The expression "for as long as I can remember" is thrown around often and for as long as I can remember, the Oakland Raiders have been a part of my life.
Taught at an early age to recognize all NFL team logos and taking pictures with Oakland Raider legends helped lay the foundation for a passionate but rational fan. I am not the kind of fanatic that loses perspective and all sense of reality.
Despite the problems with the organization, I remain hopeful. Sunday the Raiders lost to the Jets with the final score being 38 to zero.
Sunday was my first time seeing the Raiders play in the Oakland Coliseum. The only opportunities that I get to see the Raiders are when they are the visiting team. I was excited to see the silver and black attire, to witness the "uniqueness" of the Oakland Raider fan base and to cheer loudly with the home crowd.
Regardless of the outcome, I take with me the experience of the day: going with my best friend, paying for over priced nachos and beverages and feeling the kind of excitement that a five year old gets when his Dad is home from work.
Guess you can say that's just me, seeing the silver and black lining.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
The Road
Let me preface this entry by saying, forgive me if this does not make sense. Usually I write to share stories and ideas. I have read this four or five times and every time, I get the feeling that I am trying to work something out in MY head.
Recently I visited a place I called home for the first fourteen years of my life. Not only did I visit the town, but I had the opportunity to see friends and family that I had not had the pleasure of being around in quite some time. It's been more than 13 years since my initial departure and needless to say there has been a lot of change.
It's important to note that these are all people that had a significant hand in raising me. For most people, family and environment shape the type of person that you become. Nothing poetic about saying your family and home, "set the table" for your life. Some individuals are going to have a head start. Not having all of the advantages doesn't mean that you can't accomplish your goals, just means that your road is going to be different.
The whole family had an influence in shaping the type of person that I have become. It is ultimately up to parents to shape and mold advice and utilize the experiences of not only themselves but of Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents and close family friends in to productive life lessons.
I learned a lot from this trip! It might not be necessary to go home again but it certainly is beneficial. You can learn, just as much taking a trip down the road you started out on as you did the first time you traveled it. Originally guided by your elders, and now "YOU" are the elder. I know who I am and why I am. I was fortunate to have a village raise me and I am grateful. I fret a lot about how best to pay homage and I think the best thing to do, is to keep it all going.
Life is a journey right? Each day is a mini journey within the grand scheme of things. Some of us go through the motions, from alarm clock to quitting time and repeat the cycle all over again. Some of us try to use each day for self discovery and continued improvement. Some of us are lost and stay lost until the light goes on, or off...
Recently I visited a place I called home for the first fourteen years of my life. Not only did I visit the town, but I had the opportunity to see friends and family that I had not had the pleasure of being around in quite some time. It's been more than 13 years since my initial departure and needless to say there has been a lot of change.
It's important to note that these are all people that had a significant hand in raising me. For most people, family and environment shape the type of person that you become. Nothing poetic about saying your family and home, "set the table" for your life. Some individuals are going to have a head start. Not having all of the advantages doesn't mean that you can't accomplish your goals, just means that your road is going to be different.
The whole family had an influence in shaping the type of person that I have become. It is ultimately up to parents to shape and mold advice and utilize the experiences of not only themselves but of Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents and close family friends in to productive life lessons.
I learned a lot from this trip! It might not be necessary to go home again but it certainly is beneficial. You can learn, just as much taking a trip down the road you started out on as you did the first time you traveled it. Originally guided by your elders, and now "YOU" are the elder. I know who I am and why I am. I was fortunate to have a village raise me and I am grateful. I fret a lot about how best to pay homage and I think the best thing to do, is to keep it all going.
Life is a journey right? Each day is a mini journey within the grand scheme of things. Some of us go through the motions, from alarm clock to quitting time and repeat the cycle all over again. Some of us try to use each day for self discovery and continued improvement. Some of us are lost and stay lost until the light goes on, or off...
