Asian-American, former Harvard point guard, and not Jeremy Lin

Somewhere between the Giants-Dodgers game and the start of the Summer 2012 Olympics Games in London, I watched an awesome documentary called "No Look Pass". Melissa Johnson, a former member of the Harvard Women's Basketball Team, wrote, directed and produced the film.

The film's primary subject is Emily Tay, a Burmese-American point guard who also played hoops at Harvard University.  Emily was a year behind Jeremy Lin.  Her upbringing is typical of many children of foreign-born parents that come to the United States poor, hoping for a better life for them, but even more so for their children.  The goal for a better life is often achieved, but how they want their children to live that life can be a major source of conflict. Something many of us experience from our own upbringing.

Emily's mother is set on getting Emily married to a wealthy man once she graduates from Harvard.  Emily wants to play professional basketball in Europe and has made this known to her parents repeatedly. What Emily's parents don't know is that she's gay. The documentary takes us through slices of Emily's and Katie's life (Emily's best friend and basketball teammate) during their last years at Harvard and where life takes them after graduation.

As an Asian-American and former height-challenged hoopster with foreign-born parents, I could identify with so much of Emily's life. Except Emily is a much taller, faster, better dribbler, shooter and master of the no-look pass than I could ever be on my best day.

I found the documentary on Showtime through my cable provider's OnDemand service. It was also featured at the San Francisco International Asian Film Festival this past March. I highly recommend this film for any Asian-American, straight or gay, who has played sports at a competitive level.

From Sci-Fi to Western in today's Wyoming

Photo courtesy of A&E TV

On another channel surfing expedition this weekend, I stumbled upon a new TV series,"Longmire" (based on Craig Johnson's Longmire Mystery Novels) on A&E, starring Robert Taylor and Katee Sackhoff.  

Science fiction fans know Katee as Starbuck from Battlestar Galactica.  I didn't recognize Robert Taylor and immediately looked him up on the internet.  He's also been in the science fiction genre, as Agent Jones from "The Matrix".

If you're fan of Tony Hillerman's Navajo Tribal Police mystery novels, then I strongly recommend you give "Longmire" a look-see. For me, it's the classic Western tale of good versus evil and cowboys versus Indians in today's complicated world, even in the sparsely populated state of Wyoming.  

Lou Diamond Phillips is also in the cast and there are terrific guest performances by Peter Weller, C. Thomas Howell, Tom Wopat and A. Martinez.  After I finished watching last night's episode, I went to my cable provider's OnDemand feature and watched 2 more episodes. I plan on catching the pilot episode as soon as I can.

Lunatic Fringe - Red Rider / Tom Cochrane

Continuing on my quest to showcase music from The Great White North (Canada), this blog entry features Tom Cochrane, the former lead singer of Red Rider.  In 1991, Tom began his solo career with "Life is a Highway".

Several years ago, I heard an updated version of "Lunatic Fringe" on KFOG's Acoustic Sunrise.  It's been awhile, but I found on YouTube an acoustic version Tom did in 1997.  I don't think it's the same one I heard on KFOG, but it's still awesome.  Here it is:

In case you want to relive 1981 (the year the song first came out), get the disposable lighter out (cell phone flashlight is an acceptable substitute) and turn the volume up.

Girlfight vs. Million Dollar Baby

Learn to Bowl by Andrew Frawley

Andrew Frawley is an Australian bowler and currently the head coach of the United Arab Emirates National Bowling Team.  I've included a 4-part series of instructional videos he did several years back called "Learn to Bowl".  For me, the 3rd video on Spare Shooting was helpful as I've been struggling with picking up the 4 and 7 pins (left side) consistently.

I found these videos to be very informational and easy to follow, especially for bowlers new to the game.  He covers lane courtesy in the first few minutes, which is sorely overlooked in non-league bowling.  Keep in mind your results may vary.  Good luck.

What do I love about bowling?

Watching last night's U.S. Open Championship in Women's Bowling outdoors in the dust and wind in downtown Reno, Nevada made me appreciate more than ever how tough it is to be a pro bowler.  And because there hasn't been a dedicated women's tour (PWBA) since 2003, it's even tougher for females.

Kelly Kulick and Missy Parkin, the bowlers in the championship match, have proven that women can bowl with men.

In 2010, Kelly was the first woman to win the PBA Tournament of Champions.  In 2011, Missy won the USBC Queens.  In college, Missy bowled on the men's team for 2 seasons at Cal State-Fullerton.

It's extremely unlikely I'd ever reach the level of Kelly or Missy. But my love for the game is everything that's described in the above promotional video for last year's PBA shootout.

Starry Night in San Francisco

Art by Jason Gorelick

I shared on Facebook and Google+ this morning a YouTube video which featured Vincent van Gogh's Starry Night depicted in dominoes (work by Flippy Cat).  My friend Amy's nephew, Jason Gorelick, saw my posting and sent me his rendering of Starry Night, done San Francisco style.  I liked the art so much it's now the cover photo on my Facebook profile.

Artistic talent runs in Jason's family. His little sister Rachel and mom Rika have featured their lovely works of art on Rika's Facebook page.  This young man possesses many other talents well beyond his years.  

Here's the video which got this all started:

Sunday sunset in the Sunset

This past weekend wasn't shrouded in fog. I took this picture at about 7 PM today.  San Francisco, in fog or sun is breathtakingly beautiful.

Sarah Polley / The Tragically Hip

Continuing on my trend of writing about people you may or may not know about - this entry features a film actor and a rock group from Canada.  There's a lot about Canadians we Americans don't know about, so this is my small part in trying to change that.

