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All posts for the month June, 2012

Airport Rip-Offs!!!!!

Posted by golfkat on June 29, 2012
Posted in: Food, Travel. Leave a comment
Among the many things that can be purchased at the airport, some are ridiculously priced, and some, a very few, are not.  Fortunately, things like the newspaper can be purchased in machines, or in the gift shop since the price is clearly printed on the front page. Or is it?
I have seen newspaper stands or gift shops place a sticky label over the pre-printed price. Shame, shame!  This is particularly true over in Hawaii, where all mainland papers cost more.  In addition, if you buy the Honolulu Advertiser on any island other than Oahu, you will pay a premium!  My suggestion is to just find a discarded paper, either in the waiting area or in the Club Room of your favorite airline.
 The old fashioned way!
Ever since TSA came along to confiscate our water bottles, bottled water is the biggest rip-off in the airport.  Most of us need drinking water, and some, like diabetics and people who eat too much salty junk food, have an even higher need.  Like most people, I do not trust the output of the various drinking fountains in the airport.  Some places like the Grand Canyon offer drinking water filling stations at strategic points around the park.  Perhaps the airports can take a hint.
That brings us to food.  While an airline passenger can bring food into the airport, and onto the plane, most of us just buy some type of convenience food in preparation of a long flight.  Airline food is still on a quality level with my third grade cafeteria, complete with colorful cardboard boxes.  My suggestion is to bring some energy bars and fresh fruit from home.
Snacks are plentiful and ridiculously priced as well.  Things like trail mix, candy, mints, gum, and “junk food” are at least double their price on the outside.  Speaking of outside, why does boarding a plane seem like entering some type of incarceration?  Again, bring your own!!!  It’s not rocket science!
In the old days, very few of us used the “free” electrical outlets to charge our laptops or cell phones.  Now, every outlet within ten feet above the floor has been placed out of service.  In its place is the “charging station” where a short twenty-minute charging session can run upwards of $1.00.  I say we should all spend $69.96 for a solar charging device and put them out of business.  But with my luck, they will close up all of the natural light from the windows, and turn off the lights, the party’s over.
The most interesting items for sale these days at the airport are souvenirs.  These can range from the simple to the ridiculous.  In Hawaii, an airline passenger can order a case of papayas or pineapples to ship home.  In San Francisco, a loaf of sour dough bread makes a uniquely tasty remembrance from the city by the Golden Gate.  Nawlins has pralines, Miami has stone crabs, Phoenix has cactus jelly.  We could go on and on, but we would run out of money.
Souvenirs should be purchased at a junk store in the neighborhood in which you are staying, playing or working.  If you wait until the airport, you may not find what you or anybody else on the face of the earth wants, or needs.  Go to the nearest Walgreen’s or CVS and go to their “junk” department.  Spend 5 minutes and maybe $10 at the most for a great selection of “stuff.”  You will be a hero when you get home, if anyone is there waiting for you.
At this point, I am sure you see where this is headed.  Either drive your car and stock up on all the goodies you want, OR take Amtrak.  Good luck!

Go for Gymnastics Gold!!!

Posted by golfkat on June 28, 2012
Posted in: Entertainment, Sports. Leave a comment

Do you remember watching the Olympics back when Nadia (1976 in Montreal), Mary Lou (1984 in Los Angeles), and Olga (1972 in Munich) dominated the competition?  But since then, Americans have caught up and surpassed the Russians and the Romanians.  Gymnastics have been contested at every Olympics since the 1896 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece.  For the first 32 years, only men were allowed to compete.  Women started competing in the 1932 Olympics, held in Amsterdam.

During those competitions, coming up to this year’s Olympics in London, the Russians have won 182 medals, including 72 gold medals.  The United States is second with a total of 95, including 30 gold medals.  In third place, and not far behind, is Japan, with 92, including 28 gold medals.

The Olympic Trials for Gymnastics are being held in San Jose, CA from June 28 to July 1.  By the end of the competition, five men and five women gymnasts will be selected, along with one men’s and one women’s trampolinist will represent the U.S. in London this summer.  These fifteen have won World or Olympic titles:

