An Assist Away From The Basket

source: SFGate

As the weekend winds down, it has turned out to be one of the most memorable.

• Lunch with a longtime dear friend I don't see often enough. Made it extra special when he offered (I graciously accepted) to pick me up at my office. 

• San Jose State bowlers Darren and Michael Tang bowling in the stepladder finals at the USBC Masters. Fourth seed younger brother Michael defeated Martin Larsen and big brother Darren to lose to Jason Belmonte in the championship match. 

• Set a personal new high scratch series in my last squad at the Chinese-Japanese New Year tournament at 4th Street Bowl.

• Stephen Curry offers big assist during a team timeout. A female fan tried her hand at skee-ball to win some cash. She wasn't doing well and a towel-headed Steph sneaks in for the $5K assist. 

You the man, Steph.

Bowling's Big 4 Split Converted

Tomorrow for me will be business as usual. Work at 8 am, then league bowling at 6:30 pm. Therefore, no big 4-day weekend.

In bowling, the Big 4 is known as the 4-6-7-10 split. The closest I ever came was picking it up was to knock out the 6-10 (2 end pins on the right) that deflected to hit the 7 pin (far left pin).

PBA bowler Jason Sterner converted it in 2014:

British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) - 2017

source: BAFTA.org

While most of the United States is likely watching the Grammy Awards, my remote will be switched to BBC America to watch the BAFTA awards.

If you've never watched a BAFTA awards show, it isn't all that much different than its American counterpart. Only with a distinct English tone.

Host for the 12th year in a row is Hugh Laurie's Jeeves and Wooster co-star, Stephen Fry.

2016 PBA Player of the Year - EJ Tackett

source: PBA
E.J. Tackett

No brainer here. He won the PBA World Championship in December (see December 11, 2016 entry) to finish with 4 PBA titles in 2016.

Congratulations to EJ Tackett, 2016's PBA Player of the Year.

And his dominating presence continues. He climbed the stepladder to win the 2017 DHC PBA Japan Invitational last month.

See for yourself.

Lunar New Year 2017 -Year of the Rooster

source: Google image search results

A minor, probably nit-picky gripe tonight. Yesterday began the new Lunar New Year (Rooster).

I may be ethnically Chinese, but am on a mission to stop calling it "Chinese New Year". Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam and Malaysia are among a few Asian countries that also celebrate the Lunar New Year as well.

I even found 4 of my first 5 Google search results for "Lunar New Year" show "Happy Chinese New Year" or "Happy Chinese Lunar New Year". Hoped it would change when I cleared my cache and logged off my Google account. It didn't.

End of gripe. I wish everyone Happy Lunar New Year to family and the friends I consider family. If you're reading this now, you're probably one of them.

Bowling Alley for Real Bowlers

source: etsy.com

Today's very rainy day brought out the kids and casual bowlers out in droves.

It can make Sunday practice for league bowlers a challenge.

We find ourselves on high alert for spilled drinks, food scraps, 5-6 people who aren't bowling standing on the lane approach, and, my biggest pet peeve - failure to observe lane courtesy.

Ever since I began bowling competitively, I've told a few bowling friends if I had tons of disposable income, I'd open a bowling alley just for bowlers.

Business model: run it like a gym with membership fees. Monthly, yearly, per game, 2 to 6 game packages for bowlers who can't commit to a conventional league.

Most importantly, the best way to weed out pizza parties: NO HOUSE SHOES, BALLS OR BUMPER GUARDS.

Leagues would be doubles and trios, special events would include no-tap, Monte Carlo (hit colored pins for money), mini tournaments, fund raisers, and special parties.

The concept may not be financially sustainable, but for me, it'd be the ultimate experience - bowling purely for sport.

'Wait Wait Don't Tell Me' - Guest Host Tom Hanks

source: Andrew Gill, NPR
L: Bill Kurtis, R: Tom Hanks

On my drive to bowling practice this morning, I was tickled to hear Tom Hanks (click blue box "Listen to Full Show") as guest host on NPR's Wait Wait Don't Tell Me.

If you're not familiar with the program, here's the description from NPR's website:

Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! is NPR's weekly hour-long quiz program. Each week on the radio you can test your knowledge against some of the best and brightest in the news and entertainment world while figuring out what's real news and what's made up.

For trivia buffs like me, it's entertaining, educational, and best of all, lots of fun. Especially when Woody's the host.

NBC Asian America

source: Twitter @NBCAsianAmerica

A few months ago, I found my cousins followed on Facebook NBC Asian America. It wasn't long before I began following them too.

From their website:
ABOUT
"NBC Asian America Presents..." is a digital video channel by NBC Asian America that features original longform content and documentaries focused on themes and voices found in Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.

New videos and series can be watched at NBC Asian America, as well as NBC Asian America's Facebook page, NBC News' official YouTube channel, and the NBC News app available on mobile devices, Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV.