13
It is not a secret and I am not being poetic by writing that birthdays come and go. We all have our rituals, some rituals include not having any at all. Regardless of how you feel about that particular day, whether you treat it like any other day or you advertise it for weeks to come to anyone who will acknowledge, at the end of the day it is special, if not to you then to those closest to you.
My other half was born a XXVII years ago yesterday and we started our celebration with a professional massage in our cottage in the last hours of our Napa experience.
Nice way to finish up a relaxing week! Armed with five days of new memories and experiences we left Napa and set out for San Francisco, where we intended to add to the aforementioned experiences.
Part of the "experience" was getting turned around on HWY 101, after finally making it to our hotel we decided to head down to Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf. The sights and sounds and smells were much of what I remembered. Outside of being located on the Bay, there isn't anything unique about either attraction. Tourist traps with overpriced shops and restaurants, not unlike the Statue of Liberty or Navy Pier the London Eye. The best part of both are the Sea Lions sun bathing and the presence that looms 2000+ feet off the pier (ALCATRAZ).
The main event of the evening was a trip to Chef Hubert Keller's Fleur de Lys. I try to keep a good prespective of all things, it helps keep me grounded. Just as the food was incredible, so was the experience. My lovely bride looked beautiful, the conversation flowed almost as well as the wine. We couldn't help but over hear conversations about heart surgery to our left and legal proceedings to our right both had the same snobby nose in air annunciation. Before I knew it we were on to the fourth course and our evening was just about over.
The host had informed me in an earlier phone conversation that the restaurant in fact had a valet parking. I was thrilled, especially after paying for parking at the Pier "yikes". Upon exiting the restaurant, I flipped the attendant ten dollars, promptly thanked him and proceeded to ask him for directions. After accommodating my request, the attendant, very politely informed me that the parking cost $13 and he only needs three more. With a quick apology and chuckle, I trade him a twenty and drive off humbled.
That is probably the first thing that will come to mind when reminiscing about the time we went to the fancy french restaurant with the army of servers and arrogant clientele.
I wouldn't have it any other way, helps with the prespective.
My other half was born a XXVII years ago yesterday and we started our celebration with a professional massage in our cottage in the last hours of our Napa experience.
Nice way to finish up a relaxing week! Armed with five days of new memories and experiences we left Napa and set out for San Francisco, where we intended to add to the aforementioned experiences.
Part of the "experience" was getting turned around on HWY 101, after finally making it to our hotel we decided to head down to Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf. The sights and sounds and smells were much of what I remembered. Outside of being located on the Bay, there isn't anything unique about either attraction. Tourist traps with overpriced shops and restaurants, not unlike the Statue of Liberty or Navy Pier the London Eye. The best part of both are the Sea Lions sun bathing and the presence that looms 2000+ feet off the pier (ALCATRAZ).
The main event of the evening was a trip to Chef Hubert Keller's Fleur de Lys. I try to keep a good prespective of all things, it helps keep me grounded. Just as the food was incredible, so was the experience. My lovely bride looked beautiful, the conversation flowed almost as well as the wine. We couldn't help but over hear conversations about heart surgery to our left and legal proceedings to our right both had the same snobby nose in air annunciation. Before I knew it we were on to the fourth course and our evening was just about over.
The host had informed me in an earlier phone conversation that the restaurant in fact had a valet parking. I was thrilled, especially after paying for parking at the Pier "yikes". Upon exiting the restaurant, I flipped the attendant ten dollars, promptly thanked him and proceeded to ask him for directions. After accommodating my request, the attendant, very politely informed me that the parking cost $13 and he only needs three more. With a quick apology and chuckle, I trade him a twenty and drive off humbled.
That is probably the first thing that will come to mind when reminiscing about the time we went to the fancy french restaurant with the army of servers and arrogant clientele.