  • Rebecca Bross, Plano, Texas/WOGA: 2009 World Championships- all-around silver, uneven bars bronze; 2010 World Championships – team and balance beam silver, all-around and uneven bars bronze.
  • Jake Dalton, Reno, Nev./University of Oklahoma: 2011 World Championships – bronze, team.
  • Gabrielle Douglas, Virginia Beach, Va./Chow’s Gymnastics and Dance: 2011 World Championships – team gold.
  • Jonathan Horton, Houston/Team Hilton HHonors (Cypress Gymnastics): 2008 Olympic Games – horizontal bar silver, team bronze; 2010 World Championships – all-around bronze; 2011 World Championships – team bronze.
  • Steven Legendre, Port Jefferson, N.Y./Team Hilton HHonors (University of Oklahoma): 2011 World Championships – team bronze.
  • Danell Leyva, Miami/Team Hilton HHonors (Universal Gymnastics): 2011 World Championships – parallel bars gold, team bronze.
  • Nastia Liukin, Parker, Texas/WOGA: 2005 World Championships – uneven bars and balance beam gold, all-around and floor exercise silver; 2006 World Championships – team, uneven bars silver; 2007 World Championships – team and balance beam gold, uneven bars silver; 2008 Olympic Games – all-around gold, team, uneven bars and balance beam silver, floor bronze.
  • McKayla Maroney, Long Beach, Calif./All-Olympia: 2011 World Championships – team and vault gold.
  • Alex Naddour, Gilbert, Ariz./Team Hilton HHonors (USA Youth Fitness): 2011 World Championships – team bronze.
  • John Orozco, Bronx, N.Y./Team Hilton HHonors (U.S. Olympic Training Center): 2011 World Championships – team bronze.
  • Aly Raisman, Needham, Mass./Brestyan’s American Gymnastics – 2010 World Championships – team silver; 2011 World Championships – team gold, floor bronze.
  • Alicia Sacramone, Winchester, Mass./Brestyan’s American Gymnastics: 2005 World Championships – floor gold, vault bronze; 2006 World Championships – team and vault silver; 2007 World Championships – team gold, floor silver, vault bronze; 2008 Olympic Games – team silver; 2010 World Championships – vault gold, team silver; 2011 World Championships – team gold.
  • Bridget Sloan, Pittsboro, Ind./Sharp’s Gymnastics: 2008 Olympic Games – team silver; 2009 World Championships – all-around gold; 2010 World Championships – team silver.
  • Sabrina Vega, Carmel, N.Y./Dynamic Gymnastics: 2011 World Championships – team gold.
  • Jordyn Wieber, DeWitt, Mich./Gedderts’ Twistars USA: 2011 World Championships – team and all-around gold, beam bronze.

In the last 2008 Olympics, held in Beijing, Nastia Liukin of the U.S. won the gold medal in the all around competition, followed by Shawn Johnson.  But the American women finished second to China for the team all-around golf medal.  The U.S. men finished third behind China (gold), and Japan (silver).  This year’s team hopes to win gold in both the all around team events.  Shawn Johnson won the gold medal in the individual balance beam event.  The American men won only a silver in the horizontal bar (Jonathan Horton).

 Ouch!!!!

The events in men’s and women’s gymnastics differ slightly as follows:

Women’s: uneven bars, balance beam, floor exercise, and vault.

Men’s: floor exercise, pommel horse, still rings, vault, parallel bars, and high bar

These events evolved from exercises used by the ancient Greeks.  These events require strength, flexibility, agility, coordination, and balance.  I imagine it will be rather difficult to focus on just one event or even a few key performers. Things have changed in the gymnastics world, with China and Japan at the top along with the U.S.  I guess the Russians would rather play tennis.

The 1908 British gymnastics team

 

As far as the hopefuls to watch, Jordyn Wieber won the 2011 women’s all around title at the World Championships, Gabrielle Douglas, Rebecca Bross, Nastia Liukin, and McKayla Maroney.  Among the men’s hopefuls are:  John Orozco, Danell Leyva (a defector from Cuba), Chris Brooks, Sam Mikulak, and 2008 silver medalist Jonathan Horton.

It should be an interesting way to spend the day, even if it is San Jose.  Do you know the way?

 

U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame

Posted by golfkat on June 23, 2012
Posted in: Sports, Travel. Leave a comment

Did you know that the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame is now located in Davis, CA?  The 25 year old HOF has been relocated to 303 Third Street, in downtown Davis, CA, also home to the University of California, Davis, also known as the bicycle capital of the west!  The original home was in Somerville, New Jersey, home of the oldest bicycle race in the United States.

After a 2008 nationwide search, much different than American Idol, the HOF chose Davis, CA for its commitment to bicycling and its status as a “Platinum” Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists.  The new HOF occupies 8000 square feet in Central Park in downtown Davis.  The obvious contents are many bicycles, photos, awards, posters, periodicals, and racing apparel from the last three centuries.

Opening Day Crowd.JPG

The HOF is rather quick to point out that bicycling was more popular than baseball at the beginning of the 20th century.  Champion cyclists were paid more than baseball star Ty Cobb.  Six day races ran around the clock to huge crowds of spectators.  But today, the HOF promotes bicycling for everyone, regardless of age or ability.

Since 1987, there has been a steady stream of inductees, both competitors and contributors in the sport of cycling.  Some names that you may or may not recognize are:  Greg LeMond (winner of several Tour de Lance races), Nelson Vailes, Frank Kramer (no relation to Cosmo Kramer), Juliana Furtado, Major Taylor, Ned Overend, Mark Gorski, Eric Heiden, Alexi Grewal, Andy Hampsten, Steve Hegg, Davis Phinney, and Connie Carpenter-Phinney.  Best of all, the HOF recognizes all forms of cycling, whether racing, recreational, BMX, road, track, cross country, and mountain biking.  Personally, I would like to see Orville and Wilbur Wright, since they owned a bicycle shop before gaining fame at Kitty Hawk.  And where is Lance Livestrong?  Still waiting to see if he is clean?

