15 m (27 ft)
Comments: Electricity in the air, tonight--a nearly full, silvery moon, illuminated clouds, a stiff wind blowing them into cotton snow drifts. A fresh rain remained on the pavement and lawns. At Deterding Park's Community Center, I heard drumbeats, rhythmic and steady. A flock of white birds flew north in a high-elevation V-formation, an occasional honk the only audible indication of their passing. Experienced a bit of a dangerous trip over a protruding seam in the concrete sidewalk; two stomps and I came back into control. Ran slow the first half, felt bored, so I ran stronger in the last mile, enjoying the exertion. Ran around the Hurley Way area so Dawn could exercise at the gym. Feeling more comfortable running along the darkened streets. I hear homeowners closing doors, see them moving garbage cans to the curb, watch garage doors open or shut, and watch people pull into or out of their driveways. It seems the same no matter where I run: same lawns, same driveways, same vehicles, same empty streets. A cute, friendly dog trotted up to me as I walked back to Hurley Way; the owner apologized but I enjoyed the opportunity to scratch the dog's ears. A cool night, with the wind--wore leggings, racing shorts, underarmour core, a technical jacket, and gloves; this felt about right.
Goal Time: n/a
Distance (running): ~7.2 km (~4.5 miles); http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4295699; ~631 calories burned
Weight: 77.6 kg (170.2 lbs), ?% body fat
Any irregular feelings, aches, pains, heart rate, and so forth?: after I tripped, felt a bit of soreness in my right leg. This disappeared by the end of my run. My lower back feels a bit sore.
Foods eaten today: oatmeal + bananas + raisins, tomato juice, walnuts, almonds, apple, green tea + lemon juice x 2, milk, heart-shaped pastas with marinara sauce, tropical yogurt, blueberries, cornbread, banana cream pudding

Running Journal, Monday, 2011-02-14: Night Sounds

2011-02-14T22:20:00.000-08:00

Running Journal, Monday, 2011-02-14
Resting heart rate: 47 bpm (60 second test, upon waking)
Body Mass Index (BMI): 22.56 (kilograms/(meters^2))
Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR): 1,833 calories
Weather: overcast; winds from the SE at 4.8 km/h (3 m/h); 83% humidity; 102 KPA (30.10 inches pressure)
Temp: 13.6 C (56.5 F)
Time: 8:30-9:15 p.m.
Terrain: flat; +/- 15 m (27 ft)
Comments: I think today may represent one of my lowest resting heart rates, ever. Ran really slow, after reading about how running slow promotes fat burning rather than glycogen burning. Overexertion = glycogen burning. Ran under a pair of blossoming trees this evening on my way through Gibbons Park. The smell was faint but sweet. Night sounds: croaking frogs; creaking gates; clattering of large palm tree fronds; rustling of smaller palm trees and grasses; a Mira Loma night custodian loudly playing choral music on a radio while taking a cigarette break, just off school grounds; sudden whirring and clicking of a bicyclist passing by; a cough identifying a couple on a bench in Gibbons Park, huddled together in the moonlight. Wore leggings, racing shorts, underarmour core, and a light technical jacket, which seemed just right. Felt a bit drained, today, possibly a touch of my body fighting off some minor illness. This evening, I feel strong, again. Celebrated Valentines Day with dessert at Sweeties and dinner at Whole Foods.
Goal Time: n/a
Distance (running): ~7.9 km (~4.9 miles); ~631calories burned
Weight: 77.2 kg (170.2 lbs), ?% body fatAny irregular feelings, aches, pains, heart rate, and so forth?: none
Foods eaten today: oatmeal + bananas + raisins, chocolate meal replacement shake, Iced Gingerbread Clif Bar, apple, walnuts, almonds, green tea + lemon juice, panini from Whole Foods, split pea soup, orange juice, raspberry chocolate cake

Weather Underground (weather service)

2011-02-13T13:15:00.000-08:00

Found the Weather Underground weather service today and it looks really great:

http://www.wunderground.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weather_Underground_(weather_service)

One thing I like--it keeps historical data. For other sites like AccuWeather and Weather Channel, it seems quite impossible to find historical data, even for the previous day!

It also seems quite democratic--they include weather data from anyone with the means to purchase and maintain a small weather station kit. Quite exciting.

Also, too, the WunderMap: http://www.wunderground.com/wundermap/

Running Journal, Saturday, 2011-02-12: Bridge to Bridge

2011-02-12T23:59:00.000-08:00

Longboat, CSUS Aquatic Center

Running Journal, Saturday, 2011-02-12
Resting heart rate: n/a bpm (forgot)
Body Mass Index (BMI): 22.03 (kilograms/(meters^2))
Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR): 1,808 calories
Weather: sunny; wind from the SSW at 12.9 km/h (8 m/h); 29% humidity; 102 kPa (29.95 inches pressure)
Temp: 20 C (68 F)
Time: 13:04-17:00 (~3:56:00, with 14:57 split time; 12:42 min/mi pace)
Terrain: hilly; +/- 46 m (~150 ft)
Comments: Caught myself thinking, today, "Only seven miles to go." Miles tick down like dominoes, every step bringing me closer to the goal. Ran from the Bridge Street pedestrian bridge near Sunrise Avenue to the three bridges area of Folsom. Took the southern route. Both routes have magnificent views of Nimbus Lake, but the southern route seems a bit fresher, to me. Perhaps the northern route, another time. Noticed new, pink flowers on a few trees in Folsom. Saw Folsom State Prison, in the distance, at the turnaround point, as well as a view of the beginning of the incline I took on an aborted run in May of 2006. Since that day, I have run into Folsom in May of 2007 and that seems about it. Saw people fishing today in salmon channels and in the pool below Nimbus Dam. Nimbus Dam has four freshly painted gates. Smelled lots of aromatic pine needles as I gained elevation. Lots of people out on the Parkway, today, so I did not feel lonely like two weeks ago. More people can mean a wider spectrum of obstacles, however. Many people walked on the wrong side of the trail or took up the entire lane. Some bikers drove too fast for conditions in a number of spots. Some people did not want to move over past the yellow line, even though the bike path was empty. I pick up trash when I can; the most interesting was a hand-held 500 mL Pinot Grigio wine box, much like an over sized juice box. At the Negro Bar park, I welcomed the site of a restroom and water fountain. I doused my head several times with water, which was very refreshing. I had run from mile 22.5 to mile 28 (5.5 miles) with about 20 ounces of water. I took five gel packs with me and used them all. Started with every 45 minutes, then, for the last two, every 30 minutes. Felt a bit ill in the last several miles. My legs were cooked and I struggled to complete the run. I extended my walk breaks by 30-60 seconds and then, through sheer will, started running again. I knew if I kept walking I would not want to start running again. The miles ticked down with each step and then I was done. I gulped big breaths of air in those last miles while simultaneously slowing down. At the end, I passed a group of people in swimming attire listening to country music as they returned to their vehicles. They appeared drunk and I overheard them say, "She had nice cheeks." Had not heard that one before. Also overheard one biker say to his companion as they rode past, near Nimbus Lake, "This is all in our backyard, awesome!" People were feeding ducks and gulls at various points. I wore leggings, racing shorts, and a technical shirt, and felt a bit warm at times. On the way back, I wore my sunglasses as I ran into the sun. As I sat down in my car, I felt them compress as I sat down exhaustedly. So, I need a new, cheap pair of sunglasses to replace these. Lessons learned? Adding two miles to my long run as well as hills means cooked legs--yet I did it, so I know I can challenge myself and do it, too. Slow, slow, slow--my maintenance run times of mid-9:00 minutes/mile excited me and I probably should have run a bit more conservatively. Sunglasses really helped on the return, when I ran facing the sun. Gels saved my butt. After I got home, I read in Galloway's book on running the brain reserves glycogen stores for itself when quantities get low--I wonder if this is why I get into a "trance" when I run? Brought a camera along and took pictures: http://www.flickr.com/photos/schultkl/sets/72157626036595278/
Goal Time: n/a
Distance (running): ~29.86 km (~18.5 miles); http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4287620; ~2395 calories burned
Weight: 75.4 kg (166.2 lbs), ?% body fat
Any irregular feelings, aches, pains, heart rate, and so forth?: Intermittent touch of soreness in lower back on return, cooked legs on return
Foods eaten today: oatmeal + raisins + banana, banana, Hammer Nutrition Gel x 5, nuun U Natural Hydration - Tangerine Ginger, Garcia's restaurant vegetable fajitas + chips and dips + "Big Dawg" Negro Medolo, Straus Family Creamery Brown Sugar Banana ice cream, protein powder drink

Running Journal, Wednesday, 2011-02-09: "I Beat You!"