I wouldn't have it any other way, helps with the prespective.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Napa Day 5: Leisurely Efficient
We started out with our breakfast from Bouchon Bakery delivered to our doorstep at 8am. The plan was to take a bike ride through Napa Valley, our chosen path took us down HWY 29, and while we passed vineyards, we witnessed men and women harvesting the last remaining grapes of the season. We continued over streams, through parks and around cemetaries, George had all the cool moves, while I struggled at first. After arriving in Yountville, we parked and set out on foot to a local market, where we picked up lunch items for a picninc back at the cottage grounds.
After our picnic we decided to make our way 90 minutes west to Bodega Bay where as it turns out, Hithcock filmed the movie Birds. Ash saw the Pacific Ocean for the first time as we continued to drive up Hwy 1. We parked for pictures and ran along the sandy beaches for about 30 minutes. With the sun starting to set, we headed back down the Hwy toward Napa.
Another fantastic meal at Bistro Don Giovanni and great vacation day over all. A bike ride through Napa and a drive down the Pacific Coast, both were firsts and both followed this vacations theme of leisurly efficient.
After our picnic we decided to make our way 90 minutes west to Bodega Bay where as it turns out, Hithcock filmed the movie Birds. Ash saw the Pacific Ocean for the first time as we continued to drive up Hwy 1. We parked for pictures and ran along the sandy beaches for about 30 minutes. With the sun starting to set, we headed back down the Hwy toward Napa.
Another fantastic meal at Bistro Don Giovanni and great vacation day over all. A bike ride through Napa and a drive down the Pacific Coast, both were firsts and both followed this vacations theme of leisurly efficient.
Napa Day 4: Hot Air Balloon
This vacation has been filled with firsts. The alarm went off at 5am and we were off to meet up with Joyce from the Boneventura Balloon Co. After picking up a few other riders we arrived at the launch site while the crew was preparing the balloon. There were four couples plus the pilot. After thirty minutes or so we were off the ground, literally. The ride was as smooth as you could expect, better than a quiet elevator ride.
Before we knew it we were 300 feet in the air and ultimately at 3500 feet. The views were breathtaking. Seeing 360 degrees of Napa Valley and Sonoma. The fog was clearing out and most f the mountains were visible. Hard to describe but toasting champagne, half a mile above the earth in open air is a unique experience.
After touching down, we drove to a nearby town (St Helena) and had breakfast at one of the regions most popular cafes (Gillwoods). We took advantage of St Helena's picturesque Main street filled with shops, cafes and hardware stores.
After a trip back to the cottage and a quick respite, it was off to Cindy Pawlcyn's Mustards Grill another Top Chef restaurant and another winner.
Before we knew it we were 300 feet in the air and ultimately at 3500 feet. The views were breathtaking. Seeing 360 degrees of Napa Valley and Sonoma. The fog was clearing out and most f the mountains were visible. Hard to describe but toasting champagne, half a mile above the earth in open air is a unique experience.
After touching down, we drove to a nearby town (St Helena) and had breakfast at one of the regions most popular cafes (Gillwoods). We took advantage of St Helena's picturesque Main street filled with shops, cafes and hardware stores.
After a trip back to the cottage and a quick respite, it was off to Cindy Pawlcyn's Mustards Grill another Top Chef restaurant and another winner.
Napa: Day 3 (RUBICON)
Our philosophy for this vacation has been to take our time to get the full experience of Napa Valley. With no clear itinerary on either of our days we decided today to visit Coppola's vineyard.
Rubicon is positioned a mile from Robert Mondavi's vineyard along HWY 29. It does a great job of mixing in enough of Coppola's biography with display cases filled with awards and pictures but not so much that you forget that you are there to experience the wine. It was a great tour and the entire atmosphere was a phenomenal experience.
Chateau St Jean was next on the list. The stop at this vineyard included a picnic lunch in the vineyard followed by a stroll around the grounds.
From St Jean, Ash and I drove through the hills to get to Sonoma. The drive included a view of vineyards that stretched the horizon.