Launched in 2014 by NBC News, NBC Asian America is the country's first English-language national news resource dedicated to covering Asian American and Pacific Islander news, features, perspectives, and more. With the launch of "NBC Asian America Presents..." in 2016, NBC Asian America has grown into a robust multimedia platform for the AAPI community by the AAPI community.

Here's the trailer from their YouTube page:

Season Enders - Ohio State Buckeyes and San Francisco 49ers

source: Forbes.com
L to R: Jed York, Chip Kelly, Trent Baalke

Happy New Year!

The much highly anticipated Fiesta Bowl (College Football playoffs) match between Ohio State and Clemson turned to be a lopsided disaster for Buckeye Nation. Clemson dominated the entire game and shutout Ohio State, 34-0.

North of Arizona, the San Francisco 49ers lost their last game of the season to the Seattle Seahawks, 25-23. As reported from numerous news sources, San Francisco 49ers CEO Jed York fired General Manager Trent Baalke and Head Coach Chip Kelly.

Less than a month ago (see December 4, 2016 entry), it was in my humblest of opinions that new ownership and/or management of the team is sorely needed to rebuild effectively long-term.

Hopefully, next year there will be the photo of 3 different faces when the 2017 NFL season begins.

Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou 25 June 1963 - 25 December 2016

source: biography.com
George Michael

Prior to yesterday, music already lost this year:
January 10, David Bowie

January 18, Glenn Frey

April 6, Merle Haggard

April 21, Prince Edward Rogers

November 7, Leonard Cohen
(see November 13 blog entry).

Then we sadly hear on Christmas Day, George Michael.

For me, it wasn't until he began his solo career away from Wham! I found his music with a bit more of a soulful edge.

My favorites were with his duets with 2 R&B/soul legends.

Aretha Franklin, "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)", 1987.


And, Mary J. Blige, performing Stevie Wonder's "As", 1999.


Really hard not to listen without a head sway, toe taps, or finger snaps. Which I'm certain is how George would have wanted it.

2016 California State Seniors Bowling Tournament

source: cssba.net

UPDATE - December 21, 2016. Final results came in today. Steve and I finished 13th, Doubles Class C. We split $168.

Last month, my Sunday practice/Wednesday night teammate Steve and I bowled singles and doubles in our first senior state tournament at Steve Cook's Fireside Lanes in Rocklin (greater Sacramento).

All squads have completed bowling but results are not yet final. Steve and I are currently in 13th place, thanks to Steve's 658 scratch series. It was nice to know that after we bowled, teammates asked if I'd bowl next year's tournament in Modesto.

Absolutely.

2016 PBA World Series of Bowling VIII - ESPN3 Live Streaming

source: PBA
EJ Tackett

Congratulations to E.J.Tackett for winning this year's PBA World Championship. A remarkable feat as this was E.J.'s second straight year in the finals match. He lost to Gary Faulkner Jr. in 2015.

Previous winners Tom Smallwood (2009) and my fave Dom Barrett (2013) finished 2nd and 3rd. Jason Belmonte finished 4th and Anthony Simonsen 5th.

Today's match aired live on ESPN. Yesterday, the other 5 tournaments that make up the World Series took place.

Oil pattern names:
Chameleon, Cheetah, Scorpion, Shark, and Viper.

I spent most of the day watching them all live. But not on television. On my laptop.

How? On ESPN3, ESPN's online streaming service (cable/satellite subscription required). Yeah, the same service that makes available college football and basketball games you can't get on television.

As written in my February 7, 2016 posting:
There will always be complainers that want matches to air live on a broadcast network like ABC (as it did 50+ years ago) or CBS (instead of CBS Sports Network)

I'll put it gently. The 20th century ended 15 years ago. There are too many other sports venues with larger markets where bowling cannot compete. Not going to happen.

It may not have happened on TV, but for me, live on ESPN3 is a terrific 21st century solution.

San Francisco 49ers - 11th consecutive loss

The York Family with Eddie DeBartolo (3rd from left)
source: 49ers.com

It's been a terrible news week. On Friday, another former high school classmate, Danny, passed away. Yesterday, it was the Oakland Ghost Ship Warehouse fire. Today, it was the passing of another longtime Monday night league bowler, Jack.

And to add salt to the wound, the 49ers lost their 11th consecutive game versus the Chicago Bears, who were 2-9 going into today's game.

I have been critical of the York family's/GM Trent Baalke's ability to manage the team pretty much from the start. It's either been a clash with successful coaches (Steve Mariucci, Jim Harbaugh), or musical chairs with a series of coaches with mediocre or no head coaching experience in the NFL (Dennis Erickson, Mike Nolan, Mike Singletary, Jim Tomsula and current head coach Chip Kelly).