2011-02-09T22:39:00.000-08:00

Running Journal, Wednesday, 2011-02-09
Resting heart rate: n/a
Body Mass Index (BMI): 22.67 (kilograms/(meters^2))
Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR): 1,839 caloriesWeather: clear and sliver of a waxing moon; winds from the N at 4 km/h (4 m/h) winds; 57% humidity; 102 KPA (30.03 inches pressure)
Temp: 9 C (48 F)
Time: 6:23-7:08 p.m.
Terrain: flat; +/- 15 m (27 ft)
Comments: Had to check my schedule to make sure...but yes, 18 miles on Saturday. I have come a long way since my first run in late November! Tonight went well; a bit slower than on Monday evening, mainly due to lack of sleep. Wore leggings, technical shirt, and racing shorts, and felt a bit chilled at the start but fine at the end. Have been really spoiled this past week with warm weather. I ran an average 5:58 minute/km (9:35 minute/mile) over a bit shorter distance, this evening. Which is entirely *not* the point of the maintenance runs! I really enjoy running about that speed, though. Smells of smoke and grilling meats as I ran on surface streets through suburban areas. Over near Deterding Park, on Gladstone Drive, I passed a mother pushing a stroller and a girl with flashing lights in the soles of her shoes. I had moved to the left side of the street to give them space, when I noticed the girl had decided to run along with me, on the other side of the street. After about one-half blocks of running, she stopped and, turning back, declared, "I beat you!" Fun. I laughed and replied, "Thank you," and continued running. As I continued on, I heard her urging her companions to catch up. Heard male voices laughing from the playground equipment at Jonas-Larkspur park. Frogs did not make as much noise, this evening, though the area near the intersection of Jonas Avenue and Joseph Avenue struck me with a cool, dark, and humid sensation again, which I really liked. Not sure what pace I will try running on Saturday for my long run. Will probably head back to the Parkway because it has semi-regular water fountains...I dislike the loneliness of it, but perhaps running faster will help keep my mind from boredom.Goal Time: n/a
Distance (running): ~7.6 km (~4.7 miles); http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4282060 ; ~614 calories burned
Weight (after run): 77.6 kg (171.11 lbs), ?% body fat
Any irregular feelings, aches, pains, heart rate, and so forth?: ball of foot by big toe building up calluses, very small cut on left foot; felt tired but strong at finish
Foods eaten today: oatmeal + raisins, Joe's Crab Shack clam chowder and house salad + ranch, walnuts, almonds, green tea + lemon juice, milk, Mikawaya chocolate mochi, Trader Joe's yaki onigiri x3, baked squash, corn and lemongrass soup + polenta, chocolate square, hummus + whole wheat pita, donut

Running Journal, Monday, 2011-02-07: Running-You're Doing it...Right?

2011-02-07T21:00:00.000-08:00

Running Journal, Monday, 2011-02-07
Resting heart rate: 55 bpm (60 second test, upon waking)
Body Mass Index (BMI): 22.56 (kilograms/(meters^2))
Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR): 1,833 calories
Weather: clear and sliver of a waxing moon; winds from the NNW at 8 km/h (5 m/h) winds; 77% humidity; 102 KPA (30.03 inches pressure)
Temp: 12 C (54 F)
Time: 6:50-7:35 p.m.
Terrain: flat; +/- 15 m (27 ft)
Comments: For the first time in...forever?...I ran an average 5:48 minute/km (9:20 minute/mile) over nearly eight km (five miles), this evening. I can't remember ever running that fast. Ever. So, pretty good, right? Well, sort of--I have this sneaking suspicion I am running too fast. I feel like I am really enjoying myself, though. Thus, my qualms. Another beautiful "winter" day here in Sacramento. Wore my leggings, racing shorts, and technical shirt and felt very comfortable. Drove Dawn to the gym and ran on surface streets in the local neighborhood. Lots of people out of their homes, enjoying the spring-like conditions, even though we are just six weeks into winter. Aerosols in the sky reflected the sodium-vapor lights, obscuring Orion. Passed a few cats, heard lots of barking dogs through front screen doors, and saw a beautiful front-yard Japanese-esque garden on Ardenridge Way across from Crabtree Park. Just as I was coming up on Jonas-Larkspur Park, I heard a chorus of frogs chirping and croaking in the cool, damp night air. Delicious. Finished a full eight minutes ahead of schedule, so I ran around to Howe Avenue, then back down to Larkspur Lane and back up to Matheson Way, twice. Felt like I really exercised my rear leg muscles, to the point where I felt them just barely sore at the end. When I walked afterward to cool down, my legs seemed to keep going of their own accord. Thought of Zig Ziglar this evening, and his epiphany of reframing running from a sacrifice to something he enjoyed the benefits of--health, strength, energy, attitude. I sort of feel like I am really getting somewhere. Over the past few weeks, I think I have finally figured out how people run decent race paces--they use the main upper-leg muscle groups, rather than relying so much on the calf muscles. The difference in running is amazing. For most of my first six marathons, I was most likely doing it wrong. Now, it feels right.
Goal Time: n/a
Distance (running): ~7.9 km (~4.9 miles); http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4278295 ; ~631calories burned
Weight: 77.2 kg (170.2 lbs), ?% body fat
Any irregular feelings, aches, pains, heart rate, and so forth?: muscles stiff starting out; ball of foot by big toe building up calluses, very small cut on left foot; felt tired but strong at finish
Foods eaten today: oatmeal + bananas + raisins, apple, egg-white salad on French wheat bread, applesauce, walnuts, almonds, green tea + lemon juice x2, milk, Mikawaya chocolate mochi, Trader Joe's yaki onigiri x2.5, Tofurkey beer brat faux-dog on French brioche hot-dog bun, chocolate square, orange juice, protein powder drink

Scholarship Links For Dawn

2011-02-06T21:51:00.000-08:00

Via : http://www.umbc.edu/cwit/financial_aid.html

The Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship

be a female student entering her senior year of undergraduate study or be enrolled in a graduate program in the 2011-2012 academic year at a university in the United States;
be enrolled in Computer Science or Computer Engineering program, or a closely related technical field as a full-time student for the 2011-2012 academic year;
maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale or 4.5 on a 5.0 scale or equivalent in your current program.

Link: http://www.google.com/anitaborg/

The Association for Women in Science (AWIS) Educational Committee

Enrolled in a degree program in one of the STEM fields
Either an American citizen or attending a college/university in the United States
Planning a science-based career including research or teaching
Applying for an AWIS award for the first time

They offer an Undergraduate Award: "For college students in their second or third year of study with at least one additional year remaining to complete their undergraduate degree. The application process includes a resume, essay, and two letters of reference. (Note: Freshmen and seniors are not eligible.)"

Link: http://www.awis.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=67

The Gates Millenium Scholars Program

No--only for Asian-Pacific Islander, African American, and Hispanic students.

IEEE Student Scholarships and Fellowships

No--mostly graduate student scholarships.

Link: http://www.ieee.org/membership_services/membership/students/awards/index.html

The Society of Women Engineers

The SWE Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to women admitted to accredited baccalaureate or graduate programs, in preparation for careers in engineering, engineering technology and computer science. In fiscal year 2010, SWE disbursed more than 170 new and renewed scholarships valued at almost $500,000.
ABET, Inc. has accredited UC-Davis

Link: http://societyofwomenengineers.swe.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=222&Itemid=111

Also: The Golden West local section: http://swe-goldenwest.org/index.htm

The American Physical Society (APS)/IBM Research Internship for Undergraduate Women

Must be female with sophomore or junior standing at a U.S. college or university at the time of application
Must be majoring in chemistry, physics, materials science or engineering, computer science or engineering, chemical, electrical, mechanical engineering, or biology, if it has an emphasis on one of the other areas listed
Must have a minimum 3.0 GPA
No citizenship restriction.

Application Deadline: February 1, 2011

Link: http://www.aps.org/programs/women/scholarships/ibm/index.cfm

Microsoft Scholarships for Women and Under-Represented Minorities

?--requires winners spend 12 weeks as an intern at Microsoft? Seems mostly for Computer Science undergrads, though they seem to invite CE undergrads as well.

Link: http://www.microsoft.com/about/diversity/programs/college.mspx#schol

Motivating Undergraduatesin Science and Technology (MUST)

Seems out--must be rising junior, which means we missed the deadline.

--Must be a U.S. citizen.
--Must be enrolled full-time at an accredited university in the U.S. or U.S. Territory.
--Must be a rising sophomore or junior.
--Must have earned and must maintain a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
--Must be pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics.

Application Deadline: Nov 1 - Feb 1
Link: http://www.nasa.gov/offices/education/programs/descriptions/Motivating_Undergraduates_Science_Technology.html

National SMART Grant

No--seems limited to those eligible for a Pell grant

Link: http://www.salliemae.com/before_college/students_plan/free_money/grants/smart-grant.htm

The Jeannette Rankin Foundation Women's Education Fund

No--must be first undergraduate degree.

