Dreaming of a White Christmas?

I wasn't. Honest. I just woke up and saw it.



It wasn't too bad, though, because I was still able to ride my bike to school and wasn't cold in shorts today. Our trusty Whittier Blvd thermometer read 39 degrees as I went to school.



Yesterday we had trouble getting the car doors open, and I could hear the ice crack on the car roof as Mom poured the hot water on it.

Snow, Birthday, Holiday Cheer

We are busy at our house. Brianna blows out the candles on her birthday cake, David gets a kiss, Aidan feels his first snow flakes fall, and time to get ready for Christmas. Busy, busy, bees.

rain

I know you are all waiting to hear. 3.3" rain has fallen in my backyard during this rain ending at 11:00 AM 12/15/08

Seriously, I now think George W. Bush is awesome.

I doubled this recipe for choir last Thrusday. . .

. . . some people persisted that Cindi made them. They are light and crunchy. Yum! Tron had one of these and said, "you made these with oats!"

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

Makes 6-8 dozen
375°
10 minutes

Cream together:
1 c. shortening
¼ c. peanut butter
½ c. sugar
½ c. brown sugar
2 eggs
1 t. vanilla
Add:
1 ½ c. flour
1 t. soda
½ t salt
2 c. rolled oats
1-2 c. chocolate chips
1 c. chopped nuts (optional)

Mix well. Drop by teaspoonfuls on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375° for about 10 minutes

From More-with-less Cookbook. Suggestions by Mennonites on how to eat better and consume less of the world’s limited food resources. © 1976 by Herald Press, Scottdale, PA 15683.

Oh, That Bugs...

So (305) 836-7371 appeared on my cell phone caller ID. I work with curriculum vendors, so I don't often recognize phone numbers from around the country. They call my cell (my work phone) from time to time. So, I answered. The recorded voice starts...if you...blah, blah, blah, press one to take advantage of our stupendous amazing once-in-a-lifetime not-to-be missed offer for suckers like you and you will be connected with a live rip-off scam artist hard-working individual that you shouldn't get angry at for just doing their job. That is not a direct quote. At this point, I am bugged. I am on the "Do Not Call" list for cell and land line phones and this is a violation. Problem #1. Problem #2...a recording. I pressed one and was connected to a live person who started with a question. I answered with a question, "What did you say your name was?" Problem #3...though not a surprise, she hung up. Problem #4...I dialed (oops! no one dials anymore!) called the number back to hear "I'm sorry. The number you have dialed has been disconnected." That was fast. How do they do that? Ha. So, there you go. No way to really report them, though I will pass on the info to the Do Not Call Center, for what it is worth. They do have a form probably just to calm people like me down. And then I will let it go. Beyond my circle of control and my circle of influence, so let it go and go dust or something productive.

The Remingtons Are Coming...

Dick & Jane Remington, the famed Eastern Ohio couple, will be journeying to California for the holidays, as in years past. At age 83 and 84, let us all remain inspired by the fact that life remains full and blessed. They will arrive on Tuesday, December 23 and journey home on January 1, 2009.

Rain

It has taken me awhile to post this important information. Had 2.8" rain accumulate in my rain gauge overnight last night. Then today up to 5 PM had .14" More rain coming I hope.

Thanksgiving Spaghetti

If that is the recipe, this is what it looks like:

Happy Spagiving Spaghetting?

We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing and share a big pile of BBQ Spaghetti...mmmm...mmmm...mmmm. Is this the recipe, Mom Pete'?

BBQ Spaghetti
3 lbs. short ribs (cut in 4)
1 t. paprika
3 t. salt
1 large onion
1 c. catsup
1/4 c. vinegar
1/3 c. water
2 t. chili powder
3 T. bacon drippings (or ??? any suggestions?)
1 can tomato paste
1 can tomato sauce

1. Cook on low all day in the crockpot.
2. Serve on spaghetti.

Does one really need the bacon drippings? Do you pull the meat off the ribs at some point? Really, now. What are the secrets to the yumminess, Grandma?