 Greg LeMond

During the month of August, admission is free!  The grand opening was August 24, 2010, in the former teen center.  Obvious question now is where did the teens go?  Never mind.  As far as Davis goes, the community has an extensive network of bike lanes, bike paths, and grade-separated bike crossings.  But bicycling declines in Davis from 1990 to 2000 by 7 per cent, from 22 percent, down to 15 percent.  I plan to Amtrak over to Davis, ride over to the museum, then take a long bike ride along the river route in the downtown area.  Join me?

The Open, Golf’s Toughest Major

Posted by golfkat on June 17, 2012
Posted in: Golf, Sports. Leave a comment

Thursday’s trek out to the Olympic Club in San Francisco will be my fourth or fifth U.S. Open Golf Championship.  I saw Tom Kite win at Pebble Beach in 1992, Lee Janzen here at the Olympic Club in 1998, Tiger at Pebble in 2000, and Graeme McDowell in 2010 again at Pebble.  But I wish I could have seen the two previous Opens at Olympic where Arnie (Palmer) was overtaken by Bill Casper, and an unknown club pro named Jack Fleck took down the mighty Ben Hogan.  Both are permanent parts of US Open golfing lore, in the favor of the underdog.  Perhaps this week will yield another lasting story.

Olympic Club

I have been fortunate to have played Olympic Club’s famous Lake Course back in 1999, I think.  In fact, I played it exactly one day after returning from an overseas golf outing in Scotland, where I got to play St. Andrews, Carnoustie, Prestwick, and Turnberry, among others.  The beauty of the Olympic Club stands out, with rolling carpet-like fairways, separated by gnarled cypress trees, shrouded in fog, the sun peeking out just right on the back ten*.  It is a cherished memory of when I could still play a great golf course at a decent level.

 Previous Opens (winners) were played here in 1955 (Jack Fleck), 1966 (Billy Casper), 1987 (Scott Simpson), and 1998 (Lee Janzen).  The last Open was pretty exciting, with Payne Stewart leading most of the way, and looking to win his second straight Open.  Turns out the 18th green was a real joke.  Both Payne and Tom Lehman let the USGA know how unfair the green was rolling.  Accordingly, they have completely rebuilt the 18th green to avoid the embarrassment of 1998.
  Infamous “old” 18 green
But how many of you recall the story of the Olympic Club hamburger?  Yes, the meat is shaped and cooked so that it fits in a hot dog bun.  It is easier to eat while on the golf course, playing the ninth hole.  But the USGA will run the concessions this week, and offers only a poor imitation. And why the ninth hole?  Because the traditional “turn” occurs after the short (now 200 yards), cute, but beguiling par 3 8th hole.  Actually, they lengthened the 8th from cute to about 200 yards.  That makes the “dog” burger even more of a reward.  Credit actually goes to Bill Parrish, who opened a small burger stand back in 1950, just off the grounds of the O Club.  He served the small flat hot dog shaped burger in a hot dog bun to save money!  On top of it all, it tastes great, especially when it can be eaten “one-handed.” The San Francisco Olympic Club is the oldest athletic club in the United States.  James J. Corbett, the world heavyweight boxing champ from 1892 to 1897, became a member in 1884.  They opened a permanent clubhouse on Post Street in downtown San Francisco back in 1893 (did not survive the 1906 earthquake).  I have known several members of this prestigious club, but have not been invited out there lately (hint!).
In 1918, Olympic Club took over the Lakeside Golf Club, an 18 hole course designed by Wilfrid Reid. It was replaced with two courses after the Club bought additional land nearby.  Scotsman Willie Watson designed the two new courses, designated the Lake and Ocean courses, which opened in 1924.  Both courses have been remodeled and rebuilt numerous times, by the likes of  Robert Trent Jones, Tom Weiskopf (I have played golf with his son, Eric), and Jay Moorish.  Much is made of the small greens, which make Olympic the unique course that it remains.
These days, the Olympic Club does not produce many Olympians, as their name would imply.  Ralph Rose, back in 1909, was a Olympian who produced a world record in the shot put.  Amateur sports, like cycling, rugby, and basketball were emphasized over professional sports back then.  In 1950, Olympic member Art Larsen won the U.S. Open Tennis Championship in Forest Hill, NY.  But their “amateur” rugby team was found to have enticed athletes to join by offering jobs.  It was a real, old-fashioned good old boys network, and still is, to some degree.
The U.S. Open Merchandise Pavilion, “Golf’s Largest Pro Shop”, was open to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Thursday, June 7, through Sunday, June 10.  During the tournament, it will be open virtually all day long.  The pavilion provides a unique shopping experience with more than 400,000 items bearing the official U.S. Open logo, including outerwear, shirts, hats, golf balls and a large variety of championship memorabilia.  I heard on the radio that this will be an experience unto itself.  I already have an Olympic Club hat, so maybe a golf shirt or T-shirt?  I did my share of retail therapy.
But back to golfing matters.  The Lake Course is a relatively short 7060 yards, par 70 (35-35) from the Championship tees.  But the slope rating is 143, with a course rating of 75.7, meaning it is very difficult.  Even par by Lee Janzen won the last Championship here.  The Lake Course is always rated in the top 100 golf courses in the country by Golf Magazine and Golf Digest.  My assessment of the golf and the eventual winner of the Open is this.  Off the tees, the player must be able to shape their ball from right to left, or left to right.  Approach shots must be accurate, as the greens are small and flat, more in the “old” tradition.  And due to its proximity to the ocean, both course moisture, wind and fog may play a role in some shots.
 Bubba, golf’s newest star!
So, who is my pick to win?  For obvious reasons, the course does not fit the games of Tiger or Phil.  Playing in the same group with Bubba will certainly make for some wild tee shots, and unpredictable decisions.  Perhaps some relative unknown, a guy who hits the ball well, not necessarily far.  Another Bubba lurking? Above all, he (the winner) will be the best putter for the week.  Who are the best putters?  Furyk, Donald, Stricker, or Tiger?  We shall see.

