Day 3 of San Francisco Trip ...

Date: June 22, 2007

Alcohol Consumption: 1 glass of organic wine

Money Quote: "My boss found a smoking gun."

Got up early to go run again. I ran on Valencia instead this morning. As I ran toward Embargodarus on Market, the city was full of noise unlike Mission area. I had a brisk run and felt good.

After just moping for awhile, my sister and I was bound for Napa Valley. She does not have a car, but utilizes a company called City Car for her occasional vehicle needs. She pays monthly due plus hourly and mileage. I think that is great! I mean there are no parking, gas is expensive, no waste on insurance, etc.

We got in her reserved City Car, a blue Prius, and headed out of the city. I hated stop and go traffic in the city, but it was a much smoother ride once we got on a freeway. On our way to Napa, we ran into a NASCAR traffic. I had no idea NASCAR came to the wine country. Hmm! Last minute change, we decided to stop at Sonoma instead. My sister does this quite a bit.

We parked Prius on what looked like the main road. We walked into what looked like a nice cafe for late breakfast. While we ate, my sis had to converse with her boss. It seems he found a smoking gun from thick documents sent from an opposing counsel. It was a great weather for eating al fresco although it would felt hot if we were not under a partly shaded area.

After eating, we walked around and explored what seemed like a town center. We went to a little out of way farmer's market. My sister paid up through the nose on a sweet onion. I bought some kettle corn. Mmm, kettle corn! We kept cruising the commercial area, which included galleries, restaurants, wine stores, etc.

It was getting a little hot. I guess I got very spoiled as it cannot be as nearly hot as Phoenix. Anyhow, I kind of coerced my sis to go back home as I did not feel like staying in Sonoma. Especially, neither of us wanting to sample any wine I failed to see any point in staying very long.

On our way back to SF, we got off one exit to find George Lucas' ranch. Last minute deal with my sister again. We failed to find it, but managed to almost run over a dog, which appeared out of nowhere.

We also stopped to admire Golden Gate. I downplayed the awesomeness of the bridge, but it is always nice to check it out. We sat on a bench a little way out and up and talked a little and enjoyed the scenery.

I coaxed my sister into cooking dinner tonight. I said something about how she always asks me if we want to go out or eat in like I really had a choice. I guess she did not mind cooking once. I am mentioning this, because we want to TJ for grocery. My sis wanted to pick up some grocery for tonight and other necessities since Prius was not due for a couple of hours. The TJ we went to was busier than any other TJ I've ever been. There was a line of cars waiting to get into the parking lot like the pictures I've seen of oil shortage days from 70's. We just parked on a nearby street. What is $0.75 compared to waiting? We got our stuff, and drove home. Unloaded and I carried up the grocery while my sis went to return Prius.

My sis made her "famous bruschetta" along with salad and pasta. Everything was good. I won't even wimp out with being in a new environment or being hungry as the reasons for things tasting good. I was happy.

I decided to go to Dolores park to take city scape pictures. I was hoping to take detailed pictures and put them together. My sister met up with me later. Did I forget to mention there was a huge transsexual rally? It seemed to be a pre-rally of sort for Pride Parade on Sunday. I will just say I saw things I don't normally see.

We hung out to looked around for short time and headed back home. We stopped at Bi Rite ice cream parlor for home-made ice cream. This is two nights in a row. It is a good thing I am running every morning. I felt a sleep as we started watching a movie. Good night!

My dog made me do it ...

Here is a picture of my dog, Cenya, with the new iPhone. I just could not hold off on purchasing this awesome new gadget after everyone's glowing reviews. Even Cenya is howling over it.

So far the phone works like advertised. I have not tried using Edge for internet, which everyone says is very poor. We will see. I need to call few people and inform them I now have a cellphone. I just wish people would stop saying, "welcome to 21st century."

Nemo, the Submarine ...

I was running this morning when I saw this submarine like vehicle parked in Biltmore hotel. I saw this two mornings ago. I thought it would be gone already, but it was still here. I guess it is here to promote the new ride, Nemo the submarine, in Disneyland.

After running, I drove to Biltmore and took a few photos. Check it out! I also saw the ugliest duck. I think it was wearing a toupee!

Do I get the most hyped phone ever?

I am so very tempted to buy iPhone. I mean there are so many reasons not to buy one. Including it is so very expensive, slow internet access via cell network, so on and so on. Here are some desperate reasons from Sprint.