I first met bike more than two and a half years ago when I moved in with Doris.



We had a bond like no other human/machine. Sparks flew when my backside touched his seat. Together, we saw some amazing things.



But earlier this week when I began my important duty as cart attendant at the ultra-glitzy, impossibly red mega-super store that is Target, some heartless brute absconded with my beloved mechanical friend. I felt like I lost a close friend.

Hopefully, wherever he is, bike is having fun.

Last seen . . .

On her way to WACC for TNL.

More Rain!!

This morning I got up to .55" of rain in my gauge. In my dreams during t he night I heard it coming down, It's great and the paper keeps saying we have had a trace. Will be interesting to see what they say tomorrow.

Rain

Hi,

I,m sure you are all anxious to hear about the ratm. Had .1" on Friday morning. I helped selling tickets for the Harvest Festival at the uptown campus and it just dumped rain about 430. Fortunately we were under a canopy and we shared it with the parents. Kids did't seem to mind. Had .5" when I got home. Drizzled on the way to church this AM. Just a trace.

Holloween

It was a rainy night in P'ville. Brianna was determined, I know your surprised, and we had a great time trick or treating. Aidan trick or treated downtown and spent the evening with Beth. A good time was had by all and Brianna is hiding her candy from the grownups.

How did I get this

more than 4 hour layover in Charlotte, North Carolina?

US Airways paint looks like a big grin when the aircraft is pointed right at yah (at least on this 737 oriented toward the window of this restaurant).

Alternative Workshop Title

"Boards, Bar Fights, and Beautiful Music: A case study in how to avoid the one, and make lots of the other."

Glen Peterson, from mobile device

Laugh, Clap, and Smile

I had fun being in the studio audience yesterday for the taping of two Bonnie Hunt Show episodes, a new talk show on NBC. One show will aire today at noon in the Los Angeles area (channel 4). My friend, Christine , and I were in the front row for that. I wore a purple shirt. The front row was instructed to laugh, smile, and clap because we'd be on camera. We'll see how the editing works out.

We stayed for the second taping which will aire Monday. Elmo was the guest for that show. That was a fascinating performance and Elmo was able to ad lib. I'll tell you what. I haven't laughed so hard in a very long time. In these days of serious political analysis and digging through the fiction for the facts, it was a welcome relief. We were in the back row for that, right side as you face the audience.

By the way, Christine said she thinks Daniel was interviewed by the local Daily News twice. She said it was the right name and the right high school. Daniel, is that true?

How about the election process?

This is how the election process works.

Sharp and sophisticated people

For an explanation on how the capital markets that we've all been hearing about, I found this on ted.com.



HT: wildoldeman

GO CUBS!

I'm ready to be disappointed again, but I'm happy the good ol' Cubs are in the Playoffs. Never took a likin' to the Dodgers, except to be polite at family gatherings. I have to hope Steve is pulling for the Cubs, too. Aren't Giants fans required to root for anyone playing the Dodgers?

Saturday's Fun Ride in Mexico

Some people from the YMCA (Tracy and Bruce) and I went down Saturday morning and come home the same day (the line to cross the border was fairly quick (I think less than one hour). This ride was marketed as the last ride ever. So, I really wanted to go. Someone said they heard that it will happen again. My average speed was about 12.9 mph. So 3:50 was my time. I think that was the same as last time I rode. Did I tell you there are some pretty steep hills?

New travel photos

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stephencurtin

LANCE!!

Register for the Tour!

The Tour of California is now looking for volunteers! Whether you be around Sacramento, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, or Pasadena and Escondido, there's liable to be something for you! See details here. Oh-- and Lance might participate.