Link: http://www.rankinfoundation.org/

Soroptimist Women's Opportunity Awards

No--must be female head of household

Link: http://www.soroptimist.org/awards/awards.html

Talbots Women's Scholarship Fund

Be women currently residing in the United States or Canada;
Be women who earned a high school diploma or their GED on or before September 2001;
Be enrolled or planning to enroll in a full- or part-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited two-, three- or four-year college or university in the United States or Canada;
Be attending the full 2011-12 academic year and receiving a degree no earlier than May 2012; and
Have at least two semesters (24 credit hours or more) remaining to complete an undergraduate* degree as of the beginning of the 2011 fall academic term.

Link: https://www.scholarshipamerica.org/talbotswomen/instructions.php

Tau Beta Phi Engineering Scholarships

Note: must be initiated member of Tau Beta Phi
Link: http://www.tbp.org/pages/About/Programs/Scholarship/ScholarshipFAQ.cfm

The Vanguard Women in Information Technology Scholarship Program

"The Vanguard Women in Information Technology Scholarship Program provides merit-based scholarships of up to $10,000 to female students entering their junior or senior year of college during the 2010-2011 school year. The program’s goal is to remove financial barriers for female students who demonstrate academic excellence and are pursuing studies in computer science, computer engineering, web design or other IT-related disciplines. Scholarship checks can be used for tuition, fees, books and supplies."

Check back in August 2011.
Link: http://www.sms.scholarshipamerica.org/vanguardwomenintechnology/

The Anita Borg Systers Pass-It-On (PIO) Awards
Applications open in August 2011.
Application Deadline: October 2011.
Link: http://anitaborg.org/initiatives/systers/pass-it-on-grants-program/

Requesting Official Transcripts - UWEC

In person, by mail or fax: Past students may request a transcript by coming to the Registrar's Office (Schofield 128) during business hours or by mailing or faxing a request (FAX--715-836-3846). In order to make your request easier you may want to download a Transcript Request form. Transcripts are available the following business day after 11:00 AM at the Registrar's Office, Schofield Hall 128.

Link: http://www.uwec.edu/registrar/student/transcripts.htm

Requesting Official Transcripts - University of Surrey

"If you require a copy of your transcript there is a charge of £30 for 1 to 6 copies but you must make it clear how many you want at the time of request. If you require more than 6 copies there is an additional charge of £3 for each additional copy."

Link: http://portal.surrey.ac.uk/portal/page?_pageid=719,469327&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL

Requesting Official Transcripts - Century College

Link: http://www.century.edu/currentstudents/records/transcripts.aspx

Requesting Official Transcripts - Los Rios Community College

Link: https://lrccd-web.losrios.edu/transcript.aspx

FAFSA

Link: https://www1.salliemae.com/get_student_loan/apply_student_loan/understanding/financial_aid/fafsa/

RIP Teena Marie (1956-2010)

2011-02-06T20:28:00.000-08:00

Heard her name as an obit from December 26, 2010; sounded familiar, and it was--I heard "Square Biz" for the first time in January 2010 on V101 (KHYL) out of Sacramento and immediately loved the horns and the song.

She apparently suffered from seizures from 2005 onward, when, according to Wikipedia, as "...Marie lay sleeping in a hotel room when a large picture frame fell and struck her in the head. The blow caused a serious concussion that would result in momentary seizures for the rest of her life." She died, apparently, of natural causes.

So, in honor of Lady T, here is the song I liked best:

Radio Songs & News

2011-02-06T20:14:00.000-08:00

Heard on KXPR 88.9 out of Sacramento: Czech-born Johann Stamitz's "Clarinet Concerto in Bb major", performed by the Academy of St. Martin's in the Field, featuring soloist Sabine Meyer, Iona Brown, conducting, on the EMI Classics label (54842). Audio of the first movement.

Heard on KKDO 94.7 out of Sacramento: Stockholm, Sweden-based Peter Bjorn And John's "Young Folks," from their 2006 album, "Writer's Block," on the Wichita Recordings label. Video.

Heard on ??: Moscow, Russia-based t.A.T.u.'s "Not Gonna Get Us," from their 2003 album, "200 km/h in the Wrong Lane," on the Universal/Interscope labels. Video.

Heard on KDVS 90.3 out of Davis: Manhattan, New York-based Antony and the Johnsons' "Fletta," featuring Björk, from his 2010 album, "Swanlights," on the Secretly Canadian album. Audio.

Heard on KYDS 91.5 out of Sacramento: Chicago-based Kanye West's "Runaway," from his 2010 album, "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy," on the Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam labels. Video (starts at 13:34).

Heard on KQEI 89.3 out of Sacramento: City Arts and Lectures' interview with Jonah Lehrer, "Jonah Lehrer writes extensively on the relationship between science and the humanities. With double majors in neuroscience and English from Columbia University, and a stint as a Rhodes Scholar, his resume also includes work in the lab of neuroscientist and Nobel Laureate Eric Kandel, studying at Oxford with British literary critic Hermione Lee, and working as a cook at the famed French restaurant Le Bernardin in New York. Lehrer is editor-at-large at Seed Magazine, and a contributing editor at Wired. He also edits the "Mind Matters" blog for Scientific American. His first book, "Proust Was a Neuroscientist," argued that art and science offer different but complimentary views of the world. Lehrer's latest, "How We Decide," explores factors that influence decision-making and combines medical diagnostic data with real-life examples. Jonah Lehrer appears in conversation with Roy Eisenhardt." Someday, it will be available online via Oskicat, to UC-Berkeley campus listeners.

Heard on 90.9 KXJZ out of Sacramento: Bologna, Italy-born Ottorino Respighi's "The Birds," performed by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Louis Lane, conducting, on the Telarc label (#80443). Audio.

Heard on 90.9 KXJZ out of Sacramento: John Cassidy's Tuesday, November 23, 2010 interview on American Public Media's "Marketplace," talking about his article in the New Yorker, "What Good Is Wall Street: Much of what investment bankers do is socially worthless."

Running Journal, Saturday, 2011-02-05: Winter?

2011-02-05T18:45:00.000-08:00

Running Journal, Saturday, 2011-02-05
Resting heart rate: 60 bpm (60 second test, upon waking)
Body Mass Index (BMI): 22.56 (kilograms/(meters^2))
Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR): 1,833 calories
Weather: mostly sunny; wind from WNW at 19.31 km/h (12 m/h); 57% humidity; 102 kPa (30.16 inches pressure)
Temp: 19 C (66 F)
Time: 4:15-5:37 p.m. (~1:22:00; 10:56 min/mi pace)
Terrain: flat; +/- 10 m (~33 ft)
Comments: Seriously, winter, what is up? Six weeks in and it feels like a day in late spring. Beautiful, perfect running day. Wore leggings, racing shorts, and my San Francisco Marathon 2006 technical shirt. After last Saturday's struggle, I pushed myself a bit faster in the first half to limited success. Ran through my neighborhood instead of at the lonely American River Parkway, enjoying the distractions. As I returned through Gibbons Park, I momentarily took my eyes off the sidewalk to watch a pick-up basketball game and tripped on an elevated slab of concrete. Down I went, scraping my right hand and leaving it bloody. My leggings protected my right knee and leg from getting bloody as well, so I am really glad I wore them. Only left with a faint red scrape on my right knee. The guys playing basketball, far from pointing and laughing, actually seemed cool about it, asking if I was OK and making light of what was something of an embarrassment, for me. Ah, well, it happens. I went into the restroom and washed up a bit, but spent the rest of the run sucking on the wounds to help them close up. Passed two women selling Mandarin oranges by the side of the road, one at the north end of Gibbons Park at Edison Avenue and the other at the intersection of Engle Road and Eastern Avenue. Lots of people out walking dogs, playing tennis, watching their children play, or just enjoying themselves with friends. Running in the late afternoon sun reveals a lot more of the homes I pass than in the evenings. I spotted many residents outside their homes. One man and his two sons were going for a walk. I passed a group of three men building or repairing some kind of four-inch high, astroturf-covered wooden stage, maybe four by four feet in size. They seemed unhappy and I heard some cursing as I passed. One home near Kimberley Way and Engle Road had a cigarette advertisement sign on their front lawn--the kind one might see outside a gas station and convenience store. Strange. When I returned home, I realized I ran only about 7.5 miles instead of 8.0. Oh well.
Goal Time: n/a
Distance (running): ~12.1 km (~7.5 miles); http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4273869; ~931 calories burned
Weight: 77.2 kg (170.2 lbs), ?% body fat
Any irregular feelings, aches, pains, heart rate, and so forth?: Upper leg felt a bit sore going out; after that, no pain.
Foods eaten today: oatmeal + raisins + banana, raspberries, salad: greens + tomatoes + shredded carrots + croutons + cucumbers + ranch dressing, minestrone soup, cornbread, 1/2 slice of chocolate mousse cake, Tofurkey beer brat faux-dog + some kind of new hot dog bun from Whole Foods, NadaMoo! Lotta Mint Chip coconut + agave non-dairy frozen dessert (yum)