I don't really have any good reasons to buy one except I need a cellphone, love Apple stuff, although I do get buyer's remorse once in awhile, and could use a newer iPod.

I am so on the fence. I would like to wait for the second generation iPhone, if I have the patience. Hmm. I will let you know on Saturday if I go through with the purchase.

Day 2 of San Francisco Trip ...

Date: June 21, 2007

Alcohol Consumption: 2 beers (yeah!)

Money Quote: "Thursday night is the new Friday night!" by Garrick

First thing is first. I ran about a half hour from Guerrero to Market on 18th street and back including a lap around Dolores Park. My sister seemed to have her mind set on biking. We walked to Ritual to grab some coffee. I had a scone to go with my beverage. After that, we separated. I came back to my sister's house and she went to a friend's to get a bike.

I worked on my sister's ancient Mac. Make it work as fast as it can. I just did some maintenance on it while listening to some podcasts. I learned Yelp is a great resource for picking a restaurant.

When my sis came back, she lamented that I did not study physics like I said I would. Oh, well. C'est la vie. I am on vacation. Might as well do as I like. We decided to get some lunch, but did not agree on what to get. I got a lamb shewerma from Ali Baba's and she got two fish tacos from Taqueria el Buen Sabor. I think. We laid out in Dolores park and chowed down. I was not crazy about my shewerma, but my sis's taco was pretty good!

After spending some down time, we rode bikes to Asian Art Museum, where Tezuka's Anime and Manga were being featured. Need I say more than Astro Boy! I grew up watching that. It was great to learn about Tezuka and Japanese Anime and Manga. I spent a little bit of change in the gift shop.

When we came back home, my gluteus hurted. I guess I don't like to bike. I spoke with Garrick, a good high school friend, on the phone. He was coming into town to see ole me. My sis and I waited until he came in town to go to dinner. In the meantime, we watched Hidden Blade, an awesome Japanese Samurai movie.

When Garrick made it to SF, I went down to greet him as my sister's place on third floor. Garrick had a hard time pulling into the garage as the entrance was very narrow. It was a little harrowing to say the least.

After brief tour of my sister's place, we went to Little Star Pizza. It was one of those constantly busy places. We managed to grab a table just prior to closing. Lucky us, we did not go hungry. We ordered ahead a deep dish pizza that we devoured.

We had an after dinner walk to an after dinner drink joint, Little Baobab. It was not too busy or loud, so we could have a drink and catch up. Garrick is finally done with his psychiatric residency at Stanford. I accepted Garrick's invite to spend Saturday attending his graduation.

We walked back to my sis's place. Garrick drove out of the garage no problem. I fell asleep when I made it upstairs.

Back home ...

Pride Parade in SF 2007 ...

My sister and I went to see the Pride Parade in San Francisco on last Sunday. Enjoy these pictures until I can update my trip journal.

P.S. If you look carefully, then you might be able to spot Mr. Sulu of the Star Trek fame!

Day 1 of San Francisco Trip ...

Date: June 20, 2007

Alcohol consumption: 0 (oh, no!)

I am here in San Francisco enjoying beautiful weather! Think in the 60's and not 110's like in Phoenix, Arizona. I wanted to blog about yesterday before I forget everything.

My day started out early as I did not pack the previous day. I also had to keg Scotch ale I made with Kevin, a good co-worker/friend. Kevin wants to serve this at his July 4th party. It did not take me very long to prime the beer and siphon to a keg. Clean did not take long either. I guess when you are motivated to work fast, things to do get done faster.

I quickly packed running gears as I do not want to neglect my fitness resolutions. I packed a couple of homebrewed Belgian beers. I am proud of these beers. Hopefully, we, my sister and I, will enjoy them together.

I checked in with Southwest for a boarding pass online. It was easy enough. Sky Harbor recommended two hours early in order to catch my plane on time. What a crock!! I could've been there just one hour early and would still had time to spare. Hmm.

My trouble began with security check line. The security, TSA, found my beer and asked what they were. I know the TSA is doing their job. Although I don't feel safer, they are doing what they said they were. I had to check in my luggage. Darn!

The flight over was pretty smooth. I did not experience any problem with air sickness. I took motion sickness medicine prior to the flight. I am not sure if I am getting better at riding or medicine did its job.