#3 for Contador

Alberto Contador won his third grand tour yesterday. (A grand tour is a 3-week bike race). He won the 2007 Tour de France, the 2008 Giro d'Italia, and the 2008 Vuelta a España for the Kazakh-based Astana Team (formerly Discovery Channel, which was previously US Postal). Levi Leipheimer was 2nd overall, bettering his third place in the same race in 2001. He was also 3rd in last year's Tour de France. The Directeur Sportif, Johan Bruyneel, has now won 12 grand tours (I think).

Shown is Contador in the stage 20 time trial, which Levi Leipheimer won.

Happy 50th to Our Beth!

On Beth’s birthday in history…

• 1400 Owain Glyndr declared Prince of Wales by his followers.
• 1662 Flamsteed sees solar eclipse, first known astronomical observation
• 1782 The first impression of the Great Seal of the United States was made
• 1795 United Kingdom conquers Cape Town, South Africa.
• 1810 Hidalgo begins Mexican revolt against Spain (National Day)
• 1812 Russians set fire to Moscow shortly after midnight - the city is burned completely down days later.
• 1857 Typesetting machine patent
• 1858 First overland mail for California
• 1863 Robert College of Istanbul-Turkey, the first American educational institution outside the United States is founded by Christopher Robert, an American philanthropist.
• 1885 Puritan (US) beats Genesta (England) in 6th running of America's Cup
• 1887 The first game of softball was played in Chicago, Illinois
• 1890 Newswriter George Whitney Calhoun names Green Bay team the Packers
• 1893 Cherokee Strip, Oklahoma opened to white settlement homesteaders; Settlers race in Oklahoma for prime land in the Cherokee Strip.
• 1901 Alturas, California, incorporated as the only city in Modoc County.
• 1908 General Motors founded by William C Durant
• 1915 US takes control of customs & finances of Haiti for 10 years
• 1919 American Legion incorporated by an act of Congress
• 1920 The Wall Street bombing: a bomb in a horse wagon explodes in front of the J.P.Morgan building in New York City - 38 are killed with 400 injured.
• 1924 Cardinal Jim Bottomley bats in 12 RBIs in 1 game
• 1926 St Louis Cards beat Phillies 23-3
• 1927 Rene Lacoste beats Bill Tilden for US Lawn Tennis Assn title
• 1939 Yanks clinch pennant 11
• 1940 Sam Rayburn elected Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, widely regarded as the most effective Speaker of the House in American history.
• 1941 Concerned that Reza Pahlavi the Shah of Persia was about to align his petroleum-rich country with Germany during World War II, the United Kingdom and the USSR occupy Iran and forced him to resign in favor of his son, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.
• 1943 Australians capture Lae
• 1945 Barometric pressure at 856 mb (25.55") off Okinawa (record low)
• 1949 First Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner episode- Fast and Furry-ous is aired.
• 1951 Betsy Rawls wins the US Women's Open Golf title
• 1955 Juan Pern is deposed in Argentina.
• 1962 Public TV channel 13 begins in NYC
• 1963 "Outer Limits" premiers on TV
• 1963 Malaysia is formed from Malaya, Singapore, British North Borneo (Sabah) and Sarawak.
• 1966 Metropolitan Opera opens at NY's Lincoln Center
• 1968 Richard Nixon appears on "Laugh-in"
• 1972 First TV series about mixed marriage-Bridgit Loves Bernie
• 1972 Penny Marshall appears on Bob Newhart Show in "Fly Unfriendly Skies"
• 1973 Buff Bill OJ Simpson rushes 250 yards (2 TDs), beating NE Pats 31-13
• 1974 BART begins regular transbay service
• 1974 Pres Ford announces conditional amnesty for US, Vietnam War deserters
• 1976 Episcopal Church approves ordination of women as priests & bishop
• 1977 90 minute pilot of "Logan's Run" premiers on TV
• 1977 Ringo releases "Drowning in the Sea of Love"
• 1978 25,000 die in 7.7 earthquake in Iran
• 1984 "Miami Vice" premiers
• 1988 Jury awards Valerie Harper $1.6 M in dispute over TV series
• 1989 Singer Natalie Cole marries record producer Andre Fisher
• 1990 101 year old Sam Ackerman weds 95 year old Eva in New Rochelle NY
• 1990 Iraq televises an 8 minute uncensored speech from George Bush
• 1991 The trial of Panamanian "strongman" Manuel Noriega begins in the United States.
• 1992 Black Wednesday: the Pound Sterling is forced out of the European Exchange Rate Mechanism by currency speculators and is forced to devalue against the Deutschmark.
• 2004 Hurricane Ivan touches land near Pensacola, Florida, becoming the third (now fourth) costliest hurricane to strike the United States.