First up, actor/director/singer Sarah Polley.  Not yet even 35, she's directed and acted in 2 outstanding films.  The first film I saw her in was "The Sweet Hereafter" (1997), directed by Atom Egoyan, one of Canada's best.  Ms. Polley's directorial debut came in 2006, "Away From Her", starring Gordon Pinsent and Julie Christie.  For me, this is one of the best films on Alzheimer's effect on loved ones.  Ms. Christie received an Academy Award nomination for her performance.  In Canada, the film won 7 Genie Awards (nominated for 8).

In "The Sweet Hereafter", we see the aftermath of a tragic school bus accident in which most of the students are killed.  Sarah's character, Nicole, is one of the few survivors.  Nicole was an aspiring country music singer before the accident.  One of the songs Nicole sings is "Courage".  Here is a video featuring clips of the film and Sarah Polley's vocals:

Next up, the artists who sang and wrote the song (full title is "Courage (for Hugh MacLennan)") are one of Canada's immensely popular rock groups, The Tragically Hip.  My first exposure to the band was their 1998 song "Poets", which is one of two of their songs that have become personal favorites.

Here is The Hip's original version of "Courage":

And to close out, here's the video for "Poets":

***UPDATE: August 10, 2016***
While replaying my favorite Tragically Hip song "Ahead by a Century", I learned from recent YouTube comments that lead singer Gord Downie has been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer.
Gord and the rest of the boys (Rob, Gord Sinclair, Johnny and Paul) are currently on their Man-Machine-Poem summer tour in Ontario. Dates and locations can be found on their website.

I send thoughts and best wishes to Gord. His songs will always hold a special place in my heart.

Graduation Anniversary

For the past few days, several Facebook friends have posted last day of school and/or graduation pictures of their kids. I love seeing all of them, as they are permanent snippets of wonderful memories in the years to come.  

The above listed pictures in this blog entry are mine. It's my Bachelor of Arts degree from The Ohio State University. In 3 days (June 11), the date will mark a significant graduation anniversary for me. Those who know me well already know. For those who don't, feel free to enlarge the picture. Hint:  it's more than 20 years.

To all students that have finished their school year or have graduated, congratulations. You and your family should be proud of your achievements and what the future holds. If you get a chance, here are some funny and irreverent snippets of this year's graduation speeches, courtesy of Mental Floss.

Aimee Mann and Michael Penn

photo courtesy of Vanity Fair

The above photo are 2 American singer-songwriters.  As I blogged previously about Jessica Yu and Mark Salzman, you might not be familiar with them.  But you might be familiar with their music. And yes, they're a married couple too.

The spectacled blonde is Aimee Mann, former lead singer of 80's new wave band 'Til Tuesday (known for "Voices Carry" and "Comin' Up Close).  The video clip listed below is the song "Save Me" from the film "Magnolia".

The bearded brown-haired fellow next to Aimee is her husband, Michael Penn (Sean's older brother).  He is best known for the toe-tapping, cleverly written tune, "No Myth".   I'm not ashamed to admit I play this song full blast and sing at the top of my lungs (alone in my car so I don't shatter anyone's eardrums or make any dogs howl).  Check it out for yourself.

By now you're probably wondering if Aimee and Michael have ever performed together.  Yes, they have.  Below is a video from the movie (starring Sean Penn) "I Am Sam", which features the Beatles song, "Two of Us".

Keep up the great work and continued success in your music.

Galbi - Korean short ribs

In the United States, the Memorial Day holiday weekend is our launch to summer.  My favorite ritual for this holiday, Fourth of July and Labor Day is the cookout.  Corn on the cob, potato/macaroni salad, hot dogs, hamburgers and a tradition among my friends, galbi, or more commonly known as, Korean short ribs.  The primary ingredients in the marinade are soy sauce, garlic and sugar.

Our love of galbi began with my friend Pauline and her former husband.  Because I live in San Francisco proper and close to numerous, inexpensive Korean markets, they asked me to pick up galbi for a cookout at their house.  Clueless and confused, I headed to First Korean Market at 4625 Geary Blvd (between 10th and 11th Avenue) in the Inner Richmond.  My August, 2008 review can be found on Yelp.

When I realized I didn't have to speak Korean to get what I needed, this market became the go to place anytime an event with a grill takes place.  As I mentioned on Yelp, "I've brought the short ribs to work pot lucks and softball cookouts.  They're always a huge hit and get asked where these can be bought."  Other Korean markets and restaurants offer them, but First Korean consistently offers the largest quantities and leanest cuts for a reasonable price.

The above picture shows exactly how I like my ribs cooked, medium well with a bit of singe on the edge of the meat.  Once they're off the grill, forget all civilities with a fork and knife.  Grab 'em with fingers and eat them like regular ribs.  If you plan to make a trip, there's other meat and food worth getting.  And save some galbi for me to pick up for my posse.

Remembering Donna Summer - Ms. Hot Stuff

Yesterday, we lost another music great, disco queen Donna Summer.  Sultry, sexy, and as my favorite song of Donna's that best describes her - Hot Stuff.

The scene in this video is a clip taken from one of my all-time favorite films, "The Full Monty", starring Robert Carlyle, Tom Wilkinson and Mark Addy.  Our heroes of Sheffield are out-of-work and waiting in line (or queue, as they say in the UK) at the unemployment office.  Already thinking performing in strip shows is their only option to earn a living, Donna's song starts to play over the radio.  What comes next is one of many hilarious scenes in the movie.

Don't fight it.  Let your body FEEL the music.  And if you dare, the below video will prepare you for your next karaoke party and/or strip show.  Hot, hot, hot, hot stuffff..............
Enjoy.