Running Journal, Monday, 2011-01-31: Exhileration

2011-01-31T21:10:00.000-08:00

Running Journal, Monday, 2011-01-31
Resting heart rate: 55 bpm (60 second test, upon waking)
Body Mass Index (BMI): 22.5 (kilograms/(meters^2))
Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR): 1,827 calories
Weather: mostly clear and moonless; 0 km/h (0 m/h) winds; 86% humidity; 102 KPA (30.20 inches pressure)
Temp: 8.3 C (47 F)
Time: 7:30-8:24 p.m.
Terrain: flat; +/- 11 m (36 ft)
Comments: One of my favorite runs. Started out quite stiff in the leg muscles. Instead of using mainly my calves, I opened up with my upper leg muscles, keeping my core tight. Perfect running weather--cool, no wind. Took about 12 ounces of water with me and took water breaks every mile or so. Stars looked bright and clear. Kept hearing distant popping noises from what seemed like the north-east. Gunshots? Fireworks? A bit early for the Chinese New Year on February 3. The popping noises came in clusters over an interval of maybe 30 minutes. Passed by the Mission Oaks Community Center Auditorium again this evening, where the "Fun and Fitness" class exercised. Closed doors this evening, which muffled the music. This is the first run after my 16.5 mile outing on Saturday. I felt buoyant, powerful, running in a trance with no sense of exertion. At Mira Loma, I felt strong, so I added another half-mile, looping around Sunnyvale Avenue and back on West Way. If only every night felt this strong; might pay for this later, though--these are supposed to be easy runs. Yet, running faster feels great. Maybe this is what the runner's high feels like? I have never felt it; just a general sense of strength. Noticed tonight my gmap-pedometer.com links dating back to late 2010 have been pointing to the route near the 24 Hour Fitness gym instead of my local Mira Loma route. Copy/past errors.
Goal Time: n/a
Distance (running): ~6.44 km (~4.0 miles); http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4265714 ; ~585 calories burned
Weight (after run): 77.0 kg (169.76 lbs), ?% body fat
Any irregular feelings, aches, pains, heart rate, and so forth?: muscles stiff starting out
Foods eaten today: oatmeal + bananas + raisins, egg-white salad on French wheat bread, applesauce, tomato juice, walnuts, almonds, green tea + lemon juice, Greek Gods Reduced Fat Vanilla Cinnamon Orange Yogurt, tortelloni + alfredo sauce, mixed vegetables, kiwis x infinity, milk, protein powder drink

Kindle Research

2011-01-30T22:47:00.000-08:00

Via http://bit.ly/eRX0kM :

Should I Buy a Kindle? (July 1, 2010)
http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1478887

"...get an iPad and use the Kindle App - it's 1000x better than the hardware Kindle. Since the Kindle App became available for iPhone, my hardware Kindle has gathered dust - and now with the iPad, I can read on a large- or smaller-format device. It's great for illustrations, too - all the drawbacks of the hardware-based Kindles disappear when you use the Kindle App on the iPad."
Not great for technical books
DRM

Kindle Is OK (July 29, 2010)
http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1557352

Lighter than iPad (if reading for several hours...)
Battery life lasts for weeks if 3G turned off
"...flipping through technical references is painful to the point of despair, and was one of the key reasons I fell in love with my iPad."
"As one who has read about 30 novels on my K1/K2 - I can attest that your brain / eyes actually seem to go into a wait state when you change the page, such that you don't ever seem to recall changing pages while reading long fiction."
"The Kindle is best at reading straight-forward linear text with minimal formatting, like novels. You can't go wrong with a Kindle if you read plenty of novels, especially if you read outside.

OTOH, the iPad is far superior for heavily formatted text and graphical content. Even the Kindle DX has terrible support for PDFs and the eInk screen is inherently bad for graphics, so for the person who wants to carry textbooks, technical papers, other structured PDFs, or comic books, the iPad is the only viable option."
"Students at Reed College complained of the slow refresh rate of e-Ink displays, problematic input, inability to load PDFs over the network, and inability to view more than one text at a time as major sticking points. Reed faculty found converting documents to work well on the Kindle to be particularly difficult in most cases.

Students participating in the test at Darden School of Business, while loving the Kindle for personal reading, overwhelmingly felt the Kindle didn't pass muster in its current state for academic use -- about 4 out of 5 would not recommend a Kindle DX to incoming MBA students."
Vs. iPad: "It's also nice that I don't get distracted playing "Plants vs. Zombies" or "We Rule" on it when I intend to be reading."
Vs. Nook/Kobo: "eInk is far better for reading"
"I have the Kindle App on the ipad as well, it doesn't afford the same pleasure or ease."
"Most Kindle books have poor typography slapped on them by the Kindle software (even on other platforms)."
"My girlfriend has a kindle 2, and I have an iphone. I've found that the iphone has one killer feature that the kindle doesn't: It's in my pocket all the time.For whatever reason, my reading happens in 15 minute spurts while waiting for someone or something. The kindle app for the iphone allows me to do that, along with all the book options that amazon provides (and synced up to my girlfriend's kindle too, so we share books)."
Kindle supports MOBI/PRC/AZW but not ePUB. You could use the free conversion tool calibre and batch convert your books from ePUB.
Sony also has a reader

Send to Kindle... (Jan 20, 2011)

http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=2123571

All books appear almost the same, little or no typesetting
The note taking interface is shockingly primitive, e.g. just to get a questions mark requires several clicks
AFAIK, pagination depends on you display, so bookmarks may change place among Kindle readers on different devices.
My criticisms of the Kindle are for its page transitions and poor interface. The Kindle is really like the Blackberry of of digital readers. The interface is beyond clunky compared to simple taps and swipes that much more closely emulate the act of reading a physical book.
I have a Kindle, Ipad, and android phone (Droid X). Kindle: Pro: One great thing about the kindle is battery life and how easy it is on the eyes. For reading fiction, it's great. Con: It is horrible for technical work--pdfs in particular. If you're like me and you jump around in a book, it's impractical to do so on a kindle given the slow page refresh rate. Pro: The nice thing about the kindle app on the android phone is the convenience--when I'm standing in line at the grocery store (or am on the subway), I can catch up on some light reading and have finished a number of books this way that I wouldn't have ordinarily. Con: Screensize. I used to use the kindle app on the ipod touch and find the screensize of the Droid X to be a much better experience--but it's still small.

Ipad: Pro: The screensize is great and bookmarking pages is intuitive. Also, for technical books, I can get them in pdf form and use GoodReader.

Con: Battery life--for international flights, if you don't have power, you can survive, but the kindle wins with battery life hands down.

Myopia, Astigmatism - 2011

2011-01-30T19:43:00.000-08:00

Results of my test on Friday from the CostCo Citrus Heights Pharmacy:

SRX (Spectacle Prescription)

O.D. (Oculus Dexter, my right eye):

SPH: plano (no refractive error)
CYL: -1.00
AXIS: 0.78
ADD: n/a
PRISM/BASE: n/a

O.S. (Oculus Sinister, my left eye):

SPH: -0.75
CYL: -0.25
AXIS: 0.80
ADD: n/a
PRISM/BASE: n/a

All measurements represented in units of dioptres, a unit that represents focusing power. More dioptres mean more focusing power--so if the numbers get big, that means you need a "stronger" prescription to see clearly.

SPH means sphere--a positive number represents farsightedness and a negative number represents nearsightedness. Why? In a farsighted eye, the curve of the cornea is flatter than the curve of a normal cornea, so the correction involves "adding" to the farsighted eye to get it back to normal. In a nearsighted eye, the curve of the cornea extends farther than the curve of the normal cornea, so the correction involves "subtracting" from that curve to bring it back to a normal curvature. The point being to get the cornea back to focusing light on the retina like a normally curved cornea does. The larger the number (positive or negative) the larger the deviation from the normal curvature of the cornea, and the blurrier the vision.

CYL means cylinder, and represents the amount of power needed to correct a cornea with astigmatism (a cornea that's oval-shaped, which causes blurring (see the picture at the top), as opposed to a normal cornea that's symmetrically round like a basketball)--DS means no astigmatism. In my right eye, I need one dioptre of focusing power correction. In my left eye, I need 0.25 dioptres of correction.

AXIS, for astigmatic eyes, represents a line passing through the middle of the oval-shaped cornea--in my case through the longer side. In my right eye, I need minus-one dioptre of correction along the axis specified (see the Wikipedia article for an explanation of why it's not "078" like the prescription says). I believe reducing the focusing power of the longer part of the oval-shaped cornea helps the cornea focus in a more spherical manner.

20/20 vision means the ability to read a character 8.84 mm high at a distance of 20 feet.

I last had my vision checked in 2008.