http://www.datesinhistory.com/cgi-bin/big.php?v1=sep16

People Often Ask Me...

How many kids are home schooled? Yesterday, I learned that over 2,000,000 students are home schooled in the United States at this time. There is a 7% increase each year. What is 7% of two million? 140,000. Yikes! That seems like a big increase. Does that mean job security to me? Not necessarily, but it does mean many businesses are jumping into the pond seeing $$$ for curriculum and services.

Anyone recognize these folks?

New photos from the the Cech republic

New photos of Czesky Krumlov and Miltenberg, Germany.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stephencurtin

Amgen Tour of California, Paris-Nice, the Tour de Georgia, the Dauphine-Libere and the Tour de France . . .

Lance Armstrong will come out of retirement next year to compete in five road races with the Astana team, according to sources familiar with the developing situation.

--from Velonews

. . . Dirk Demol has already signed on with Astana for 2009. it is further rumored that Lance won't take a paycheck, he's just bored.

I thought kids heal fast

The collarbone sticks out more than it did when it first broke, but is now attached better and doesn't move so much, but I still must be careful to avoid pain.

From Collarbone etc

O, What Fun It Is to Ride in a Crazy Election Year

So I'll watch for changes in political weather by keeping an eye on my BARAMAter, while I sip a cup of JOE, BIDEN my time until election day. I'm gonna nickname the governor from Alaska Spitfire or Spark Plug because it seems fitting. Spark Plug goes with her initials. She is impressive, but I gotta say, when she stands next to McCain, it looks like "Take Your Daughter to Work Day." I have heard some amazing speeches this week. I'm waiting to hear what happens in Minnesota later on. I am pleased with the Obama/Biden option so far, and depending on further investigation of the platform details, I plan to happily vote Democrat in November. So, this registered Independent is boldly weighing in amongst the relatives who may be mainly Republican. [Sorry if I embarrass you, Mom.]

Artistic Relatives

My cousin Jim Remington has been selected to be in a juried art show. The show is titled ASHES TO ART held @ Art Honors Life/The gallery at FUNERIA, 2860 Bowen St. #1 , Graton, CA (about an hour north of San Francisco). The website is www.funeria.com. He was one of 64 artists worldwide...and a quote on the two entries "both received exceptionally high marks, particularly the Free hand Maple Burl piece which is simply stunning!..." The show opens on Sept 26 thru November 30. These photos are of the two pieces by Jim.

These are beautifully done for being hand made. I have a wood mirror piece from him in our home that was a wedding gift. I have really been amazed and enjoyed his wood art in years past.

This Funeria gallery, come to find out, displays art used to hold the remains of loved ones who have been cremated. OK. That is just kind of creepy, but I suppose a meaningful tribute for some. Anyway, the art is very cool. Thought I'd share.

Castle Photos on Flickr

I have posted several of my Castle photos with descriptions on my flickr site. www.flickr.com/photos/stephencurtin

Snake in the Yard - I'm Moving to Alaska [UPDATED: with photo

We found a snake in our backyard today. Small, but never-the-less, snake. Fortunately, it was dead. Well, the head was dead. The body was still coiling off and on. And fortunately, I assume it to be a pet snake due to the bright orange color mixed with white, and therefore probably harmless -- especially, since it was dead. Dead snakes are harmless. Orange definitely doesn't blend in with the natural surroundings, supporting my hunch that it was an escaped pet. It had been smacked in the head, probably after startling someone. I think it may be a amelanistic motley banded corn snake. You can see what you think once Glen adds the photo. He ran out with his camera. I know I'm often accused of such behavior. The muerto snake is still giving me shivers. Not a big snake fan. I believe Alaska has no snakes. The dogs seemed clueless.