*I say back ten since the traditional “turn” occurs at Olympic after the par 3 eighth hole.

Seattle Pilots or Mariners?

Posted by golfkat on June 14, 2012
Posted in: Sports, Travel. Leave a comment

Does anyone remember the Seattle Pilots or even back farther, the Seattle Rainiers?  Before the Seattle Mariners, the Emerald City had a Triple A baseball team called the Rainiers, presumably after the beer company of the same name.  In 1970, the Seattle Pilots were purchased and moved to Milwaukee to become the current Brewers.  The original Milwaukee team was the Braves, who moved to Atlanta.

It was none other than the current Commissioner of Baseball, Bud Selig who pulled off the Pilots to Brewers deal.  A lawsuit was brought against the American League for breach of contract, resulting in the Seattle Mariners being formed and playing their first game in the 1977 baseball season.

I did not attend a Pilots game, but I did attend a Mariners game in the now imploded Kingdome, which was built to be the home of the NFL Seattle Seahawks.  The Seahawks now have their own stadium next door, called the Qwest Field.  BTW, Seahawk is another name for osprey. The Mariners new field is called Safeco Field (since July 1999), and has a retractable roof in the event of rain in the often rainy Pacific northwest (like tonight).  This will be my first game at the new Safeco Field, built in the same general area as the old Kingdome, in the southern part of downtown Seattle.

 Susuki san!!!!

The big star for the Mariners over the last several seasons is Ichiro Suzuki, from Japan.  In 2001, he became the first American MLB player to enter the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame.  He also won the American League batting championship, and also led the league in stolen bases.  He was also voted Rookie of the Year, and Most Valuable Player.  He has also won ten Gold Glove Awards, and hit the first inside the park home run in All Star Game history in 2007.

The Mariners first winning season was in 1991, coinciding with Ichiro’s arrival.  In 1995, they defeated the mighty New York Yankees for the American League Division Series.  They have never appeared in a World Series, along with the Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals.  They are currently owned by the Nintendo Corporation.
Seattle players who have distinguished themselves, besides Ichiro are:  Alvin Davis, announcer Dave Niehaus, Jay Buhner, Edgar Martinez, Dan Wilson, and Randy Johnson.  They are in the Mariners Hall of Fame, but the team has not retired any uniform numbers.  In 2008, Don Wakamatsu, a Japanese American from Hawaii, became the first Japanese manager in major league baseball.  Over the years, their best player, besides Ichiro, was Ken Griffey, Jr., a certainty for the Baseball Hall of Fame.
In a half-hearted effort to attend baseball games in stadiums west of the Mississippi, this visit to Safeco is my “re-insurance” of a visit to the old, now imploded Kingdome.  Earlier this month (last week), I attended a San Diego Padres game at their new stadium, Petco Field, a replacement for Jack Murphy Stadium.  Earlier this year, I went to an Arizona Diamondbacks game at Chase Field, formerly called, “The BOB,” and a Dodger-Giants game at old Dodger Stadium (though I went numerous times as a kid).  Add this to my previous games at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Busch Stadium (old one) in St. Louis, Coors Field in Denver, and of course, our two Bay Area ballparks.  Last year, I also visited Fenway Park in Boston and Yankee Stadium in New York for the first time.
Too bad I cannot stay to the weekend when the Giants are in town.  As you can tell from the photo, they painted the Seattle Space Needle a bright orange in their honor (I don’t think so, but it sounds good).  Anyway, after a quick dinner tonight at Lola, I am headed over to the game on the Sound Transit (light rail) for the grand fare of $0.75.  If only I can buy something at the game at a similar price.