I forgot to request measurement of my Pupillary Distance (PD), which would make it easier to look up glasses online. I measured it at home using a ruler at approximately 67 mm. One of those things to get right, though, so I will see about going in to a local place and asking if they would be willing to measure it for me.

CostCo measured my PD for me: 32.5 for each eye, for a total of 65.

Lanna's suggestions on glasses frame colors: navy, light blue, plum

Running Journal, Saturday, 2011-01-29: Trainspotting

2011-01-29T20:28:00.000-08:00

Running Journal, Saturday, 2011-01-29
Resting heart rate: 76 bpm (60 second test, about two hours after running)
Body Mass Index (BMI): 22.32 (kilograms/(meters^2))
Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR): 1,821 calories
Weather: overcast; 4-6 km/h (2.5-3.7 m/h) winds; 82% humidity; 102 KPA (30.08 inches pressure)
Temp: 11 C (59 F)
Time: 12:00-3:48 p.m. (~3:48:00; 13:49 min/mi pace)
Terrain: flat; +/- 8 m (~25 ft)
Comments: Waved at a Union Pacific train and received a wave back and a horn blast from the conductor. This occurred at the trestle track running along the east side of CostCo and REI at Exposition Boulevard. I had no idea where I was, at that point, however, as the levee completed blocked my view. Ran 2.0 miles farther than my recent previous best from two weeks ago. I found the weather very agreeable. Saw riders on two black horses, one at a moderate trot. This was followed by a flock of ducks gliding into the river. Great visuals with which to start a run. The area between Watt Avenue and Howe Avenue remains one of my favorite stretches of the bike trail--long stretches adjacent to the water, with lush greens and lots of tree canopy. Just beyond the line of trees next to the bike path, a large grassy open space exists, ending at the levee. Passed under Howe Avenue bridge and next reached CSUS. The paint of the Guy West bridge looks really faded. A private firm, in 1966, modeled the pedestrian-only bridge after the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, even (I believe) originally painting it the same color, orange vermillion, also called international orange. Unfortunately, since they used lead-based paint, it will need to be removed before repainting, at a cost of $2 million. The bridge cost $636,000 to build, in 1967. Farther along, I discovered one of the world's most dangerous places to eat--the hundred Canadian Geese grazing on the fairways of the Campus Commons Golf Course. No geese were harmed during my run, to my knowledge. I got to see four more miles of the Parkway, from mile markers seven to three, ending at the Highway 160 overpass. I started using the Hammer Nutrition gels at the mile eight marker. The run back took a lot out of me. It was all muscular exhaustion, though, which I will take over joint pain any day. Forgot how lonely and boring running on the Parkway can be. Not a lot of people, and away from the American River, it just gets really closed in between the levee and blackberry bushes. The County of Sacramento needs to repair the shoulders of the bike path, as they have slopes, making it taxing to run on for extended periods. Passed one or two people who appeared homeless, as well as two men carrying weed trimmers over their shoulders. People fished in the American River from boats; others played with their dogs in the shallows. Watched a red-tailed hawk dive into the grasses of the levee, then fly up and retreat as two crows approached. I stopped and watched the spray-painted murals on the sides of the train as it passed. I also walked under the trestle as it passed, to listen. One read, "RIP Juan Diaz". Some were very good. Around mile markers 3-5, there are pools of water very close to the trail, and I passed a pair of Canadian Geese sitting quietly on the exposed branches of fallen, submerged trees. Watched the Regional Transit light rail pass by; each day I ride it and get a very different view of the bike path. I found an abandoned watercolor artwork. At the end of my run, just as I returned to mile marker 11, a woman who appeared to be in her 60's or 70's walked onto the shoulder ahead of me and began running. As a testament to how fast I was running, I kept pace with her! I walked one mile, took another Hammer Nutrition gel pack, and felt much better.
Goal Time: n/a
Distance (running): ~26.52 km (~16.5 miles); http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4261502; ~2299 calories burned
Weight (after run): 76.4 kg (168.4 lbs); ??% body fat
Any irregular feelings, aches, pains, heart rate, and so forth?: Muscular soreness
Foods eaten today: oatmeal + raisins + banana, banana, four Hammer Nutrition Gel packs, LL Cool J Ultimate Smoothie

Running Journal, Wednesday, 2011-01-26: Fetch

2011-01-26T20:52:00.000-08:00

Running Journal, Wednesday, 2011-01-26

Resting heart rate: 52 bpm (60 second test, upon waking)
Body Mass Index (BMI): 22.5 (kilograms/(meters^2))
Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR): 1,827 calories

Weather: mostly clear skies; moonless; light fog; 0 km/h (0 m/h) winds; 100% humidity; 102 KPA (30.21 inches pressure)
Temp: 6 C (43 F)
Time: 7:08-7:53 p.m.

Terrain: flat; +/- 11 m (36 ft)

Comments: Extremely tired this evening. Yet, and this has happened before, I felt pretty good while running. Mental acuity noticeably lower. As I ran past Mira Loma High School, I passed a whooping group of male high school students attempting to enter a locked Folsom Cordova school bus. Presumably the away team was victorious? Passed two people waiting, as still as statues, for the #82 bus--in the light fog and complete stillness it was a bit surreal. Quite a few people out enjoying a walk. At Gibbons Park, I passed the same exercise team as on Monday evening. A man had entered the southern tennis courts and was playing fetch by throwing a tennis ball for his dog to retrieve. Clever. When I neared the end of my run, I noticed I still had about five minutes to go, so I tacked on an additional two minute out and two minute back run, then ran the last one minute of the course. Is there a word for the fear of being mistakenly identified as a suspect by a passing police helicopter absently shining its spotlight around the neighborhood? I wonder, sometimes, about things like that!
Goal Time: n/a
Distance (running): ~6.44 km (~4.0 miles); http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4205834; ~580 calories burned
Weight (after run): 77.0 kg (169.76 lbs), ?% body fat
Any irregular feelings, aches, pains, heart rate, and so forth?: a bit tired--most likely from lack of sleep
Foods eaten today: oatmeal + bananas + raisins, vegetable soup, whole wheat pita x 2, hummus, can of tomato juice, walnuts, almonds, green tea + lemon juice, applesauce, garden burger + toppings + whole wheat wrap, milk

Running Journal, Monday, 2011-01-24: Fahrenheit 451

2011-01-24T20:59:00.000-08:00

Running Journal, Monday, 2011-01-24

Resting heart rate: 55 bpm (60 second test, upon waking)
Body Mass Index (BMI): 22.62 (kilograms/(meters^2))
Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR): 1,768 calories
Weather: clear and moonless; 4 km/h (3 m/h) winds from the ESE; 82% humidity; 102 KPA (30.13 inches pressure)
Temp: 10 C (50 F)
Time: 7:20-8:05 p.m.

Terrain: flat; +/- 11 m (36 ft)

Comments: Gibbons Drive reminded me of Fahrenheit 451 this evening; quiet, empty, dark skies, stars. Imagined myself as protagonist Guy Montag, running from unseen pursuers, while numbed, conformist homeowners watch the pursuit on their video screens. Hearing some rough voices while running through Gibbons Park may have put me in this state of mind. The Gibbons Park Community Center had about a dozen people exercising to Lady Gaga's song, "Poker Face." On my way out, near Mira Loma, I passed a woman in the dark, near the field; she was raising and lowering her arms, like the wings of a bird. On the return, near the intersection of Norris Avenue and Engle Road, I passed another woman singing a song. Several homeowners on Kimberley Way were remodeling the room adjacent to their open garage. Ran slowly. Felt fine when I finished. 16 mile run coming up this Saturday. Thought about how intimidating that sounds, to me; then I remembered how easy the 14 mile run went. With the maintenance runs, I feel bored with the current route. Will have to take some time to find an alternate one.