After resting at the cottage, it was off to Chef Michael Chierelllo's Bottega Restaurant. Chef Chierello was on Bravo's Top Chef Master's Series. Tom Colicchio is a judge on the program and a leader in culinary world, Gail Simmons is also a judge. I mention these names because our visit to the restaurant was based solely on seeing the program. While we were waiting for our table both judges walked in to the restaurant and as our fortune would have it, dined at the table next to us.
What a great day!
Rubicon is positioned a mile from Robert Mondavi's vineyard along HWY 29. It does a great job of mixing in enough of Coppola's biography with display cases filled with awards and pictures but not so much that you forget that you are there to experience the wine. It was a great tour and the entire atmosphere was a phenomenal experience.
Chateau St Jean was next on the list. The stop at this vineyard included a picnic lunch in the vineyard followed by a stroll around the grounds.
From St Jean, Ash and I drove through the hills to get to Sonoma. The drive included a view of vineyards that stretched the horizon.
After resting at the cottage, it was off to Chef Michael Chierelllo's Bottega Restaurant. Chef Chierello was on Bravo's Top Chef Master's Series. Tom Colicchio is a judge on the program and a leader in culinary world, Gail Simmons is also a judge. I mention these names because our visit to the restaurant was based solely on seeing the program. While we were waiting for our table both judges walked in to the restaurant and as our fortune would have it, dined at the table next to us.
What a great day!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Napa: Day 2
So after catching up on some zzzz's, Ashleigh and I got an early start on a rainy California day. After taking advantage of complimentary pastries, we set out to explore downtown Napa. After walking around we settled on having breakfast at the Napa General Store Cafe, nothing too exotic eggs, potatoes, and sourdough.
Frommers tour book led us in the direction of the Hess Collection, an art gallery and winery. The mission style vineyard was the perfect starting point for our day as it provided a unique experience filled with tranquility and excitement. After walking around the vineyard, taking pictures and tasting wine Ash and I headed to Clos du Vol.
Clos is a French owned winery that was off the beaten path and provided a less commercial vibe. The last vineyard that we experienced was unique in that it produced "sparkling wine". Chandon was difficult to find but worth the hunt.
Red Hen was next on the agenda and if I am being honest the Carnitas Nachos left little to be desired. Bouchon, however knocked it out of the park, Ash had Scottish salmon and I enjoyed a nice clean pan seared halibut.
Tomorrow we tackle Francis Ford Coppola's Rubicon.....
Frommers tour book led us in the direction of the Hess Collection, an art gallery and winery. The mission style vineyard was the perfect starting point for our day as it provided a unique experience filled with tranquility and excitement. After walking around the vineyard, taking pictures and tasting wine Ash and I headed to Clos du Vol.
Clos is a French owned winery that was off the beaten path and provided a less commercial vibe. The last vineyard that we experienced was unique in that it produced "sparkling wine". Chandon was difficult to find but worth the hunt.
Red Hen was next on the agenda and if I am being honest the Carnitas Nachos left little to be desired. Bouchon, however knocked it out of the park, Ash had Scottish salmon and I enjoyed a nice clean pan seared halibut.
Tomorrow we tackle Francis Ford Coppola's Rubicon.....
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Napa: Day 1
It is no surprise to me that on the very day I return to California, the Oakland Raiders pull off the biggest upset of the season. Raiders over Eagles 13-9......yeah baby! They better do the same thing next week when Ash and I are cheering them on against the Jets.
After making the 90 minute drive from SF to Napa, Ash and I checked in to our quaint little cottage. After recharging our batteries we headed up CA HWY 29 to Yountville and ate at a local restaurant (Pacific Blues). Ashleigh nibbled on typical California fare (BBQ Salmon sandwich) and I devoured a French Dip.