Damien Rice - The Blower's Daughter

I don't watch American Idol.  But found out from those who did watch last night many of them were moved by a song ("Volcano") originally done by Irish singer/songwriter Damien Rice.  I've known about Damien's work for about 8 years, when I first heard "The Blower's Daughter" locally on radio station KFOG.

This song (official video shown above) was featured in the 2004 film "Closer" starring Julia Roberts, Jude Law, Clive Owen and Natalie Portman.  Even with the star studded lineup in the film, I found it disappointing.  I certainly didn't with this song or the rest of Damien's music.

Jessica Yu and Mark Salzman

photo courtesy of worldclassarts.us

In today's edition of the New York Times, director Jessica Yu's documentary, "Last Call at the Oasis" (above video is the film's trailer) debuts in New York and Los Angeles.  For me, I can't think of Jessica Yu without her husband, Mark Salzman.  And I bet many of you don't know who either of them are.

Jessica is a Palo Alto native / fifth-generation American of Chinese ancestry who has directed numerous documentaries and TV shows.  In 1996, Jessica earned an Academy Award for Best Documentary (Short Subject) for Breathing Lessons: The Life and Work of Mark O'Brien.  Some of the TV shows she has directed include: Grey's Anatomy and The West Wing.

Mark Salzman is a writer, actor, martial artist and cellist.  I first found out about Mark after reading his book, Iron & Silk.  The book chronicles his experiences teaching English after graduating from Yale University (where he and Jessica met) at Changsha Hunan Medical College for 2 years.  The above video is Mark's latest work (e-book form only), The Man in the Empty Boat, a personal account of his struggles with writer's block and his sister's death.

While it might seem their Ivy League education and occupations could leave an impression that they're hoity-toity, they're not.  From a 1997 Los Angeles Times article, "On Hollywood entertaining: Yu and Salzman hosted a bad-review party where guests were instructed to bring--and read--their worst review. Fortunately, therapy was also provided: After reading, guests took turns whacking a film-critic piñata. 'It was very telling how each person hit the piñata.' "

Cool.  I'd love to be a fly on the wall at your next party.

A League of Ordinary Gentlemen - deleted scene

Not to be confused with the 2003 film "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" starring Sean Connery, the 2006 PBS Independent Lens documentary "A League of Ordinary Gentlemen" discusses the decline of pro bowling's popularity and follows the lives of 4 prominent professional bowlers: Chris Barnes, Pete Weber, Wayne Webb and Walter Ray Williams Jr.

I first found out about this film almost 3 years ago from an old friend who has followed bowling a lot longer than I have. The video I've included in this posting is a deleted scene from the documentary.  Even if you don't follow bowling, the documentary goes beyond bowling and explores the sacrifices, struggles and lack of glamour to be a road warrior on tour.

If you like what you see and want more, go to YouTube and check out the entire documentary (shown in multiple segments) and other deleted scenes.

AFI's Top 100 Movie Quotes

We love movies. We watch them over and over so much that we can quote lines from memory.  For you film fanatics out there, this is the American Film Institute's Top 100 Movie Quotes.  For me, it was no surprise what the top movie quote was.  My personal favorite in this list is, "I am big!   It's the pictures that got small!" 

This list would make a great trivia/quiz night with friends and/or family.  Don't forget the popcorn and Red Vines (or Twizzlers, if you prefer).  And if you're up for more, go to AFI's website to get access to their other lists which include Heroes and Villains, Greatest Musicals, Film Scores, and so much more.

Kingpin or Big Lebowski?

Kingpin - Showdown

For many avid film fans, the 2 quintessential bowling films are "Kingpin" and "The Big Lebowski".  To film goers and/or bowlers out there (I'm both), which is your favorite?  My leanings are toward the mindless slapstick of Roy, Ishmael and Ernie. Not to say The Dude doesn't abide.  

The Big Lebowski - trailer

Play Ball!

Today is Opening Day for Major League Baseball.  My team for the past 28 seasons, the San Francisco Giants, play their first game of the 2012 season against the Arizona Diamondbacks tomorrow in Phoenix.

As a fan, I find the real enjoyment in baseball is the nuance. It is not an easy game to learn.  Try explaining what a balk is to someone who's seeing his first game. I played slow-pitch softball for over 20 years and found there's always something new to learn.  If you know nothing about the game and have a short attention span, then you're probably not going to like baseball.

And, on a lesser important note, as we are in a Leap Year, this is my 366th blog entry.  It's time to lace up the cleats, grab your mitt and bat.  Shag some fly balls, field a few hard grounders and smack line drives over 2nd base.  Welcome to a new season.

Weber Cup 2011

It shouldn't come as a surprise that I watch an obscene amount of bowling videos. Each time I'd watch, links would suggest other video to watch.  Which led me to a treasure trove of bowling matches outside the United States. Great stuff.  I drool whenever a new release comes up on YouTube.

One particular tournament that's gotten my attention is the Weber Cup.  Played in England and named after bowling legend Dick Weber, it's an annual competition that features a team of  bowlers from Europe and the United States to compete in a series of singles, doubles and team matches played on a single lane.

In 2011, teams consisted of 4 bowlers, rather than 5 in previous competitions.  The United States defeated Europe 17-15.
Team Europe:  Osku Palermaa, Mika Koivuniemi, Paul Moor and Dom Barrett
Team USA:  Tommy Jones, Chris Barnes, Bill O'Neill and Mike Fagan

The video I've featured on this blog is a singles match featuring Tommy Jones against Dom Barrett.  The first time I saw Dom was in 2008's Weber Cup and was very impressed with his controlled power game.  I consider myself part of his "Domination" of fans.  In November 2011, Dom won his first PBA title in the Scorpion Open.