I arrived at Oakland around 3 pm. I promptly got my luggage, asked about AirBART, a bus to BART station. I got on a train that was bound for San Francisco. By the time I realized I was on a wrong train, I was already at the end of the route. RICHMOND. I had to catch another train going to San Fran. I took nearly forty extra minutes to get to 16th and Mission. I felt dumb, but much more aware of how to use BART!

I started walking to my sister's house. It was not as easy as I hoped. I walked around and got more acquainted with her neighborhood before I found her house.

Note to self: REALLY SHOULD GET A CELLPHONE! iPhone May be.

My sister was very happy to see me. We briefly chatted before going out for dinner as we both were hungry. We walked over to a little neighborhood sushi shop, Country Station Sushi. It is a little charming place in spite of the smelly neighborhood. We had a combo plate, which came with 8 sushi and 12 roll pieces, and a large tempura plate. Mm, delicious. I found out from the sushi chef and a regular talking that the restaurant will close soon as a the building will be rebuilt for another purpose. That is a shame.

My sister and I went for a home made ice cream and walked around Dolores park. We chatted some more. I think my sister is a little lonely out here. I should call her more often I think. When we came back to her house, I literally felt asleep right away.

Look ma, Andy Warhol!

Not really. I took this self portrait with my MacBook. It is cool what you can do with a little webcam and a software that comes with my laptop. I did not like front profile, but like side profile better.

I am off to San Francisco for five days starting tomorrow just in time to escape 110 and above temperature. Yeah!!!

Uncensored - A Special Christmas Box ...

I used to watch Saturday Night Live all the time when I was in high school. That would be when Mike Myers, Adam Sandler, Chris Farley, and others were on. I guess people like to think SNL was good when they used to watch it. I am not different. I think it was great when I used to watch it all the time. Well, I digress.

I recently became aware of Justine Timberlake's video. It is possibly the funniest thing I ever watched. Check it out.

Uses inappropriate language.

DNA & Finger print on your wall ...

That is the big idea behind the people at DNA 11. While I don't like the idea of letting someone have my private data, I cannot deny the uniqueness every piece that are created. You can send DNA 11 your DNA via cotton swabbing or fingerprint. They create and send you so called "one of a kind art piece" back to you. Check out how they work at DNA 11.

Here is my imitation.

Are you ready for the first black president?

My humble opinion is Senator Obama is the best candidate for the '08 presidental election. I am not the only one. Just check out the video below. I became aware of this when Jeanne Moos did a report on this. Enjoy.

Rear projection TV's dirty little secret ...

I bought my parents a well-reviewed LCoS HDTV from Philips about three years ago. Considering its age, I am still pretty happy with how it is working for my parents. When I was recently visiting them, the TV would not turn on. After looking through manuals, I confirmed the TV needed a new projection lamp. I took the lamp out and looked at it. It looked like an outdoor flood light. I mean how expensive can it be. There also must be generic knockoffs.

Well, it turns out Philips wanted to charge $330!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What! I balked at the notion. I looked around on line and found just the lamp replacement, which obviously did not include a casing, for about $200. I was reluctant, but what could I do. I don't want an expensive TV not working due to one expensive part. The TV is working now, and things are back to normal at my parents' house.

Let this be a lesson to you potential TV buyers. Buy plasmas or LCD's if you do not want to keep spending money on expensive consumable lamps.

Please support these artists ...

Some musical groups or singers are freakishly protective about their music. I am not saying we the public need to get everything for free. In fact, people who know me always accuse me of being too old fashioned about not sharing music. I would not want to be an artist who does not get paid. In reality, artists make most of their money from selling merchandises and concert tickets. Most of my music dollars go to non talented record companies!

This is why I really appreciate artists like David Gray, Jack Johnson, and Grateful Dead, who let their fans tape concerts and share with others. I truly believe this is a forward thinking. People can sample, appreciate, and consume more of their music.

You can find some awesome shows on Live Music Archive. Here is a Maroon 5 song, enjoy!

How to feel old fast ...

I never thought I would utilize "Early Bird Special," but I did today. I always thought Early Bird Special is for older folks. I guess that is why I felt so old after eating at 11:30 AM.