Dr. and Mrs. York, you owe it to longtime fans. Sell the team to people who know something about football.

2016 - Ohio State 30, Michigan 27, 2 OT's

source: OhioStateFootballTickets123.com

source: Ohio State Buckeyes Football

I've watched lots and lots of Ohio State - Michigan games. Many live up to the rivalry hype: intense, hard fought battles.

Up until yesterday, the most memorable game for me was my sophomore year in 1979. Members of the Ohio State team included:
- defensive backs coach/Marin county native and current Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll.
- place kicker Vlade Janakievski, who was 2 years ahead of me at Whitehall-Yearling High School.
- quarterback Art Schlichter, who led the Buckeyes to a 18-15 win in Ann Arbor.

Add 2016 to the list. Down 17-7 in the 3rd quarter and 2 missed field goal attempts, Ohio State is able to tie the game with seconds left in regulation.

Like the 2003 BCS Championship (aka Tostitos Fiesta Bowl) versus Miami (Florida), it took 2 overtimes for the Buckeyes to capture the win, thanks to H-back Curtis Samuel's 2 runs in the last 3 plays of the game.

Courtesy of the Big Ten Network, here it is:

Ohio State vs. Michigan 2016

source: CBS Sports
AP Top 25 - week of November 20, 2016

Thanksgiving 2016 is quickly approaching. Short work week, gluttony and big gatherings with friends and family.

Then on Saturday, the long awaited college football showdown of the season: Ohio State versus Michigan.

Ohio State is currently ranked #2, Michigan, #3, something we haven't seen in many years.

Game will be played in Columbus. To get our Buckeye hearts racing and spirits fired up, l close with a video clip of The Ohio State University Marching Band's traditional entrance into Ohio Stadium. GO BUCKS!

Famous Blue Raincoat - The Songs of Leonard Cohen

source: Amazon
Jennifer Warnes - Famous Blue Raincoat
Featuring the songs of Leonard Cohen

Canadian born poet, songwriter and artist Leonard Cohen passed away this week at the age of 82.

His song "Hallelujah" is most recognized with mainstream audiences. Jeff Buckley, Rufus Wainwright, k.d. lang, and most recently, NBC's Saturday Night Live's Kate McKinnon are among a few that have performed the song.

Like Bob Dylan, I find listening to Cohen sing difficult. I'm among those that have to listen to covers from other artists to fully appreciate their lyrics and music.

One notable example: Jennifer Warnes.

Yes, the Jennifer who sang "Time of My Life" with Bill Medley and "Up Where We Belong" with Joe Cocker.

Released in 1986 and making Billboard's 200 in February 1987, "Famous Blue Raincoat" features 9 Leonard Cohen songs (2 co-written). My favorite song from the album is "First We Take Manhattan". Soaring vocals from Ms. Warnes and great guitar riffs from Stevie Ray Vaughn.

Eye Bags, Eyes Bag

PacSafe Citysafe CS 350, 2014

I spent most of yesterday focused on 2 words with 2 vastly different agendas: Eye and Bag.

1. Eye Bags - as in puffiness below my peepers due to allergies, touching or sad media stories, lack of sleep and middle age. I copiously scrutinized the face care aisles at CVS and Target for nearly 2 hours in search of the right relief treatment.

2. Eyes bag - as in search for a new handbag. 

Specifically, a backpack. The PacSafe Citysafe CS 350 I carry lacks the organized compartments needed for even distribution of weight in the pack (bottom heavy). I'd also have to grab the excess material from the top near the zipper in order to open the bag (see photo).

Must haves for all bags: durability, brand cache, carrying ease, AND, something that made me look like I had some fashion sense.

These were my strongest alternatives (so much so they were in my shopping carts):

source: Amazon
Michael Kors Kempton Nylon Tote, size M

Michael Kors Kempton Nyton Tote, size Medium. 

Pros: Nylon material, lightweight, easy to clean. 

Dual exterior pockets

Cons: No water bottle pocket, only 1-2 interior pockets for organization.

source: Amazon
Timbuk2 Commute Messenger, size S

Timbuk2 Commute Messenger Bag, size Small.

Pros: Lots of storage compartments, side water bottle pocket, durability, additional zipped storage within flap.

Cons: Look is too masculine for my tastes, bulky bag size.

source: eBags
Patagonia Mini Messenger

Patagonia Mini Messenger

Pros: Full storage access within flap, side water bottle pocket, durability, size.

Cons: Too casual.

After 10 hours and recharges to my phone and laptop from all the web surfing, I pulled the trigger. Bought the little sister of the PacSafe CS 350 I currently use - the PacSafe CS 300.

source: Amazon
PacSafe Citysafe CS 300

Why? 

Cost - Amazon offers it for $20 less than most other sites. With Prime, I get free shipping and it arrives in 2 days. I also saved $40 using my American Express Reward Points and Amazon Gift Card.