And to those of you who don't like seeing bowlers like Dom Barrett or Stuart Williams (also from UK) make it to the stepladder or elimination games on ESPN, too bad.  There are a lot of US pro bowlers that compete internationally and those venues welcome Americans with open arms.  Look at the number of foreign born pros that now play in the NHL, NBA and MLB. They're not going away anytime soon.  I find it only makes the sport more competitive.

Message To My Girl - Split Enz/ENZSO/Neil Finn

Originally released in 1983, "Message to My Girl" became one of my all-time favorite songs.  Simple, poignant lyrics and heartfelt vocals by Neil Finn of Split Enz and Crowded House.

I don't want to say I love you
That would give away too much
Hip to be detached and precious
The only thing you feel is vicious

I don't wanna say I want you
Even though I want you so much
It's wrapped up in conversation
Whispered in a hush
Though I'm frightened by the word
Think it's time that it was heard...

As I did with Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody", I've presented the videos next to each other. The first video is the original version.  The second video is part of Split Enz's 2006 tour and a part of the ENZSO project with the New Zealand Symphony.

Mission Bowling Club

Inside Scoop SF » Let’s talk about Anthony Myint’s full service dining program at Mission Bowling Club

Officially announced today, Mission Bowling Club will open on Monday, March 19 at 3176 17th Street (near South Van Ness).  Its primary focus is a restaurant/bar/nightclub with bowling as a theme. There will be 6 bowling lanes, of which 3 can be reserved.

I wish Mission Bowling Club and Lucky Strike well.  You'll bring in a lot of folks who'll want to eat, bowl and unlike me, won't care about the score.  If I do come, it'll be only as a customer. I'll leave my bowling balls and shoes at home for league nights and practice.

photo courtesy of sfist.com

Coming soon...new Brentwood Bowl

Yes, the photo says it all.  I can finally talk about a new bowling center opening rather than closing on the San Francisco Peninsula. Brentwood Bowl will be opening a new center across the street from their current El Camino Real location, the former Century Plaza theater in South San Francisco.  I got the news last week from bowling pal Jon when I ran into him at Classic Bowl.  After my other bowling buddy Rich put up a picture of this sign on his Facebook page last night, I had to drive out and see this for myself.

I've been told the new Brentwood won't open for about another year.  When it does, there are two huge pluses: 1. 40 lanes, (24 lanes more than what they now have), and,  2.  the theater's HUGE PARKING LOT.  In very close vicinity are many family restaurants (Red Robin, Pasta Pomodoro, Fresh Choice), Tanforan Center and Mall, BART San Bruno, Highway 380/280 and San Francisco International Airport.

I bowled in a summer league at Brentwood 3 years ago. I stopped bowling there because of the difficulty to find parking and the lack of suitable leagues at my playing level.  Once the new Brentwood opens, it's likely many bowlers from Serra and Classic will also bowl here, including me.

While this doesn't diminish last week's bad news about Serra's closing on April 15, knowing new lanes will open cushions the sting.  A lot.

Say it ain't so...que Serra Serra part 2

I blogged 2 days ago that Serra Bowl lost their lease and will close on April 15, 2012.  They posted the following on their Facebook page,

"The entire community is invited to Serra Bowl on Saturday, March 10, 2012 from noon to 3pm, in an effort to protest the proposed closing. Please come and show your support by peacefully gathering in our parking lot with as many people you can bring. We hope to see everyone who has ever bowled in our establishment or participated in "Kops & Kids Day", "Turkeybowl", "Fun Day", Junior, Senior or Adult bowling leagues! Let's all show the land owner how many people closing the Bowling Center will affect. Thank you all for caring."

This announcement is already on my Facebook page.  I plan to attend and show my support.  For anyone who's ever bowled or visited Serra, I hope you can make it too.

Say it ain't so...que Serra Serra

Serra Bowl to close its lanes April 15th | SF Arts

I found out 3 days ago from 2 bowling friends. I currently bowl league there on Thursdays, and yes, my league season will be cut short. As was the case when Mel's/Redwood and Palo Alto Lanes closed, the land in the area is in high demand. Money talks. Classic, Sea and Brentwood Bowls will be the remaining alleys open in San Mateo county.

In San Francisco, there are 3 bowling centers: Lucky Strikes, which will open this month, Presidio Bowl, and Yerba Buena. Once Serra closes, Classic Bowl will be the only center in San Francisco and San Mateo counties with more than 40 lanes. Serra has 44.  For me, large bowling centers like Serra and Classic are ideal for league play and practice.  

That's a lot to lose. Especially for serious bowlers like me. I am glad to hear the article mentions the search for a new center is in the works. However, if there's going to be a fight to keep Serra open, let me know. I'm in.

My favorite Super Bowl ad - "When I Grow Up"

On the eve of Super Bowl XLVI (46, to those like me who can't count beyond X in Roman numerals), we all wait with great anticipation this year's commercials. While many consider the Apple ad in 1984 to be the best of all time, I would agree.

However my favorite, and the one that had me laughing the hardest was Monster.com's first Super Bowl ad "When I Grow Up" (1999).  As a veteran cube dweller in corporate America, this ad hilariously says what many of us can't.

Grab a wing, nosh on some nachos, and don't forget to check your teeth for spinach dip. Prepare to laugh, cringe and debate over the good and bad of this year's commercials.  Most importantly, enjoy the game.