Offbeat Seattle Summer

Posted by golfkat on June 12, 2012
Posted in: Cultures, Music, Travel. Leave a comment

Never offbeat with Seattle music, since it is one of the best cities for music of all kinds.  Offbeat is the quest for something new and different.  Perhaps the quest for something exciting.  Or maybe just something often overlooked or perhaps too mundane upon first glance.  It can happen anywhere in the world, but I would bet that Seattle has more offbeat per capita than most places I have been.

I doubt that the “Gum Ball Wall” in Pike Market provides enough culture, unless it has spawned its own bacteria after decades of exposure to the elements.  But it does have a curious look to it, both disgusting and colorful.  My suggestion would be to pour a thick coat of resin or shellac to preserve and protect.  This tradition began in the 1990s, and has been wiped clean, twice!  Obviously to no avail.  This is what your Microsoft millionaires do in their spare time.

Gum mural

On the other side of art, how about a visit to the Chihuly Garden and Glass at Seattle Center.  It opened on May 21, and offers a look into the life of Dale Chihuly.  The interior portion of the exhibit will highlight his most popular works.  The exterior will focus on his large signature works in a lush garden.  The exterior portion includes a 43 foot high glass house, featuring a 1400 piece, 100 foot long sculpture.  As you might guess, it is not cheap.  General admission is $19, and $17 for seniors.

 

Dale Chihuly is a graduate of the University of Washington, with a degree in interior design.  He then enrolled in the first glass program in the country at the University of Wisconsin.  In 1968, he received a Fulbright Fellowship, then went to work at the Venini glass factory in Venice, Italy.  He came back home and founded the Pilchuck Glass School at Washington State University in 1971.
His work is included in more than 200 museums around the world.  He has won many awards, including eleven honorary doctorate degrees, and two fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts.  I saw his exhibit a few years ago at the deYoung Museum in Golden Gate Park. More to my liking is the fabulous Jimi Hendrix statue, shown below.  Jimi was a Seattle native, and considered one of the best, greatest and most influential guitarists in rock music history.  His role at Woodstock and playing the National Anthem will stand the test of time.  The statue is located in front of the AEI Music Networks corporate offices on Broadway and East Pine (900 block).
jimi hendrix statue seattle Jimi, the Great!
He was born Johnny Allen Hendrix on November 27, 1942 at Seattle’s King County Hospital.  He was renamed James Marshall by his father, James Hendrix.  He was entirely self-taught on the guitar, and could not read music.  By the age of five, James bought Jimi a used $5 acoustic guitar, since his broom guitar lost all of its straw.  He spent three months with his first music group, The Velvetones. Soon after, James purchased a Supro Ozark 1560s (his first electric guitar), Jimi joined The Rocking Kings.  But in 1961, Jimi left home and joined the Army, where he earned the right to wear a “Screaming Eagles” patch since he became a paratrooper.  He was discharged after breaking his leg while jumping, and became a session guitarist under the name, Jimmy James. By the end of 1965, he had played with the Who’s Who of music, including Ike and Tina Turner, Sam Cooke, the Isley Brothers, and Little Richard.  When he left LR, he formed  Jimmy James and the Blue Flames, finally taking the lead guitar position. It was Animals bassist, Chas Chandler, who signed Jimi to a contract in 1966, that would lead to a move to England and forming a new band.  It was Chandler who changed his name to “Jimi.”  He added drummer, Mitch Mitchell, and bassist, Noel Redding.  The newly formed Jimi Hendrix Experience became the talk of London, even while the Beatles popularity was ascending.
Their first single, “Hey Joe,” topped out at No. 6 on the Billboard charts in early 1967.  Then came the full length debut album, Are You Experienced?, a psychedelic compilation featuring anthems of a generation.  It includes tracks of all-time favorites like Purple Haze (my favorite), Foxy Lady, and Fire.  Upon his return to America in 1967, he “ignited” the crowd at the Monterey International Pop Festival, with “Wild Thing.”  In a short time, JH Experience became one of the most popular, and highest grossing touring acts in the world.
He followed up with Axis: Bold As Love in 1968, and began spending more time in the studio, trying to bring clarity to his musical vision. He even built his own studio, called Electric Lady Studios in NYC.  Then came the fabulous two LP collection, Electric Ladyland.  The JH Experience disbanded in 1969, due to the heavy concert tour schedule and studio work Jimi demanded.
But in the summer of 1969, along came the Woodstock Music and Art Fair.  I was not one of the more than ten or fifty million music lovers who claimed to be there.  I was interning in a pharmacy in the Central Valley, and playing summer baseball up and down the state.  Jimi joined forces with the Gypsy Sun and Rainbows.  His renegade version of the “Star Spangled Banner” brought the weary, mud-soaked Woodstock crowd into yet another frenzy.
 