After strolling down Washington St through Yountville, experiencing a few local shops as well as our first official CA wine testing, the totality of 12 hours of travel hit us like a case of Napa Valley wine. While it is only 5:30pm local time, we are wiped out and look forward to starting out fresh tomorrow.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Soda Tax
A potential health care overhaul has the "bean" counters' gears spinning, as quickly as a seven year old under the influence of a couple of root beers.
The latest proposal, recently passed a congressional committee, has a price tag of about $829 billion. The plan will be paid for by reductions in spending (must be that scalpel Obama talked about) and TAXES! Whether the out of pocket expense for the typical American household nets out to zero is irrelevant for this particular post. Hopefully it does, hopefully this is a case of cutting inefficient spending and redirecting it towards areas that will be more productive for Americans.
Regardless of whether health care is reformed or not the idea to tax soda or any "sugary" drinks seems rational? Is it that much different than taxing tobacco or alcohol? Obviously health problems vary between products but the principal is the same. Taxing those products has not led to their downfall. Consumers still buy the products, maybe business has dipped a bit but profit margins are still more than respectable.
An objective decision cannot be made until you know how the funds will be used. Skepticism about taxes is overwhelming and until there is a formal proposal that outlines where the funds would be directed, effectiveness is too speculative.
Where would it stop? Would this open up the flood gates for a series of frivolous tax programs? A penny here and a penny there adds up and before you know it, you are being taxed on all junk food.
The latest proposal, recently passed a congressional committee, has a price tag of about $829 billion. The plan will be paid for by reductions in spending (must be that scalpel Obama talked about) and TAXES! Whether the out of pocket expense for the typical American household nets out to zero is irrelevant for this particular post. Hopefully it does, hopefully this is a case of cutting inefficient spending and redirecting it towards areas that will be more productive for Americans.
Regardless of whether health care is reformed or not the idea to tax soda or any "sugary" drinks seems rational? Is it that much different than taxing tobacco or alcohol? Obviously health problems vary between products but the principal is the same. Taxing those products has not led to their downfall. Consumers still buy the products, maybe business has dipped a bit but profit margins are still more than respectable.
An objective decision cannot be made until you know how the funds will be used. Skepticism about taxes is overwhelming and until there is a formal proposal that outlines where the funds would be directed, effectiveness is too speculative.
Where would it stop? Would this open up the flood gates for a series of frivolous tax programs? A penny here and a penny there adds up and before you know it, you are being taxed on all junk food.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Two Rings Better than One?
Saturn vs. Stonehenge
Which is more significant? Saturn's new ring made up of ice and dust particles that stretches over seven million miles wide or the new stone circle discovered near Stonehenge?
While both are interesting, the probability of either of this week's discoveries having a significant impact in our lifetime is slim. The argument can be made that Saturn's new discovery could potentially help unlock deep dark secrets to the universe but it's unlikely. It took the world 400 years after Galileo's death to set foot on the moon. Forty years later and Neil's "leap" for mankind remains on a short list of accomplishments as far as space exploration is concerned.
Which is more significant? Saturn's new ring made up of ice and dust particles that stretches over seven million miles wide or the new stone circle discovered near Stonehenge?
While both are interesting, the probability of either of this week's discoveries having a significant impact in our lifetime is slim. The argument can be made that Saturn's new discovery could potentially help unlock deep dark secrets to the universe but it's unlikely. It took the world 400 years after Galileo's death to set foot on the moon. Forty years later and Neil's "leap" for mankind remains on a short list of accomplishments as far as space exploration is concerned.
As far as Stonehenge is concerned, it's a 4500 year old burial ground. Interesting, that it is but significant....I don't think so.
Greetings from Around the World
Cheers! Bonjour! Bongiorno!
Hospitality refers to the relationship process between a guest and a host, and it also refers to the act or practice of being hospitable, that is, the reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers, with liberality and goodwill.
The topic of American Hospitality vs European Hospitality is brought up regularly enough for most of us to have an opinion on the subject. Whether you agree with the stereotype that most Europeans are rude or that all Americans are arrogant, it is still only a stereotype, right?