Convenience - I carry it for everything. Work, weekends, travel, hands free, and makeshift defense weapon if needed. The CS 300 is 1" smaller with a shorter shoulder strap drop and has 2 additional zippered storage pockets my CS 350 doesn't have.

Once I get the bag, I'm fully aware I'll encounter the same issues with the CS 300 as I did with the CS 350. That's OK. I already know what to expect.

Orleans in Vegas - Hawaiian Invitational

2016 Hawaiian Invitational
1st squad scores

After a 2-week absence, I have returned. I missed October 16 due to a 7+ hour storm related power outage in my neighborhood. On October 23, I was in Las Vegas bowling my first Hawaiian Invitational.

The Hawaiian Invitational is an annual bowling tournament held at the Orleans Hotel. This is the same place where Liz Johnson won this summer's PWBA Las Vegas Open.

Like the Asian American Bowling Association (AABA) tournaments I bowl at 4th Street Bowl in San Jose and National Bowling Stadium in Reno, a participating bowler must be of Chinese or Japanese ancestry, or bowl in a Chinese or Japanese league.

In my long gone softball days, the big Asian tournament invitational hard core players attended was Sumitomo in Sacramento. I had informal invitations to come watch, but never got invited to play.

Of the Asian tournaments I bowl, the Hawaiian Invitational has the most participants (all 70 lanes at the Orleans are taken). Roster submissions begin early in the year, and payment (room, optional meal plan and tournament costs) must be paid in April, 6 months before the tournament date in October.

Above is a photo of my team's 1st squad scores. If you've ever bowled in leagues and tournaments, you'll notice scores are 4 games, rather than the usual 3. Overall, we didn't do badly, but total pins with handicap, was at least 500 pins from the top team scores.

For most bowlers, the best perk of the tournament is the doubles jackpot. You can choose anyone bowling the same squad time as a partner. The fee is only $3 per bowler with no limits on partners. Bowl well enough and a $6 team investment can result in over $1K prize money. Not to worry, the usual bracket and side pot bets are available too.

I had loads of fun. I consider these tournaments as reunions. It's great to see people you once bowled with in league or in other tournaments. Between squads, there's plenty of time to hit the casinos and slot machines, catch a movie in the hotel's multiplex cinema, or eat yourself silly at the buffet or any of the hundreds of nearby restaurants.

In the words of T-800 Model 101, "I'll be back."

Bimmer Bumper Boo Boo

my car's boo boo

blog entry: January 3, 2016

Two Saturdays ago, I was on my way home from bowling practice. As I was about to make a right turn from King Drive to Skyline Boulevard in Daly City, a young woman (about 27) rear ended me. Fortunately, it was only a hard tap. My car didn't shake or jerk on impact.

blog entry: January 3, 2016

She initially offered to pay cash for the damage and asked me not to file insurance as I was the second person she hit.

I said no. Once she accepted that I would contact my insurance company, she said she'd text me her insurance information. True to her word, I got proof of insurance within 2 hours of the accident. I filed the claim over the phone shortly afterwards.

Because of urgent deadlines the following week at work, I wasn't able to get the car to the body shop until Thursday.

I am currently driving a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (same color as the photo below) as my loaner until the body work is completed. The Santa Fe isn't a bad car, but it's not mine. I miss my car's handling and acceleration. Most of all, I miss driving a manual transmission.

I called the body shop yesterday. They sounded pretty certain my car will be ready tomorrow. I certainly hope so.

source: Car Connection
2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

BMW Films - Return of The Driver

source: BMW Films
Clive Owen as The Driver

I bought my first BMW in 1998. I bought my third BMW in 2016 (see January 3, 2016 entry).

My first Clive Owen sighting was a 1999 neo-noir film called "Croupier".

Major crush on Clive. Big love for the BMW.

I couldn't have asked for a more perfect match when in 2001, BMW announced a film series called "The Hire". The driver for hire?  The ultra-cool Mr. Owen.

The films did not disappoint. A partial list of actors and directors:

Ray Liotta, Don Cheadle, Gary Oldham, John Frankenheimer, Ang Lee, Guy Ritchie and Wong Kar-Wai. 

This past week, BMW announced a new film to celebrate the 15th Anniversary of "The Hire". Clive Owen reprises his role as The Driver. The film debuts October 23, 2016.

If you haven't seen them, the films are great short stories that highlight why BMW's are ultimate driving machines. I've included 2 of my favorites from the series.

1. "Chosen". Clive's co-star is Ang Lee's son, Mason.


2. Probably the funniest and most popular in The Hire series, "Star".
Guy Ritchie directs his former wife in the title role.
When the camera closes in on The Driver's hand toggling the gearshift in neutral, Madonna's gonna be in for a memorable ride.