He joined up with Buddy Miles in 1969, and formed the Band of Gypsys, again highlighted by four New Year’s Eve performances in NYC in 1969 and 1970.  Later in 1970, he re-formed the JH Experience with Mitch Mitchell and Billy Cox on bass.  But his tragic death on September 18, 1970 ended his fabulous musical vision and hectic worldwide touring schedules.  Thanks to Paul Allen for preserving much of Jimi’s legacy at the Experience Music Project here in Seattle.  RIP, JH!
So, I found out that King Tut is here, but I am passing.  The hotel offered VIP tix for $40, but I voted no.  It was so disappointing last time the “boy king” exhibit was here, about twenty years ago.  Such a build up, and then ……  But I did make it over to the fabulous Seattle Public Library after getting back from Mt. Rainier.  That is the most amazing library in the entire world!!!

 

 

Mount Rainier, Not the Beer!

Posted by golfkat on June 11, 2012
Posted in: Action, Travel. 1 Comment

Arriving early in Seattle for our Anniversary, we decided to rent a car and drive over to beautiful and majestic Mount Rainier.  We have not rented a car in Seattle in over TEN years!  But exceptions must be made, the intrepid traveler must remain flexible, and willing to pay $4 a gallon for gasoline or more.  It is only  slightly more than an hour to one of the most beautiful places on earth.  We must go!

 

Fifty four miles southeast of Seattle is Mt. Rainier.  It is considered the most dangerous volcano in the world, at an elevation of 14,411 feet above sea level.  Rainier is the highest point in Washington, and the highest mountain in the Cascades.  On a clear day, Rainier can be seen from Portland, OR and Victoria, BC.  It has 26 glaciers, making it the most glaciated peak in the lower 48 states. The summit is topped by two volcanic craters, each more than 1000 feet in diameter. The larger east crater overlaps the west crater.
And geothermal heat from both craters keep the rims free of ice and snow.  As a result, it forms the world’s largest volcanic glacier cave network, within the ice-filled craters with more than two miles of passages.  In addition, a small lake occupies the west crater, the highest elevation in North America at 14203 feet.
Rainier is topped by three summits, with the highest called Columbia Crest.  Second highest is Point Success, and lowest is Liberty Cap.  On the eastern flank is a peak known as Little Tahoma Peak, an eroded remnant of a much higher Mt. Rainier.  Rainer’s lava deposits are estimated to be over 840,000 years old.   Rainier once stood at 16,000 feet before an avalanche and resulting mud flow about 5000 years ago.

The most recent eruptions of Rainier were back between 1830 and 1854.  Other eruptive activity was reported in the late 1800s.  It is still listed as an active volcano.  If Rainier erupted as powerfully as nearby Mt. St. Helens, the cumulative damage would be much greater. Up to 5 earthquakes are recorded monthly on Rainier.
Captain George Vancouver became the first European to see the mountain in May, 1792. John Muir climbed Rainier in 1888. In 1899, President McKinley made Mount Rainier National Park America’s fifth national park. The Washington state quarter features Mt. Rainier and a salmon. Climbing the mountain is difficult, and takes two to three days. Only half the attempts are successful. Just enjoy it from a distance!
Hundreds of people were climbing up the base to reach a lookout point a few hundred feet above the Visitor Center.  Why?  It looked very COLD and dangerous.  Up to 12 feet of snow could be seen on the ground in mid June!  I was happy in Bermuda shorts, but most people were bundled up in their fleece and parkas.
We will actually drive the rental car into downtown Seattle, and drop it off there.  The parking fees in the downtown area will otherwise pay for lunch (at least) each day.  The buses are free in the downtown area, and the new light rail is cheap.  And walking this beautiful city is free!  It is also an opportunity to buy some shoes at our favorite shoe purveyors at J. Gilbert on First Avenue.  And some togs at another favorite, The Finerie.
BTW, for those of you coming to Seattle, do NOT rent a car.  The light rail ride (Sound Transit) from Sea-Tac Airport to the heart of downtown (Westlake) is only $0.75 one way.  It takes about 35 to 40 minutes, and offers some decent views of the metro area.  Parking a car here costs more than San Francisco!!!!

San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter

Posted by golfkat on June 8, 2012
Posted in: Music, Travel. Leave a comment

One of the most interesting and enjoyable parts of San Diego is the Gaslamp Quarter, just south of greater downtown San Diego, and not far from the Harbor.  This sixteen block area of downtown is considered the historical neighborhood, and is home to the liveliest of nightlife here in San Diego.  Petco Park, where I will see our mighty Giants play the San Diego Padres, is just one block away in downtown’s east village.

 

The development of this area began when Alonzo Horton bought this land in 1867.  He paid $265 for 800 acres, a bargain by today’s real estate standards.  His vision was to create a new city center.  It became known as Stingaree in the 1890s when it was home to gambling halls, saloons, dance halls, and bordellos.  But after many decades of urban decay, urban renewal in the 1980s and 90s made the neighborhood an energetic business and entertainment district.  It is officially listed as a historic district in the National Register of Historic Places.

The Gaslamp Quarter name is a reference to the many gas lamps that were common to the area in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.  In fact, four new gas lamps have been installed at the corner of Market Street and 5th Avenue.  Ninety four historic buildings remain, most of which were constructed in the Victorian era.  Many of these buildings house shops, nightclubs and restaurants now.