Doing better

This is the yellow of my collarbone, 6 days after.

Cycling News from the Team Wilson

It all started a long time ago. This wasn't exactly his first bicycle, it was more of a plastic thing. He was about 2 years old and not yet know by the moniker "Dance Wilstrong."





I heard that there was a crash. So I asked him, "I heard you had a pretty good crash? How did it happen?

How it happened in his own words: "At Rimforest on CA-18 (28 miles from Big Bear), I was enjoying the scenery, and a car turned left in front of me, I suppose with the sun in their eyes. I hit the front panel (fender) and flew to the ground (I think my bike stayed on the other side of the car). I crawled onto the curb, and many people were suddenly surrounding me, with Dad arriving a few minutes later. The roadside nurse said that I probably had a broken nose and collarbone, and possibly a slight concussion."


This photo is from Google Maps, "Street View."



How badly hurt are you? Did anyone get any pictures?

Half-hour later, I was out of the ambulance and at the Loma Linda emergency room/trauma center, where, after being examined with about 7 x-rays and a CT scan, I was informed that I had a broken nose and clavicle, with many abrasions. We left the hospital after 1am, after being admitted at 6-smthng pm.

My nose was reduced (straightened). I am currently wearing some kind of brace, typing with one hand (my right) & am still dirty.

How is the bike?

I guess my front wheel will need to be rebuilt b/c it's 1-2 inches out of true (tho I have a ready-to-go spare).

Are there any more pictures?

I was taking lots of pictures, so as to not get to far ahead of Dad, but naturally, I didn't digitally record the crash. The camera is still in my seatbag, which was taken with my bike to the cabin. However, we have some pics on our new camera phone, but don't know how to get them on the computer yet.

Get well soon Daniel! Wouldn't you know I had an encounter with a car on my bike last week which left me with a severely "untrue" wheel (does that mean really bent?). I think you are smiling under that bandage in the picture, kinda like I did last time I took a bad spill:

How personal is your food?

Ray roasted my Pikes Place Roast on August 5th, 2008.

My blueberries were grown in Oregon by Bob Epler of Epler Farms in Forest Grove, Oregon that was started by Bob's parents in 1925. 16 oz packages for $2.99 each at Ralph's today. I am freezing some.

Bicycling in Beijing

There is a schedule of the cycling events on the USA Cycling website here.

Political Ad: Spears, Hilton, & Give Me A Break

I saw a recent TV campaign ad. The McCain campaign produced and ran a ridiculous ad against Obama. This will probably be a long run of insulting ads. Today I saw a clip of McCain saying he was proud of the ad. I shook my head and rolled my eyes and long for a presidential candidate with better judgment.

The ad starts with a clip of Brittney Spears and of Paris Hilton and it states what a celebrity Obama is. Why Brittney and Paris? How are two 20-something blond women celebrities connected? Sure, they have had the public relations snafus in their recent past. However, neither has done anything negatively noteworthy recently, so can't we give them a break?

And if the point is celebrities can't lead? Reagan? Schwarzenegger? Jesse Ventura? Well, anyway. Still going from Spears, Hilton, to Obama -- that is a stretch.

I would never allow my students to negatively compare a student to two other kids in a similar fashion to this ad. That would be considered disrespectful and inappropriate. Plus, in kindness and compassion, consider Spears' and Hilton's feelings, the feelings of their family and their friends, and model some diginity. Give me a break. It doesn't matter whether I'm pro-McCain or pro-Obama. This ad is juvenile and in bad taste and McCain should distance himself. Obama should ignore it as immaturity.