Goal Time: n/a

Distance (running): ~6.44 km (~4.0 miles); http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4205834 ~580 calories burned

Weight (after run): 77.4 kg (170.64 lbs), ?% body fat; 1,158 calories burned

Any irregular feelings, aches, pains, heart rate, and so forth?: tired, from lack of sleep

Foods eaten today: oatmeal + bananas + raisins, egg-white salad on whole wheat bread, applesauce, tomato juice, walnuts, almonds, green tea + lemon juice x 2, tomato soup + corn bread, milk

Running Journal, Saturday, 2011-01-22: KREEPSHOW RADIO

2011-01-22T17:11:00.000-08:00

Running Journal, Saturday, 2011-01-22

Resting heart rate: 53 bpm (60 second test, upon waking)
Body Mass Index (BMI): 22.38 (kilograms/(meters^2))
Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR): 1,821 calories
Weather: sunny and clear; 11 km/h (7 m/h) winds; 48% humidity; 102 KPA (29.98 inches pressure)
Temp: 19.4 C (67 F)
Time: 12:25-1:55 p.m. (~1:30:00; 12:51 min/mi pace)

Terrain: flat; +/- 10 m (33 ft)

Comments: Seriously, I have to write KREEPSHOW RADIO that way, because it is the way it is consistently displayed at the DJ's web site. Kind of curious why the most recent broadcast seems from October, 2010, though. Hope everything is OK. Passed the van pictured above on my run, today. Very well-done graphics job all-around the van. Felt a bit self-conscious of taking pictures of the license plate area, since the front window was open. Passed the pond area with the geese and peacocks. The peacocks were way in the back of the pond, today. Temperatures reached into the high-60's, today! Elected to wear just an UnderArmour shell top and leggings, leaving my outer light-weight jacket and gloves at home. The shiny navy-blue 2001 Porsche Boxster Cabriolet remains on the lot. Waved hello to some drivers on the quiet streets, especially Park Road, with its horse ranches and farm atmosphere. People generally wave back. One curious establishment along Orange Grove Avenue--Bob Stanaland Shower Pans, Inc., now run by Bob's son, Robert. What is a shower pan? Apparently, the shower pan represents the floor of the shower and ensures water leaklessly exits the shower area via the drain(s). Because knowing is half the battle. On Myrtle Way, a homeowner had tied two dogs to stakes and left them in their front yard. Running seven miles today seemed very short after last Saturday's 14 mile run. Passed roofers on Cypress Avenue who had a container-lift truck to deliver/remove materials from the roof. Very impressive. At the north end of Gibbons Park, I passed the small fenced-yard with geese and chickens. A dog charged out, barking, and ran with me along the length of the fence. At the end of my run, along Edison Avenue and Norris Avenue, I picked up a lot of trash, placing it into various bins I passed. Took a few photos, today. Felt pretty good after the run, although the crazy temperature swing meant I overheated.

Goal Time: n/a

Distance (running): ~11.27 km (~7.0 miles); http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4247575; ~1038 calories burned
Weight (after run): 76.6 kg (168.87 lbs); 16% body fat

Any irregular feelings, aches, pains, heart rate, and so forth?: Bit of soreness in my lower-left back

Foods eaten today: Nature's Path Pomegran Plus waffles x 4 + real maple syrup, orange juice, nuun U Natural Hydration - Tangerine Ginger, banana, tortellini with alfredo sauce, yaki onigiri x 3, Straus Family Creamery Caramel Toffee Crunch Ice Cream, milk

Running Journal, Wednesday, 2011-01-19: Winter Clear

2011-01-19T20:29:00.000-08:00

Running Journal, Wednesday, 2011-01-19

Resting heart rate: 52 bpm (60 second test, upon waking)
Body Mass Index (BMI): 22.62 (kilograms/(meters^2))
Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR): 1,768 calories
Weather: clear skies with nearly full moon; 33 km/h (21 m/h) winds, from the NNW; 47% humidity; 102 KPA (30.03 inches pressure)
Temp: 14 C (58 F)
Time: 7:00-7:45 p.m.

Terrain: flat; +/- 11 m (36 ft)

Comments: Complete exhaustion this evening only half-way through my run. Had half of a glass of red wine and a wrap about 15-30 minutes before the run. I guess the wine is out from now on. Felt thirsty, as well. Made it through to the end, though I had to slow down. The high winds, moderate temperatures, and the nearly full moon made for some electric weather. I found a large palm tree branch in the street and moved it to the curb. There is a very friendly, collar-less calico cat on Kimberly Way just before Wingate Drive, and it was out again tonight, so I stopped and scritched it's back. Prior to the run, Dawn and I took our binoculars outside and moon-gazed for several minutes as the moon rose over the horizon. It looked magnificent and enormous at sunset. Hoping tonight's exhaustion does not indicate a return of the previous week's cold.

Goal Time: n/a

Distance (running): ~6.44 km (~4.0 miles); http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4205834 ~580 calories burned

Weight (after run): 77.4 kg (170.64 lbs), ?% body fat; 1,158 calories burned

Any irregular feelings, aches, pains, heart rate, and so forth?: complete exhaustion after half the run

Foods eaten today: oatmeal + bananas + raisins, corn bread, blackberries, egg-white salad on whole wheat, can of tomato juice, walnuts, almonds, green tea + lemon juice x 2, applesauce, half glass red wine, whole wheat wrap + faux chicken strips + avocado hummus + spinach + carrots, limoncello gelato

Running Journal, Monday, 2011-01-17: Limited Visibility

2011-01-17T21:08:00.000-08:00

Running Journal, Monday, 2011-01-17

Resting heart rate: 52 bpm (60 second test, upon waking)
Body Mass Index (BMI): 22.85 (kilograms/(meters^2))
Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR): 1,846 calories
Weather: overcast and moonless, with patches of dense fog; 9 km/h (6 m/h) winds; 96% humidity; 102 KPA (30.17 inches pressure)
Temp: 9 C (49 F)
Time: 7:30-8:15 p.m.

Terrain: flat; +/- 11 m (36 ft)

Comments: Honoring Martin Luther King, Jr., today, on my run. Dense fog means cool spray while running. Felt great. Just a touch of a struggle on the run this evening; I could tell I had an active weekend and Monday--lots of cleaning, moving household items, cooking, and so forth. I feel a bit vulnerable running in the fog; harder to see what is coming. Relatively quiet tonight, very little traffic. Did pass about four or five people, however, out for walks. I gave everyone a wide berth, just to ensure I was not invading their bubble. All holiday decorations have been removed from houses. As I ran east, I gained just enough elevation for the fog to lift. The mid part of my run was mostly clear. At the end of the run, I noted (as I did last Monday) the run only took about 42 minutes. So I ran a bit more to extend it to 45. Feeling pretty good overall.

Goal Time: n/a

Distance (running): ~6.44 km (~4.0 miles); http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4205834 ~580 calories burned

Weight (after run): 78.2 kg (172.43 lbs), ?% body fat

Any irregular feelings, aches, pains, heart rate, and so forth?: None

Foods eaten today: oatmeal + bananas + raisins, corn bread, corn bread stuffing, instant mashed potatoes, tomato soup, milk, orange juice, grapefruit, protein powder + water

Running Journal, Saturday, 2011-01-15: Locked Gates, A Porsche, And A Violin Shop

2011-01-15T20:36:00.000-08:00

Running Journal, Saturday, 2011-01-15

Resting heart rate: 58 bpm (60 second test, upon waking)

Body Mass Index (BMI): 22.2 (kilograms/(meters^2))

Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR): 1,821 calories

Weather: overcast with light fog; partly sunny; 3-4 km/h (2-3 m/h) winds primarily from the N; 88-81% humidity; 103 KPA (30.27 inches pressure)

Temp: 9-12 C (49-54 F)

Time: 10:04-13:04 p.m. (~3:00), ~12:24/miles

Terrain: mostly flat, with some rolling hills near the mid-section; +/- 32 m (~105 ft)