One anomaly in Gaslamp is the proliferation of cigar shops.  Mind you, these are not Cubans, but rollers from across the border in Mexico.  I am not a cigar smoker, but if you are, let me know.  I will buy some for you and let you be the judge!
With so many venues now, my two favorite places are Blue Point Coastal Cuisine, and Croce’s Restaurant and Jazz Bar.  If the name Croce sounds familiar, it is because of the late singer, Jim Croce’s widow, Ingrid Croce.  She met Jim when she was at Villanova University (Philadelphia) when Jim was a judge, and she won a contest with her folk singing group, The Rumrunners.
They fell in love and married in 1966.  In 1968, they moved to New York City to pursue a recording contract.  In two years, they had driven over 300,000 miles playing small clubs and college concerts.  Things did not go well, so they moved to Pennsylvania, rented a three room farmhouse, and served meals to friends and fellow musicians.  This included Jimmy Buffett, James Taylor, Arlo Guthrie, Bonnie Raitt, and the Manhattan Transfer, among others.
Jim, Ingrid and AJ Croce Ingrid and Jim Croce
In September of 1971, he wrote “Time In a Bottle”, and “You Don’t Mess Around with Jim”.  He started touring on demand, and ended up in San Diego in August of 1973.   After another long road trip promoting his music, they walked around San Diego, hoping to find some live music.  They found an urban decay of Gaslamp.  They joked that someday they would open a place down here, similar to their place in Pennsylvania, with good food and good music.  A week later, his plane crashed in Natchitoches, Louisiana, after playing a college concert.
Years later, a vacant storefront became available in the dilapidated Gaslamp District.  Ingrid Croce realized it was the same corner where she and Jim dreamed of building their bar and restaurant.  She felt it would be a perfect tribute to Jim and his music.  They serve contemporary American cuisine, and offer nightly, live music to friends and visitors from around the world.
I have been there numerous times.  The most chilling moments are when I read the actual scraps of paper and napkins that have the lyrics from his songs.  They have won numerous awards over the years, including the 2012 Open Table Diner’s Choice Award, and Best Live Music in 2008, among many others.  Drop by 802 Fifth Avenue any evening of the week.  I promise you it is an experience you will remember.
BTW, the entire Gaslamp is covered with fans wearing orange and black.  But we lost a heartbreaker last night in the bottom of the ninth!  But good game otherwise!  Petco Park is a wonderful venue.

 

Giants in San Diego

Posted by golfkat on June 7, 2012
Posted in: Sports, Travel. Leave a comment

Somewhere back in the 1980s, I took my kids to a San Diego Padres game when the Giants were in town.  This was by design, and also happened to coincide with the Giants Fan Club taking their annual trip to San Diego.  We purchased seats in the same section, though we arranged our own flights and hotel.  The game was held in old Jack Murphy Stadium out in Mission Valley.  We also went to the San Diego Zoo, and Sea World to see Shamu.

Tonight and tomorrow’s games are being held at the relatively new Petco Park in downtown San Diego.  Petco opened in 2004, and is named for the retail pet supplier (based in San Diego) who paid for the corporate naming rights.  Can you imagine?  One of these days a company with a dreadful name is going to pay for naming rights.  I can imagine really bad ones, like Waste Management Park, or Craig’s List Coliseum, or Odor Eaters Stadium.  Anyway, this is my first visit to Petco.

Petco Park

 

Petco Park is located between 7th and 10th Avenues, just south of J Street.  The southern side is bordered and served by the San Diego Trolley.  The construction cost was $450 million funded by redevelopment money for the downtown area.  Seating capacity is 42,445.  The official address is 19 Tony Gwynn Way, after the long time Padres outfielder, who was an eight time National League batting champion.

Though the downtown area was well on its way to redevelopment, Petco has helped solidify the downtown area as a destination.  For me, I can walk between my hotel and the stadium.  Both the Gaslamp Quarter and Horton Plaza are easy walking distance.  The San Diego Convention Center is located adjacent to the stadium.  I may not rent a car since parking each day costs more than the car rental itself!  End result is plenty to see, do, eat, drink, and walk.

 The San Diego Chicken, first of the real team mascots in baseball

The San Diego Padres were formed back in 1969 as an expansion team.  They have won only two National League pennants, losing both times in the World Series of 1984, and 1998.  Aside from Gwynn, the other big stars were Dave Winfield, Randy Jones, Trevor Hoffman, Steve Garvey, and Nate Colbert. Other stars who moved on to or from other teams were Ozzie Smith, Graig Nettles, Willie McCovey, Goose Gossage, and Roberto Alomar.

But I will always remember the Padres for two things.  One was the ownership of McDonald’s own Ray Kroc.  The second is the crazy team mascot, the San Diego Chicken, played by Ted Giannoulas.  His success as a mascot led many other teams in major sports to adopt a mascot.  As for Ray Kroc, he owned the Padres from 1974 to 1984.  He joined McDonald’s in 1954 and built it into the world’s most successful fast food operation.