Bohemian Rhapsody, a la Jake and The Muppets

With the recent release of The Muppet Movie, I had to go to YouTube over the Thanksgiving holiday and watch again their cover of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody".  And now, reading on today's SFGate that ukulele maestro Jake Shimabukuro will be in San Francisco tomorrow night at the Warfield Theatre, I thought it'd be fun to put side-by-side both covers of this classic rock-opera song.  I love both versions immensely.

New look from something familiar

After a former co-worker linked a December, 2007 blog entry of mine on Facebook today, I decided after 5 years it was time to give my neglected blog a new look.  The colors are completely different, but for those of you who know my roots, it's all too familiar.

With 2011 nearing an end, I look forward to a new year.  I've had better years. And, for those of you who call 2011 "two-thousand-eleven", please give some thought as to why we didn't call 1999 "one-thousand-nine-hundred-ninety-nine."  Prince Rogers Nelson can tell you why.  Because he certainly wouldn't be singing it.

Palo Alto Bowl to close

A teammate (a USBC SF Peninsula Association officer) from my bowling league last night told me Palo Alto bowl is slated to close at the end of August, 2011.  As blogged in my last entry, Mel's/Redwood Lanes closed this past May.  This will be the second bowling center closing on the San Francisco Peninsula this year. 

For someone like me where bowling has been an obsession/passion for the past 3 years, this is very sad.  It's clear the demand has waned in this part of the SF Bay Area.  The dreamer in me would love to see someone with the resources and knowledge to build a members-only bowling center.  I still have Serra and Classic Bowls nearby whenever the mood strikes.  

I'm back / The end of Mel's Bowl (Redwood Lanes)

It's been another long, long gap between blog entries.  After my last entry in October 2010 AND the San Francisco Giants becoming World Champions (woo hoo!), Jeff and I had a lot going on.  A new baseball season has started as well as learning one of my favorite hangouts will be closing.

Last Sunday, I bowled at Mel's (Redwood Lanes) Bowl in Redwood City for the first time in several months.  I took advantage of an AMF coupon of $1.49 games.  It was evident I hadn't bowled there in awhile as I had practice games ranging in scores from 117 to 203.  Mike, one of the general managers at Mel's came over about halfway into my visit to tell me Mel's will officially close May 8. 

The closing didn't come as a surprise to me.  Rumors had been circulating for several years that condos would replace the lanes.  My Monday night league at Bel Mateo already have 14 additional teams signed up for league this coming fall.  Most of them are bowlers from Mel's.  I know overall league bowling has been in decline for several years, mostly because lanes shifted their focus to attract casual bowlers to help increase revenue.  Personally, I find many casual bowlers to be a nuisance (see July 14, 2010's blog entry on Bowling Lane Courtesy).

While it'll be fun to have a bunch of new/returning bowlers this coming fall, the closing of Mel's still saddens me for these reasons:  1)  Mel's was the place that started my bowling obsession (work league).  A 12-lb. house ball with scores of 129 and 132.  I bought my own ball and shoes 2 days later.  2)  I could almost always get a pair of lanes and practice without much interruption or distraction.  3)  Discounts and specials given out all the time.  Every time I paid for my games I always got more coupons for future visits.

The good news is that 2 new bowling alleys are slated to open in San Francisco sometime next year as venues geared toward entertainment.  The bad news is that it won't do much to attract folks to pursue bowling as a sport.

My San Francisco Giants tees

Born and raised in Columbus, OH, I grew up a huge Cincinnati Reds fan. As a teenager, I faithfully listened to Reds' radio broadcasts with Al Michaels and Joe Nuxhall, and later, Marty Brennaman, as Al moved onto the San Francisco Giants in 1974. I often kept my own box scores and then would check the actual scores in the Columbus Dispatch's sports page the next day to see how close or far off I was in comparison.

When I moved to San Francisco in 1983, it was easy (and logical) to become a Giants fan.  My loyalty cemented after seeing my first game at the 'Stick, against the arch rival Los Angeles Dodgers. During the game, I witnessed 3 separate fights in the stands.  WOW.  I 'd only seen this kind of intense devotion during football season at Ohio State.  With apologies to my friends who are Stanford and Cal fans, your annual Big Game is nothing compared to Ohio State-Michigan games.

So, for the first time since 2002, the San Francisco Giants will play the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League Championship Series tomorrow at 4:30 PM PDT.  Up until a few years ago, I didn't wear team T-shirts or jackets.  Mostly because they were in men's styles and sizes.  When they started making team clothing for women, that all changed.  The tees shown in this picture were all bought this past season.  I also have 2 Giants hoodies and wear them often.

I have to admit, I usually don't wear the tees during a Giants game.  It always seems the times I did wear them, the Giants lose.  A few weeks ago, I was watching on TV a game the G-men were losing wearing one of my hoodies. No joke, as soon as I took it off in preparing to shower, Juan Uribe hit a home run.

The Giants' Tim Lincecum will battle Phillies hurler Roy Halladay.  I am excited because Jeff and I will be watching our first Giants playoff game together on a 47" HDTV.  GO GIANTS!

My Friend Fog

Outside my dining room window

After 5 consecutive days of temperatures in San Francisco above 75F, this was a welcome sight to see for a fog lover like me. 

I am among the few that really like fog. (notice the title of this blog?)
I don't write often enough about it.  I find fog peaceful, comforting, keeps me from overheating, and enables me to reflect. 

And, if I get tired of seeing fog, I don't have to drive far to get away from it.

Bowling lane courtesy

OK, OK, setting aside modesty for a "split" second, I know this image doesn't exactly match the title of this blog entry. Last week, I bowled my 3rd 200+ game this year and I just had to include the picture.