Comments: Woke up to a pulse of 58; Friday morning, it was 51, so quite a jump day-over-day. I decided to take it slower than usual, today, per advice. Near-perfect running weather. Discovered my new watch has interval timer functionality. Eureka! I set the first timer to five minutes, the second timer to one minute, set the second timer to repeat automatically, and, voila, my watch did all the work for me. It runs down five minutes, beeps, automatically switches to the second timer, runs down one minute, beeps, then repeats. I do not have to worry about stressing the band by holding the reset button in for several seconds during the long runs. Just beautiful. Separate from the interval timer functionality is the ability to have a stopwatch timer. I used that to time my 45 minute stretches between fueling breaks with the Hammer Nutrition Gels. On top of all that, I used the chrono functionality to time my entire run. I am loving this watch. Ran past the peacocks, swan, and ducks on Park Road, then swung north on Auburn to Orange Grove. At the corner, a very tall bucket lift had raised a (presumably) Sacramento Valley LP technician 35.7 m (117 ft) to the very top of the Verizon pole antenna there. Sacramento Valley LP is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Verizon Wireless. Really enjoyed the next stretch on Orange Grove to Hamilton Street Park, part of the Arcade Creek Recreation and Park District. Saw a truck loaded down with stickers about skateboarding. I do not remember them all, but remembered the word "Foundation" which appears to refer to Foundation Skateboards, which gives away free stickers and sells equipment as well as shoes and other apparel. Very cool. Went the whole way today with only a 12-ounce water bottle containing one tablet of nuun U Natural Hydration - Tangerine Ginger. At the corner of Myrtle Avenue and Auburn Boulevard, I passed a car sales lot operated by ASB Auto Wholesale. In the lot they had a shiny navy-blue 2001 Porsche Boxster Cabriolet, for $11,000. Drool; yes, please. At the American River College, I turned north on Walnut Avenue and reached King Arthur Place. According to Google Maps, this was supposed to provide through access to Creek View Way. Well, it turns out, no. Met a repairman doing some work on the small bridge as I crossed it. He laughed and said something like, "Was supposed to be sun, today." :o) Really positive attitude. This detour, while pleasant visually and socially, added about 0.6 miles to my run, which is primarily why I ended up at roughly 14.5 miles, today. Lots of homeowners outside of their homes today doing maintenance on their homes. For example, pruning, taking down holiday decorations, mowing lawns, digging in the dirt. Remembered, as I saw the large number of vehicles in the American River College parking lot, today represents the first day of classes for the spring semester. My run takes me around and through the north end of the Arcade Creek Nature Area, also part of the Arcade Creek Recreation and Park District, which borders the American River College to the east. As I cross Verde Cruz creek on Garfield, there is a graffiti inscription saying something to the effect of, "and there is always a light at the end of the tunnel." Continued a winding path to Winding Way, then east to Manzanita. There, I noticed Sacramento Violins, a strip-mall shop focusing on violins, violas, and cellos, featuring work by local Bulgarian-native master builder Yuriy Hristev Tchechmedjiev. Dawn wants to learn to play the cello, someday, so this sounds like a great starting point. Continuing east, I passed the previous point of return, Barrett Road, and climbed up Winding Way until it reached San Juan Avenue. From here, I turned south. I noticed a sign near Sumter Drive, which read, "Schweitzer Grove Nature Area". It turns out this is a 17.2 acre nature area with disc golf and walking trails. It is part of the Carmichael Recreation and Park District and it even has its own community-initiated blog page. Turning back west on Lincoln Avenue, I ran for about 2 km when I felt a minor pain in my right ankle area. I had stopped and adjusted my shoe's tongue about 7 km earlier, to relieve pressure. Kept running; Manzanita, Garfield, Walnut, then Gibbons Park and the flock of kept geese adjacent to the park. At the corner of Cypress Avenue and Edison Avenue, a woman and her children sold bags of oranges to passers-by. Perhaps the foul smell I notice running past that point in the evenings is refuse left over from the ad hoc business? Probably not; it smells more like a broken sewage pipe. The persimmons on the tree on Edison Avenue look very ripe but sadly out of reach. My legs, by this point, felt sore and tight. I was out of water. And then I was done. I walked a mile to cool down and felt my legs loosening considerably. By the time I reached home, I felt pretty loose. For running so far, I felt really, really, great. Other times running 14 miles: 2010-07-03 (strained my Achilles tendon); 2006-05-13 (complete disaster; only completed seven miles); 2006-02-18 (sore muscles and exhaustion). Looking back over the first ramping up I did in 2006, I remembered all the mistakes I made (see 2006-05-13, above). I must have made every single one. Feeling good this time likely means I am more serious and experienced, so it is going as it "should".

Goal Time: to finish

Distance (running): ~23.3 km (~14.5 miles); plus one-mile cool-down walk; http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4235280; ~1,900 calories burned

Weight (after run): 76.0 kg (167.6 lbs), ?% body fat

Any irregular feelings, aches, pains, heart rate, and so forth?: Occasional pin-pricks in my knees near the end; legs stiffened up considerably in the last two miles or so. Some discomfort in my right ankle near km 16-18.

Foods eaten today: Pomegranate waffles x 4 + real maple syrup, Hammer Nutrition Gel x 3 (Apple Cinnamon, Chocolate, Raspberry), LL Cool J ultimate smoothie, nuun U Natural Hydration - Tangerine Ginger, whole wheat pita x 2 + hummus, Trader Joe's mac & cheese, red wine

Running Journal, Wednesday, 2011-01-12: "I'll Just Let Him Get His Exercise"

2011-01-12T21:32:00.000-08:00

Running Journal, Wednesday, 2011-01-12
Resting heart rate: 58 bpm (60 second test, upon waking)

Body Mass Index (BMI): 22.5 (kilograms/(meters^2))
Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR): 1,827 calories
Weather: mostly clear; 0 km/h (0 m/h) winds; 85% humidity; 103 KPA (30.36 inches pressure)
Temp: 8 C (46 F)
Time: 7:30-8:15 p.m.

Terrain: flat; +/- 11 m (36 ft)
Goal Time: n/a

Comments: Heart rate a bit higher than normal when I woke, so took it easy this evening. Lots of people in attendance at the gym, tonight, so Dawn and I parked around the corner from the entrance. After I began running, Dawn headed toward the exterior corner of the gym, where she noticed a security guard intently watching me running off. She asked him, "What do you see?" The guard replied, "Saw some guy running off. I'll just let him get his exercise." To which she said, "My husband is going for a jog while I go for the gym; that might be him." I love it--the guard probably thought I was a thief attempting to bust into cars in the parking lot. Still sick; on a scale of 1 to 100, with 100 being perfectly healthy and 0 being dead, I feel about a 65. Congestion, so I talk funny, and feeling drained. This Saturday I run 14 miles. Attempted to keep my back straighter and seemed to succeed from feeling pain. The last time I ran 14 miles, about 6.5 months ago, I pulled my Achilles tendon after gulping down a Hammer Nutrition gel and running too fast and the way back. The last time I ran 14 miles, I also started just before 4:00 a.m. to beat the early-July summer heat. How far away those temperatures seem, now! No need to start at 4:00 a.m., this Saturday, to beat the heat. Projected low for Saturday morning is 4 C (39 F). Running out in the dark and back in the dawn light was exhilarating, though. Not sure whether I will run at the Parkway or in the local neighborhood. Will see how I feel. The skies were mostly clear, this evening, allowing clear visibility of the stars and the moon, which is approaching half-fullness. Near the end of the run, a cloud in the shape of a giant wing floated across the sky and passed in front of the moon, illuminating it in white. Other, alto-cumulus clouds, were also present, but farther away from the moon, and bathed in an orange light from the sodium-vapor lamps of the city.

Distance (running): ~6.44 km (~4.0 miles); http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4205867 ; ~580 calories burned
Weight (after run): 77.0 kg (169.76 lbs), ?% body fat
Any irregular feelings, aches, pains, heart rate, and so forth?: Sick, but no muscle aches

Foods eaten today: cup green tea with lemon juice x 2, oatmeal + raisins, garlic hummus + whole wheat pita, yaki onigiri x 3, egg-white salad sandwich on whole wheat bread, apple sauce cup, cherries,

Running Journal, Monday, 2011-01-10: Cheshire Moon

2011-01-10T21:49:00.000-08:00

Running Journal, Monday, 2011-01-10

Resting heart rate: 66 bpm (60 second test, ~35 minutes after exercise)
Body Mass Index (BMI): 22.5 (kilograms/(meters^2))
Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR): 1,827 calories
Weather: mostly clear; 0 km/h (0 m/h) winds; 85% humidity; 102 KPA (30.22 inches pressure)
Temp: 3 C (37 F)
Time: 8:15-9:00 p.m.

Terrain: flat; +/- 11 m (36 ft)

Comments: Still on the mend from this weekend's illness. Coldest run of the year, to-date. Felt fine in double-layers and gloves. Feeling my way through keeping my back straight while running. After about 15-20 minutes, I start to hit my stride, keeping my core stabilized. Back felt fine when I finished, no problems. I did something wrong, tonight, though, because after 25-30 minutes, my right shoulder and right elbow felt tight and mildly sore. Slowing down relieved the soreness. Passed another runner near Mira Loma High School, otherwise the streets were empty of pedestrians. Granted, 8:15-9:00 p.m. is not prime-time for suburban walking, especially in the cold. Weight down to 77.0 kg again; I have lost weight while sick due to lack of appetite. Running in the semi-dark is almost perfect--cool weather, minimal distractions, and minimal visibility (enough to navigate by but not enough to see how far is left to go). Running without water, lately, and so far, no problems. Noticed I ran the ~4.0 miles in ~41 minutes, or 10:15/mile pace. The schedule calls for 30-45 minutes of running. Will think about whether or not to extend the run. The moon is waxing, again. Last night it seemed like just the slightest sliver. Tonight, a cat's eye partially opened.

Goal Time: n/a

Distance (running): ~6.44 km (~4.0 miles); http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4205834 ~580 calories burned

Weight (after run): 77.0 kg (169.76 lbs), ?% body fat

Any irregular feelings, aches, pains, heart rate, and so forth?: Right shoulder a bit stiff; also, sick.

Foods eaten today: cup green tea with lemon juice x 2, oatmeal + bananas + raisins, garlic hummus + whole wheat pita, tomato and red pepper soup + polenta, protein powder + water, yaki onigiri x 3, chocolate square, hot chocolate + marshmallows

Timex Ironman Sleek 50-Lap Full-Size

2011-01-08T17:24:00.000-08:00

My new watch, purchased on Tuesday, January 4, at REI for ~$65.

Timer and chrono features only, unlike my previous watch, which had GPS functionality (via a separate unit).

Working great, so far.