Now for one final point or question.  Should I wear my Giant’s cap, or is this another Dodger Stadium in disguise?  Donna, my sports wife, votes for the SF Giants 2010 World Champions cap.  I agree.  In fact, I think there were considerably more Giants fan at the game both days than Padres fans!   I even wore my orange T-shirt the second day.  BTW, my hotel, The Indigo is only two blocks from Petco Park and the Trolley Line.   Giants won two of three!

 

Where Is San Diego, Carmen?

Posted by golfkat on June 7, 2012
Posted in: Travel. Leave a comment
The eighth largest city in the US is San Diego.  It is also the site of a three game series between our San Francisco Giants, and the San Diego Padres.  I have attended games at the old Jack Murphy Stadium, now called Qualcomm Stadium over in Mission Valley. The climate is mild, the city/suburban area is close to Mexico, and the Navy has a presence, which began back in 1901.  Lately, biotech and golf club manufacturers have taken over the areas north of San Diego.  One of my favorite golf venues, Torrey Pines is located up the road in La Jolla.  It is always rated in the top ten public golf courses in the country.
I had an office here back in the 70s, as well as access to a company apartment, which I did not care for.  The office was in Mission Circle (Mission Valley area), near the shopping center, and most of the time, I stayed in a Mission Circle hotel.  It was only a ten to fifteen minute trip over to the San Diego Airport.  Not many people know that San Diego has hosted two world’s fairs, the 1915 and 1935, well before I was born.  I was responsible for setting up the professional relations department, which included peer review, provider relations, and quality assurance for our company.
Downtown San Diego, where I will stay on this trip, is the home of the revitalized Gaslamp Quarter, home to snazzy bars and restaurants.  And the new Petco Park is easily within walking distance from downtown hotels, the harbor, Gaslamp Quarter, Horton Plaza, and the San Diego Convention Center.  Both of my sisters have some history here.  One, lived just up the road in Del Mar with her husband Norm, and their two now grown boys.  My youngest sis graduated from San Diego State here in the 70s.
Obviously, the climate is a big deal here, as San Diego enjoys one of the most temperate climates in the world.  The population of 1.4 million would not trade it for the fog of the Bay Area, or the humidity of the east coast (or the smog and traffic of LA).  Median income is about $70,000.  It is also one of the ten safest cities in the US.  Tourism, the US Navy (largest employer), and the port are San Diego’s big three of commerce.  The border between Mexico and San Diego is the busiest international border crossing in the world.  But be careful if you decide to cross!
Among the leading high tech companies based here are Qualcomm, Nokia, LG, Kyocera, Cricket, and Novatel.  Among the leading biotech firms are Elan, Celgene, Neurocrine Biosciences, Nventa, BD Biosciences, Biogen Idec, and Vertex, and research organizations like the Salk Institute, Scripps Research Institute, the West Wireless Health Institute, and Sanford-Burnham Institute. Also, famous golf club manufacturer, Callaway is just up the road in Carlsbad.  In fact, I am currently playing Callaway irons that my son bought for me a few years ago.
The major sports teams are the NFL San Diego Chargers, and the MLB San Diego Padres.  The current Los Angeles Clippers began their franchise here under the name of the San Diego Clippers, who moved here from Buffalo (Braves).  San Diego State University fields Division 1 sports teams.  And of course, the successful San Francisco Forty Niners head coach, Jim Harbaugh, learned his trade here at the University of San Diego.
Tourism is a major industry here, led by the great weather and beaches, followed by the San Diego Zoo, Legoland, Sea World, and Balboa Park.  Old town San Diego is worth a stop, if for nothing else but a good southwestern or south of the border meal.  It is also a pretty good convention town with lots of great seafood joints, and lively bars, especially in the Gaslamp Quarter downtown.  And do not forget to check out beautiful Coronado Island.
Anyone famous from San Diego?  Here are a few including Heisman winner Marcus Allen, actress Annette Bening, golfer Billy Casper, Hall of Fame hitter Ted Williams, Ted Danson, skateboarder Tony Hawk, NASCAR’s Jimmy Johnson, Gregory Peck, Tony Romo, the late Junior Seau, Craig Venter, Bill Walton, Pete Wilson* (one of my favorite Republicans, believe it or not), Raquel Welch, Eddie Vedder, Phil Mickelson, Ray Kroc, Wyatt Earp, Cameron Diaz, and Dennis Conner.
I am here only to cruise the Gaslamp Quarter, watch a few Giants games, and enjoy the great seafood and weather here in San Diego.  I may have ventured out to La Jolla, and Torrey Pines but the Giants have significantly improved from their lousy .500 start (equal wins and loses).  Someone also suggested I go out to the famous San Diego Zoo, more to practice my animal photography than anything else.  I think that is a great idea.
Mostly, Go Giants!!!!
*Former Gov. Wilson has been the only head of a state or country who cut the welfare rolls during my lifetime!!!