Anyway, I had lunch with a good friend at Arriba Mexican Restaurant. The description of the restaurant is New Mexican style. Our waitress had trouble understanding us, linguistically speaking, and service was a little to laisse-faire for my taste. Although lunch cost only $4.99, but I did not realize an ice tea would cost me $2.50.

I had good time none the less, and food was not bad. I don't think any Mexican resturant will ever measure up to Rosa's in Tucson, which is my absolute favorite restaurant.

P.S. Guess who is writing this blog post on his new and fast MacBook!!!!!!!!!!

Reverse migration ...

It is been said Midwest is losing its population to West. Well, you wouldn't know that from my friends migrating back to Ohio and Minnesota. I know it is hotter than heck out here in Arizona during summer, but other seven months are nice. I will miss them even if we did not hang out as much as we used to. Au revoir, mon ami.

Olivia Munn, who?

I just became aware of a woman named Olivia Munn. She hosts a show called Attack of the Show on G4TV. I am writing about this woman, not just because she is beautiful, but has funny videos on YouTube. Below is my favorite so far. Check out more of her videos at MySpace.

Safari ...

I am not talking about a Surfing Safari a la Beach Boys. I am talking about an awesome video on Youtube that has everyone wanting to go on a Safari Trip. There are already more than 4 million hits to watch lions, a gator, and buffalos fight it out in Kruger Park. Check it out yourself.

Tessellation ...

I taught Geometry this past school year. After giving a final, I taught my students about tessellation. After all, tessellation uses transformations they learned. I borrowed one pattern from a student and made my own tessellation of fish. Enjoy!

Booz2Go ...

Two Dutch students reportedly invented alcohol in a powder form as a final project. This is why everyone should have a final project as a part of high school graduation requirements.

It is green and fizzy when re-hydrated. Their market is people under the age of 16, who are not legally able to purchase alcohol in Holland.

Read about it here.

Body Composition Analysis ...

I was cleaning my computer room and found a piece paper. It is a body composition analysis from quite a few years ago when I was probably at my best shape. And yet, it does not seem that impressive. Do I really need to add weight lifting to my exercise regime? Hmm. Here are the numbers.

Date: December 4, 1999

Weight: 147 lbs
Height: 66"
Frame: small
Body Fat: 17.9%
Fat weight: 26 lbs
Lean weigth: 121 lbs
Total Body Water: 61.8%

I don't know how I can get these numbers for my current shape so I can only use Body Mass Index to compare.

I was at 23.7, and am at 26.6. I am working on getting the BMI number down to at least 25, which is a border line normal weight. Although I think BMI is not very realistic.

Fitness goal ...

I am ballooning. I had to buy a new pair of shorts last weekend! Enough is enough. I am setting a summer fitness goal. I want to lose ten pounds. I know I cannot do this with dieting as I am not about to eat less. Maybe I can eat less selectively. I will lose the weight by running longer more often. I bought a new pair of running shoes and a new dog leash. Wish me luck!

Humorous image: I kept thinking about a woman trying to lose weight in order to fit into her swimsuit when I went shopping for a bigger pair of shorts.

Brick ...

I just found out what "brick" means in electronics. It's not like throwing bricks in basketball. It's not like the song, Brick House. In electronics, Brick is the slang term for an electronic device which cannot function (or has been rendered useless by damaged firmware).

Why am I writing about electronic devices that just sits there? Because I have two bricks. One I was able to revive and the other is a paper weight. Unlike the good ole days, electronic devices are often upgradeable through a process called firmware upgrade. I did such upgrades on a NAS box and a wifi router.

After an unofficial firmware upgrade, Galaxy Metal Gear NAS box did not work well with my computer network. Fortunately, I was able to reload a correct firmware with a bootloader. How is that for a geeky talk!

Unfortunatley, I could not find right information or at least easy information for my Belkin G router. Oh well, it is an expensive lesson learned about being cautious when upgrading firmwares.

Thank you, readers ...

Bored in Phoenix, my blog, recorded the second highest visitor monthly total from the last twelve month period. I am starting to suspect there are more than three regular readers. I think Jim's mother in China and Pam's sister in Seattle are checking regularly. Thank you!

How do I know? I have a free service from sitemeter. What is sitemeter? It records number of hits for my blog. It also keeps track of where the hits are coming from.

Side note: I hope you enjoyed my Rumsfeld-esque question and answer session above.

Here are two graphs from the sitemeter about my blog.