Anyway, as an avid bowler for the past 2 years, the majority of my bowling is not league, but open/practice bowling. When I first learned to bowl at Holiday and Main Lanes back home in Columbus, one of the first lessons given to me was exercising lane courtesy.

What is lane courtesy? Plain and simple, do not disturb the bowler in the lane next to you when he or she is about to bowl. In years past, the lanes had signs posted all over the place explaining this. And if you didn't read the sign and did disturb the bowler next to you, a staff member had no qualms reading you the riot act for your lack of courtesy.

These days, there are no signs and most staff members are out fetching balls out of gutters, putting up or taking down lane bumpers, or fetching food and drink for large group parties.

I know I'm starting to sound old, but I also think lack of courtesy on the lanes is an extension of our hurried, self-absorbed lives. I often find myself coughing up a few more bucks to bowl where it isn't crowded, or to ask for lanes away from the masses, which we've been successful in doing.

Leaving home

Yes, I know it's been 3 months since my last post. No excuses (said that before too). I've been spending a lot of time with Jeff (and cherishing every moment of it), bowling (solo or with Jeff) and, putting up my condo for sale.

The picture shown is a view of my living and dining room taken about a year ago. As much as I love this place and the Inner Sunset neighborhood I live in, it's time to leave. Jeff and I want to move in together and need a bigger place to include his sons when they're with us.

No, I won't be moving out of San Francisco. I'll be approaching 27 years living here and I consider this home. But because this was my first owned place, I am going to miss it a bunch.

MUNI, BART and CalTrain in a day

Last week, on date night with Jeff in San Bruno, my car died. I had AAA tow the car to my garage in Belmont. By the time we finished, it was rainy, cold and close to 9 p.m. So I called a cab to take us home. It got us home in 35 minutes, but it wasn't cheap.

As a result, I've delved into much more economical forms of transportation. To get to SFO to my trip to Columbus, I took Super Shuttle, a shared van service. Fare and gratuity, a little over $20. All done online. They always arrive within the specified time window and call within 5 minutes of the van showing up at your door. Since my car was still in Belmont when I returned to SF yesterday, I used Super Shuttle again. Once I got to the designated pickup area, I was off within 10 minutes heading home.

Now home and off the rest of the week, my highest priority in finding a way to Belmont was not the fastest but the cheapest. Jeff's way back to his house last week after getting me home was via MUNI, the 44-O'Shaughnessy to Glen Park BART set the wheels in motion. So, for me the same thing. From Glen Park BART, I took the Millbrae BART line to the end. Once I got to Millbrae, I walked across the platform to CalTrain, bought a Zone 2 ticket to Belmont. It took about 40 minutes before the next train arrived, but it was a short and comfy ride once aboard. When I got to Belmont, I walked about 10 minutes to get my garage and pick up my car.

Had it not been the 40 minute wait for CalTrain, the entire trip would have been only a little over an hour and a half. While it is not something I recommend or would do regularly, I had the time and enjoyed the trek. The entire cost = $7.40 ($2 MUNI + $2.90 BART + $2.50 CalTrain). I know at some point, I will be using MUNI, CalTrain or BART so I ordered a TransLink card online. TransLink covers them all, including AC Transit and Golden Gate Ferry and Transit.

Valentine's Day/Chinese New Year Weekend

For me, this weekend is not only President's Day, it is also Valentine's Day, Chinese New Year (Tiger), and Jeff's birthday. Felt it only fitting to take today off and fully take advantage of all that's going on this weekend.

While on my way to pin desolation at the lanes, I was listening to KFOG's 10 at 10. Today's theme of course, was Valentine's Day, sweet and sour. One of the sour tunes that got me laughing pretty hard was Sam Kinison's cover of "Wild Thing". The YouTube video is here:



Hope you'll get a laugh out of it too. Sun nien fai lok, Happy Valentine's Day and Happy Birthday, Babe. I love you so much.

PBA on ESPN/ESPN2 - Winter Schedule

For those of you old enough, you may remember in the 60's and 70's on Saturday afternoons the PBA tour on ABC with the legendary team of Chris Schenkel and Nelson "Bo" Burton, Jr. as the announcers. You may even remember some of the bowlers during that era: Earl Anthony, Don Carter, Don Johnson, Carmen Salvino, Wayne Webb, Marshall Holman, Mark Roth, Brian Voss, Mike Durbin, Dave Davis, and Dick Weber.

The new generation of PBA bowlers (Chris and Lynda Barnes, Carolyn Dorin-Ballard, Wes Malott, Rhino Page, Stefanie Nation, Liz Johnson and Pete Weber) can be seen beginning tomorrow on ESPN or ESPN2 until April. Jeff and I have it on our calendars. If you don't find me watching it, it's probably because I'm out there on the lanes honing my game.

Dangers of Multi-Tasking

As many of you may have read on my Facebook updates Christmas Day, I spent lunch at the home of Sarah and Cara, Jeff's sister and brother-in-law. I got to meet the rest of his siblings and their children and was so honored to get an invite at the last minute.

After lunch, I was then in my car heading across the Golden Gate Bridge to join Amy, Josh, Brian and Anne in San Rafael for dinner. Because of an accident on Lombard Street (one of the main thoroughfares to get to the bridge), it took me 45 minutes in what is normally a 10 minute drive to get to the bridge from my house.

Already late, I finally made it to Amy's and Josh's. Checked my phone for messages and saw that Jeff called. Excited that he called on Christmas Day (and unable to see him as he had to work that day), I called him right back as I was unloading my contributions for dinner. Bad choice. As someone who knows the dangers of talking on cell phones while driving and walking across streets, I should have known better.