Ask yourself how many other stereotypes that you know NOT to be true.
My direct experience has led me to the conclusion that it's all about mutual respect. A little humility goes a long way in most cultures and as an individual you can only directly influence those that you come in contact with.
What most of us don't realize is that you CAN potentially indirectly affect (good or bad), everyone that they come in contact with depending on their experience. Changing an opinion of any adult is difficult especially when there are so many variables involved but if you don't even try then you're just adding to the problem. Is it better to solidify the stereotype by not even trying, or give someone a reason to think twice about what they currently believe and how they came to that conclusion to begin with.
As far as my personal experience is concerned, I'll put it to you like this: I Bonjoured and bongiorno-ed my mouth dry when I was in France and Italy and never had a problem with anyone being curt. When Ash and I went to Brooklyn, I tried to acknowledge two or three people and I was ignored flatly. Brooklyn might be a bad example, and as far as reciprocal hospitality is concerned it's all hit and miss.
At the end of the day it comes down to two variables; your upbringing (either it was an advantage to your prospective or an obstacle), and the current standards that you hold yourself to?
Hospitality refers to the relationship process between a guest and a host, and it also refers to the act or practice of being hospitable, that is, the reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers, with liberality and goodwill.
The topic of American Hospitality vs European Hospitality is brought up regularly enough for most of us to have an opinion on the subject. Whether you agree with the stereotype that most Europeans are rude or that all Americans are arrogant, it is still only a stereotype, right?
Ask yourself how many other stereotypes that you know NOT to be true.
My direct experience has led me to the conclusion that it's all about mutual respect. A little humility goes a long way in most cultures and as an individual you can only directly influence those that you come in contact with.
What most of us don't realize is that you CAN potentially indirectly affect (good or bad), everyone that they come in contact with depending on their experience. Changing an opinion of any adult is difficult especially when there are so many variables involved but if you don't even try then you're just adding to the problem. Is it better to solidify the stereotype by not even trying, or give someone a reason to think twice about what they currently believe and how they came to that conclusion to begin with.
As far as my personal experience is concerned, I'll put it to you like this: I Bonjoured and bongiorno-ed my mouth dry when I was in France and Italy and never had a problem with anyone being curt. When Ash and I went to Brooklyn, I tried to acknowledge two or three people and I was ignored flatly. Brooklyn might be a bad example, and as far as reciprocal hospitality is concerned it's all hit and miss.
At the end of the day it comes down to two variables; your upbringing (either it was an advantage to your prospective or an obstacle), and the current standards that you hold yourself to?
Let's Get Started
My only goal for this blog is that it be interesting.
I'll keep the parameters of "interesting" fairly liberal to achieve this goal because there is nothing easier than fitting a square peg in to a round hole, right?
The main catalyst for this web log, I must admit was Fantasy Football Posting. The posting and the unfortunate slow down in business, together created a curiosity and an opportunity to put my thoughts (or lack thereof) on the screen for the world to see. The proverbial "world" in this case is my family and close friends and if you know me, you know that my close friends are my family too.
Outside of family and friends there are few topics that I am passionate about which may be a detriment but on some level aides me in being open minded and objective.
So, my wish is that you find this interesting and if I fall short of that goal I hope it is mildly entertaining.
I'll keep the parameters of "interesting" fairly liberal to achieve this goal because there is nothing easier than fitting a square peg in to a round hole, right?
The main catalyst for this web log, I must admit was Fantasy Football Posting. The posting and the unfortunate slow down in business, together created a curiosity and an opportunity to put my thoughts (or lack thereof) on the screen for the world to see. The proverbial "world" in this case is my family and close friends and if you know me, you know that my close friends are my family too.
Outside of family and friends there are few topics that I am passionate about which may be a detriment but on some level aides me in being open minded and objective.
So, my wish is that you find this interesting and if I fall short of that goal I hope it is mildly entertaining.
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