Running Journal, Saturday, 2011-01-08: Running While Sick, or, "Use Your Arms"

2011-01-08T16:57:00.000-08:00

Running Journal, Saturday, 2011-01-08

Resting heart rate: 56 bpm (60 second test, ~45 minutes after exercise)
Body Mass Index (BMI): 22.67 (kilograms/(meters^2))
Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR): 1,839 calories
Weather: cloudy; 0 km/h (0 m/h) winds; 89% humidity; 102 KPA (30.06 inches pressure)
Temp: 4 C (39 F)
Time: ~3:22-4:35 p.m. (1:13) ; 12:10/miles

Terrain: flat; +/- 8 m (~23 ft)

Comments: Upper respiratory congestion, today. Ran six miles. Saw five peacocks, one duck, and two swans on Park Road. First long run with my new watch; I prefer a one-button timer reset, whereas this watch requires the user to hold the button for three seconds to reset the timer. Not a deal-breaker, but adds additional strain to the watch band. Otherwise everything worked out fine. Several weeks into winter, so temperatures are approaching the lowest points of the year. Coming from Wisconsin, however, this still seems fairly mild (-10 F expected, there, this evening). As I ran south on Mission Avenue, I passed a teenager on the opposite side of the street. "Use your arms," he suggested, reinforcing the message by moving his arms in an exaggerated motion. I laughed and said, "It's less strenuous this way." When I run, I minimize movement in my arms as much as possible. Every bit helps on long-distance runs. I passed a street called "Libby Way" which reminded me of a friend. Perhaps I will have a camera in hand on a future run to capture it. Read this week in Galloway's Book on Running tightness in the lower back can occur from leaning too far forward while running. So, this week, I ran with a straighter posture, and, voila, no back pain. Beautiful. My legs chafed, however, so, next week I will have to remember to apply Body Glide.

Goal Time: n/a

Distance (running): ~11.15 km (~6.0 miles); http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4223159; ~407 calories burned

Weight (after run): 77.6 kg (171.11 lbs), ?% body fat

Any irregular feelings, aches, pains, heart rate, and so forth?: No (!)

Foods eaten today: cup green tea with lemon juice, pomegranate toaster waffles x 4 + real maple syrup, milk, cornbread square x infinity

Class Schedule Spring 2011

2011-01-08T12:43:00.000-08:00

Coming up for air and looking at local class schedules for Spring 2011.

Looks like a repeat of Fall 2010.

CSUS Spring 2011 Class Availability

CSC 132 - Computing Theory (3 Units)

TR 4:00-5:15 p.m.; Meiliu Lu; 0/30 seats available

CSC 139 - Operating System Principles (3 Units)

TR 3:00-4:15 p.m.; Du Zhang; 0/30 seats available

STAT 50 - Intro Probability+Stat (4 Units)

MWF 10:00-10:50 a.m.; T 10:30-11:20 a.m.; Coskun Cetin; 0/30 seats available

MWF 1:00-1:50 p.m.; T 1:30-2:20 p.m.; Coskun Cetin; 1/30 seats available

CSUS Open University cost per credit for Spring 2011 is $221/unit. So, either $663 or $884, for one semester-length class.

UC-Davis offers a similar program, called Open Campus. They charge $250/unit, so maybe $750 or $1,000 for one quarter-length class.

What About Matriculating As A Conditionally Classified Graduate Student?

Costs rise 317% for one Spring 2011 three-credit class: $2,102 for 1-6 units. For 6.1+ units, it costs $3,251. CSUS requires 30 units to graduate, so, if working full time and taking two classes each semester: ($2,102 / 6) = $350 * 30 = $10,500

Matriculation for Spring 2011 occurred last Fall; matriculation for Fall 2011 remains open until March 1, 2011.

What About Taking The Classes At UC-Davis And Transferring Them to CSUS?

Neither UC-Davis nor Los Rios Community College offers a comparable course for STAT 50.

Neither UC-Davis nor Los Rios Community College offers comparable courses for CSC 132 or CSC 139.

What About Graduate School At UC-Davis Instead?

...

What About Graduate School Via Accredited Online School?

Possibly...

Running Journal, Wednesday, 2011-01-05: Running Without a Net, New Watch, and the Pros and Cons of Public Farting

2011-01-05T21:07:00.000-08:00

Running Journal, Wednesday, 2011-01-05

Resting heart rate: 56 bpm (60 second test, ~60 minutes after exercise)
Body Mass Index (BMI): 22.67 (kilograms/(meters^2))
Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR): 1,839 calories
Weather: clear; 0 km/h (0 m/h) winds; 92% humidity; 103 KPA (30.28 inches pressure)
Temp: 5 C (41 F)
Time: ~8:00-8:50 p.m.

Terrain: flat; +/- 6 m (~20 ft)

Comments: So, may as well get the two public farting events out of the way first--neither of which involving me directly, thankfully. Near the corner of Rowena Way and Maison Way, I ran past a group of about five or six people standing outside laughing, as though they were saying their extended goodbyes after socializing. Another man exited the house, remarking about how he had really "dropped one" inside. This stimulated a round of good-natured accusations and joking back and forth about the topic. Fun. The second incident occurred just after I ran past a man who probably weighed well over 200 pounds, near Jonas Larkspur Park. About 10 seconds later, I hear from him a very loud farting noise. Funny? Disgusting? I will let you, dear reader, judge for yourself. I forgot my water and directions, so in effect, I was running without a net this evening. Everything went fine, however--sighting in Orion in the southeast helped immensely with my sense of navigation. Re-running Berkshire Way, as it starts out going south and then twists slowly to the east, I was conscious of the changing direction and mentally was prepared for running across the north/south Morse Avenue. At several points I passed homeowners standing quietly near their properties; this has the potential to be somewhat surprising, since I go for miles without seeing anyone at all. It takes my eyes a few moments to adjust as I run between well-lit yards and darker ones, so I may not always notice them immediately. I usually make the attempt to say hello. I purchased a new watch on Tuesday evening, and am wearing it for the first run this evening. I did not really use any functionality other than the clock, but the Indiglo feature works great. Have felt really drained these past few days. I assume from my near-half-marathon on Saturday, but not 100% sure. My lower-left back has been just a bit sore, enough to notice, these past few days. Qualms come and go in my mind; I am remembering why I quit running back in 2007. Definite warning signs then, which I was right to heed. So feeling some soreness now gives me pause. When I run faster, like I did at the end of tonight's run, I do not feel the soreness in my back, which is good. It may be my body producing endorphins which masks it, however. I should have a better idea of how it feels on Thursday, after any rush has worn off. I did a better job hydrating throughout the day, today, and I ate a bit more before running, which I think helped. Felt strong at the end. Running in other peoples' neighborhoods is not as interesting to me as running around my own. Things seem pretty much the same in suburbia, no matter which area I am in. There is one home at the corner of Joseph Avenue and Jonas Avenue which looks like a palatial palace, however, complete with bubbling fountain. A real pleasure to run past. I enjoyed running past the four parks this evening, as well: Deterding, Crabtree, Winterstein Community, and Jonas-Larkspur. Lots of people getting home or leaving friends' homes. The sight of two quick amber flashes as some unseen person unlocks their car in the distance; a garage door opening, revealing a homeowner and their personal sense of organization; a family hauling their trash to the curb for pickup. Most people either have taken down their holiday displays of lights or leave them unplugged. Have noticed during the day I have not felt as hungry these past two days; at times, feeling uncomfortably overfull. At the same time, forcing myself to drink lots of water (~20-40 ounces over the course of a few hours) at first seems uncomfortable (after all, why drink water if feeling full?) but then feels really good, as though it helps my body work through whatever it needs to do. Still eating less than normal, though; not sure if it means I have a touch of illness, not getting enough sleep, or maybe a combination of the two.

Goal Time: n/a

Distance (running): ~6.44 km (~4.0 miles); http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4205867 ; ~580 calories burned

Weight (after run): 77.6 kg (171.11 lbs), ?% body fat

Any irregular feelings, aches, pains, heart rate, and so forth?: Lower-left back still somewhat sore from Saturday's run; felt sore during slow first half of the run, but better when I started running faster near the end...not sure what to make of this

Foods eaten today: oatmeal + raisins + banana, egg-salad sandwich on whole wheat bread, green tea + lemon juice x 2 cups, whole-wheat pita + hummus, yaki onigiri x 3, Oskri Organics original coconut bar

Marathons on April 30, 2011

2011-01-04T22:47:00.000-08:00

My current training schedule has me reaching marathon-striking distance around April 30, 2011. So what marathons fall on that day?

Country Music Marathon (12th Annual), Nashville, TN
Muddy Marathon (3rd Annual), Newfoundland, NJ
Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon (10th Annual), Louisville, KY
Run For the Lakes Marathon (4th Annual), Nisswa, MN
The Deleware Trail Marathon (14th Annual), Newark, DE
Waushara County Crime Stoppers JailBreak Marathon (3rd Annual), Wautoma, WI
Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon (3rd Annual), Champaigne/Urbana, IL

Hmm.