While I was chatting with Jeff, not paying attention to where I was walking in the dark (night had already fallen), I failed to negotiate the front step to the house and fell forward. Scraped the top of my wrist (as seen in the picture) and the knuckle below my pinky on my right hand. Amy immediately provided me hydrogen peroxide, cotton and bandages so I could tend to my wounds.

My ego hurt a lot more than the scrapes. All the worse for wear, I was still able to bowl the next afternoon, bandages and all. Even managed to get a 186 in one of my games. Consider me a Timex watch. I take a lickin' and keep on tickin'.

1980 Toyota Celica GT Liftback

While the picture is a bit to hard to see, my commute this morning on Highway 101 South from San Francisco to San Mateo had me behind for a few miles a white Toyota Celica GT Liftback, circa 1980. For a nearly 30 year old car, it had the typical rust and dents, but from an engine standpoint, it was in decent condition. I couldn't hear loud muffler noises, saw no jerky acceleration, or any blue smoke emitting from its exhaust. My Celica's color was a burnt metallic red.

The car will always hold a special place in my heart because it was the first car I made payments on. Dad actually bought the car (December 1979) and put the loan in his name. I'd pay Mom in cash the monthly car payments. She'd write the check and mail the check and voucher to the bank. It was the car I drove out with Sherman and buddy Stan to San Francisco in August, 1983.

I owned the car until April 1988, when I traded in the Celica for a 1988 Acura Integra LS, a car with its own historical significance (see October 17 blog posting).

Giving Thanks

I have been very lax in posting any recent entries. Aside from being sick most of last week, I really had no excuse. So without further delay, I just wanted to say thanks.

Thanks to my friends and family for supporting me on what started out to be a difficult year. It would have been so much harder without you. Ultimately, the year's end is turning out to be much better than I ever would have imagined.

Thanks to my former classmates at Whitehall-Yearling High School. I've had so much fun reconnecting with you on Facebook and love hearing and seeing snippets of your life. I look forward to seeing many of you on my next visit to Columbus.

And thanks to Jeff, the sweet hunky guy who's been keeping me company for the past 4 months. Thanks for allowing me to get back in touch with you. My 20-year crush on you turned into something most of us only dream about. I love you so much!

20 Years Ago Today....

Twenty years ago today marks the 20th anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake in the San Francisco Bay Area. For most Bay Area residents, they can remember exactly what happened to them that day. It was a bit different for me. I didn't experience the earthquake because I was on a plane flying to Columbus, OH.

About 6 months before the quake, I worked for a very short time for a lighting company in Berkeley. I ended up losing the job 3 months later. At the time, it was pretty devastating, as it was the first job I didn't quit on my own to go to another. I felt lost and wasn't sure what I'd do next. Looking back on it now, I'm glad the job didn't work out. I decided to take some time away from San Francisco and arranged to fly to Columbus to visit my sister Cindy.

In 1989, when it wasn't work, it was usually playing softball. My co-ed team at the time included Jeff, a teammate who played outfield or 1st base. I developed a huge crush on him when we first met. We often hung out with other teammates after games and practices, usually sitting next to each other when the team would go out to eat.

There were a few times Jeff and I would hang out together solo, and it was during those times I'd throw him my car keys and let him drive my first stickshift car, a 1988 blue Acura Integra. The picture of the Integra on this blog entry is very similar to the car I drove, except the color of my car was a lighter shade of blue.

As the date neared for my trip to Columbus, I asked Jeff if he could watch my car while I was away. He agreed and would take me to the airport to catch my flight.

After Jeff dropped me off at SFO and I flew off into the wild blue yonder, I hoped I'd land in time to catch the opening pitch of the Bay Bridge World Series between the San Francisco Giants and Oakland A's. I arrived in Columbus around 8:30 pm. When Cindy found me at the gate, this is the dialog that immediately followed:

Cindy: There's been an earthquake in San Francisco!
me: How bad was it?
Cindy: I think it was something like a 5 (Richter scale reading). But part of the Bay Bridge fell off!
me: If the part of the Bay Bridge fell off, it was a lot more than 5.

Cindy and I got to her house within a half-hour. Not more than 5 minutes later, Mom calls, frantically wondering if I made it to Columbus or not. I heard Cindy saying on the phone, "she's right here, Mom". I then talked to Mom for a few minutes assuring her I was fine.

My itinerary was to stay in Columbus for 2 weeks and fly back to San Francisco. Mom didn't want me to go back. Even though I had no job at the time, for me it was a no-brainer. I flew back to San Francisco after a 2-week stay.

Forward to the present, 20 years later: I now live in the Inner Sunset district after having lived in the Inner Richmond district at the time of the earthquake until 2002. I'll have experienced 3 more job layoffs but now have a decent job with decent pay. I no longer play softball. I still drive a blue car with a stickshift, but now it is a BMW 325i.

And whatever happened to Jeff, the softball teammate who watched and drove my car while I was away in Ohio for 2 weeks? We lost touch about a year after the earthquake. Over the years, I always wondered what happened to him. After my 9-year relationship ended earlier this year (March 2009), I wanted to get back in touch with people I hadn't seen in a long time.

Jeff was among the first I wanted to contact. I ended up finding him at classmates.com. I emailed him to say hello in late June. We got together for lunch in August. We fell madly in love and have been together since. He's the Jeff that has been subject of many recent Tweets and cause for my stupid grins.