Lytle Creek

I also was able to take pictures at Fontana and Lytle Creek yesterday. The ride makes up most of the way to Big Bear.

Today's Earthquake [Updated]

While phone service is intermittent, the inter-webs seem to be working.

Where were you and did you feel it?

KPCC Radio is saying 5.8 magnitude centered in Chino Hills or Diamond Bar. Talking about "Whittier Fault!" Although our Whittier earthquake was caused by the Puente Hills fault.

[UPDATE] downgraded to 5.4. One picture fell off the wall and another off the bookshelf in my office. Note to self: get some straps to hold up bookcases in office. Those things sway!

Getting out, forest edition

I took the camera on another trip up to Angeles Crest Hwy (turned around at only 4 hours). Some beauty in our own national forests ("Lands of Many Uses") may be experienced here.



Please excuse the unoriginal title.

Getting Out

Sometimes getting out of town, even for a brief period, is a gift to the heart and soul. Glen and I got to make a quick trip to June Lake to visit friends. I am awestruck by the beauty in nature just about five hours away. The Eastern Sierra offers spectacular contrast and natural wonders including Mono Lake and the Tufas, the Alabama Hills, Mt. Whitney, and various jagged peaks, streams, and lakes. We had a great little get-away and relaxing together is always a blessing.

2009 Tour of California annnounces route [UPDATED}

and adds another day! Velonews reports on it here. Nothing on Tour of California website yet.

[UPDATE] More information is now posted Tour of California

G's Cyclery has a blog!

And, they have a sense of humor! Check in out here.

I just saw Ernest yesterday for a new tire and some spare tubes. Now I am all set. And, for a ride with Rob at 6 AM! Oh, My!

Storming the Bastille

Happy Bastille Day to the francophiles amongst us! Celebrate by staging some sort of revolution or riding your bicycle.

Budapest

Beth and Steve at the end of our trip. Don't we look fresh. Seven days of clothes for a sixteen day trip. Thank goodness for soap. We had a wonderful time and are almost over jet lag. The number of UNESCO sites were unexpected and deeply appreciated. What is left of medieval Europe is fascinating. I am thankful that these sites have been restored or survived the distruction of WWII.

Beethoven's Birth Place and Rhine Castles

In Bonn we visited the room where Beetbhoven was born. Here are a few more photos of castles you see as you sail down the Rhine.

Take Back the Tour

From the LA Times:

Versus came up with a striking promotional spot, "A New Stage Begins,'' in which some of the sport's most notorious dopers -- Erik Zabel, Alexander Vinokourov, Michael Rasmussen and Jan Ullrich -- are shown riding backward. The defrocked 2006 champion, Floyd Landis, is stripped of the yellow jersey.

The guys who sings on the ad is Paul Weller:

I'm gonna get myself straight.
I know it's never too late.
to make a brand new start.

I haven't really decided if I like the ad or not. It is emotionally powerful.

Watch the Tour

"I hope people who are interested in bicycle racing forget about me by the end of the week and turn on the television and watch the Tour, and give those guys the respect and attention they deserve,"

--Floyd Landis, July 1, 2008 to ESPN reporter Bonnie Ford

Can't forget Floyd, but we'll have the TV on.

Melk and Durnstein

The top photo is of the Abbey Melk. It is another UNESCO site. Huge rooms and a number of relics of saints. The interior was more impressive than the outside.

The bottom photo is of the "blue" church in Durnstein. It is booked a year in advance for weddings. A one street town with excellent german white wines. They also took credit cards which made it easy to shop for gifts.

We are now cruising down the Danube and will arrive in Vienna at 9:30 to night. It is hot here and the cobblestones are tough on the feet. I know you feel sorry for us.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

We have visted a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Cathedral is in Regensburg the best preserved medieval city in Germany. The half timbered structure is in Miltenberg which escaped the WWII bombings. The Benedictine Monastery on the hilltop is how an home for older people in Bamberg. The Wurzberg Hospital at the top supports it's efforts with the sale of Wine.