So for everyone living in the San Francisco Bay Area on October 17, 1989, the earth moved. It moved again for 2 other people 20 years later. And yes, Jeff has driven the BMW.

Happy Birthday, Mom

As I tweeted this morning, today is Mom's 72nd birthday.

Growing up, Mom was boss. She got us up in the morning for school and made us breakfast. She made sure we had lunch money, or packed us a sandwich for those few times we brown bagged it. She went to the grocery store and paid the bills. If we wanted to do a family outing like dinner and movie, we wouldn't go unless Mom wanted to go. If I wanted expensive sneakers such as my Adidas Cross Country with the green stripes or Nike Cortez with the red swoosh, Dad would tell us to ask Mom.

Mom was in charge at the restaurant during daytime hours. I sometimes tagged along with her during summer vacation and used to play in the air conditioned dining room. She always made an awesome lunch like hamburgers, fried rice, chicken or shrimp while there. She knew our neighbors and was friendly with most of our friends that visited our house.

When Mom wasn't working, she played mah-jongg. Lots and lots of it. She'd often take us to homes of other Chinese families, play long into the night and go to work that morning often with no more than a few hours of sleep. Years later, when I'd come back to Columbus to visit during the holidays, Mom was always in search of the next mah-jongg game somewhere in town, even if the weather conditions were less than ideal. She lives now in New York's Chinatown and still plays mah-jongg several times a week.

While I don't see Mom more than a few times a year anymore, she's the main reason why I had such a fun and memorable childhood. I wish she'd take more vacations, but she's happiest when she's busy.

Happy Birthday, Mom. I love you and couldn't have made it without you.

What can brown do for you?

Last week, I placed an order with Drugstore.com to replenish a few items for the house. I arrange to send most of my online purchases to the office, as I'm not home at the time UPS delivers. I must not have paid attention when I entered the shipping info, as I got this notification from UPS yesterday when I came home from work.

For those times UPS is the carrier and I have to use my home address for delivery (prescription mail orders), I go online immediately after getting the first notice to change the shipping address. This was the first notification ever requiring a fee. While the fee wasn't expensive ($4 for a 4 pound shipment), it still was a charge, probably because of rising fuel costs, thinner profit margins and stiff competition with FedEx and USPS.

This is another reason why I choose USPS over UPS to do personal shipping. It's ridiculously cheaper. For me to send a 2 lbs. package UPS 2nd day air from San Francisco to Columbus would cost almost $26. USPS would charge me for 2nd day air for a large box, $13.50. Only $4.80 for a small box.

So until UPS shows me lower shipping rates, brown's doing nothing for me.

Hot Pink

As teen sensation Melanie Oudin makes her way through the U.S. Open, there's been some hubbub made about her shoes. Mostly, the pink.

What's the big deal? I've been wearing pink and black shoes since my bowling obsession began this year. It does get attention, but mostly positive. My next fashion statement is to get a hot pink t-shirt with the cursive letter "L" (Laverne & Shirley) style sewn just below the left shoulder.

Best of luck to you, Melanie. It's only the beginning.

photo courtesy of Yahoo! Sports

Reunion & Anniversary

Today's date does double duty. In about 2 1/2 hours, Gatsby's in Gahanna, OH will be the destination of my high school's All-Class Reunion. My brother Sherman is in town this weekend to attend festivities. I seriously considered going, but wasn't exactly up for coughing up $350 to board a flight requiring connection to spend the weekend in a hot and humid climate.

Also today is my 26th year in San Francisco. I came out with Sherman and his buddy Stan in my 1980 Toyota Celica to what is now my beloved home city. I now have lived in San Francisco 3 more years than I did in Columbus. But I will always have fond memories of Columbus as the town where I was born and raised.

As Sherman always does after I've attended a reunion, he calls me for a recap (who did I see, what did he/she look like). This time, I should call him.

Scanner-itis

Last week, I ordered for the first time my own color scanner (Canon LiDE 200) from Amazon.com. Never really had much of a need for one. But since I've been in retro mode for the past year (30-year high school reunion, getting back in touch with classmates, relatives and former co-workers on Facebook), it was time. Plus I'd have at my convenience a fast and easy way to send documents online as well.

The family picture shown above was one of the first old pictures I scanned. I've had it for years, but now am only beginning to appreciate its real value. The picture was taken in summer 1965 in New York City. All of us are dressed impeccably, and my mom looks so Jackie Kennedy.

It then lead me to start putting up old pictures of current Facebook friends and family, tag them, and write a description of what was happening at the time. I've been so tickled to read comments about how these pictures have stirred up memories long forgotten and that my current connections to them directly links to my past.

Smile. Tag, you're it. On my Facebook profile that is.

Rice bowl with top

Today I left the office early for my annual OBGYN appointment. The doctor's office is on California Street in the Inner Richmond district. After my visit, I headed a few blocks west for a late lunch at one of my favorite Asian restaurants, Mandalay. I hadn't been there in awhile and needed to get my Lap Pat Dok (tea leaf salad) fix.

Luckily, they were still serving lunch and I ordered the special combination Tea Leaf Salad and Basil Chicken. Delicious. After I got my complimentary soup, they brought out my combination with a bowl of rice, just like the one shown in the picture. What I liked was that the bowl had its own lid, something I'd only seen with larger rice bowls.

I'm not sure why, but I found the small bowl with lid concept to be simple yet ingenious. The lid keeps the rice moist and warm. It made me immediately think of my family dinners in New York's Chinatown, as Dad always takes an empty rice bowl and puts it on top of the remaining rice in another bowl.

It typifies what I admire so much in Asian design: practicality, compactness and elegance.