WALL E

It was just one of those hot days when the thought of sitting in a cool dark place was too good to pass up. I was a little skeptical and felt that this may be that chink in the armor for Pixar...but alas I was proven wrong (and happily so).

They love ya, man! They really love ya!

It was heartwarming to see how well received Omar was in his first return to Cleveland after joining the Giants in 2004. There are just so many positives you can say about Vizquel as a person and as a player. He's remembered the most, however, for defense, and in the video tribute they played in his honor, that was the clear highlight. But he also does the little things.....like that squeeze bunt that won the game that day :).

Push! Push!

I don't think I've ever watched a golf program as long as I did on Sunday. And it simply was because Tiger wasn't blowing everyone away.....he was clawing his way back each time (talk about a handicap, huh?......with that knee, i mean, ah you get what i mean). And Rocco was just playing it cool and that was terrific. Come Monday it really didn't matter who could have won. This whole saga, beginning all the way back from Friday, was one great hell of a show. And Rocco deserves as much credit for keeping pace on all levels. On his way to receive his trophy, Tiger met with his wife Erin and daughter, Sam Alexis, and as he tried to hand over Sam back to Erin, she reached out back to him. Tiger's instant reaction was to get her back. at least for a little while longer. Surely, this was a warm moment for him as a father.

Battlestar Galactica

I've heard from a lot of people: "the new Battlestar Galactica is reaaallly good." So when I was browsing through used dvds at my local Half-Price Books, I grabbed what I think was Disc 1 (the long pilot/miniseries). Well, what can I say? Minus some of the weird horniness, I'd say it really is good stuff.

It's a great story, that of low-tech being the saving grace in what had become a too tech-savy world (is this a message for us folks in these times?.....maybe....)

Edward James Olmos and Mary McDonnell really fit the characters they play. I'm pleased to see their more complex rivalry compared to having just plain mudslinging between military and political factions.

Anyway, I'm just on disc 1 so who knows how this will all unfold. I just bumped up disc 2 on my Netflix Queue.

Boink!

I was doing laps around the channels and made a pit stop every now and then at the NBA finals, just to see how Boston and LA were doing. After the 2nd quarter and with LA leading by close to 20, I started skipping it. I thought to myself that while Boston loaded itself with power players, it just wasn't ready yet as a team, and maybe Doc Rivers was still trying to figure out how to mix this mean cocktail :).

But alas, the Celtics bounced back and won it. They focused on tight defense, used bench players efficiently, switched players around...was that teamwork? From the outside it looked like Doc just finally found the right combination and strategy. But reading more about it on the net and the papers this morning, I did notice that hidden element that worked behind the scenes. They stopped looking at the score and players expressed the desire to be accountable. Yeah, I think there was a team in that scene.

On the other side of the court, maybe they should try something else. I'll admit it now, I really don't like Kobe. And if he's been playing it like "I'll let you kids try it yourselves first and then I''ll jump in and show you I can win this game all by myself", well......good luck to ya, man.

Triple Play!

When Jose Castillo stepped on the bag and threw to second, I felt that chill behind my neck. Could they actually pull it off? Once the relay to first came I stared at the umpire and when he stretched out his arms that chill immediately escalated to a freeze...and then joy. I was so happy to have witnessed that triple play first hand. Even though it was through streaming video, the feeling was the same had it been live. Keiichi Yabu, in one pitch, ended the whole inning. How cool is that?

Sweep!

Well well well......here we are defeating the first place Diamondbacks. We aint that bad you know? This 3-game sweep wasn't cheap, either.....winning against Haren and Randy Johnson. Still, the local papers remain negative...which is neither good nor bad. I'd just conclude that it means their expectations are higher :)

Indy 4

Had Tom Selleck not been committed to a TV series a long time ago, this franchise would have been really different. But luckily, as fate would have it, Harrison Ford landed the role and he has kept it interesting and fun to watch. His brand of humor really works when it's not the primary selling point of a movie.

It would have been great to have Sean Connery and Denholm Elliott back for this reunion, but Karen Allen and John Rhys Davies were both welcome faces. Spielberg and Lucas really beat up Harrison and there were times it felt like I was watching John McClane's brother! :)

Hang in there

It's been a tough losing streak the past six games, but the team just needs to hang in there...things will get better on their own. With Velez and Bocock now back in Fresno, hopefully it gives them the motivation to work on what they picked up from playing the major league level and get them back soon. At the same time, its pleasing to see more new guys like Travis Denker and Alex Hinshaw getting a chance to get more exposure.

I honestly can't wait to see Zito back on the mound. I personally like the progress he's made the past two games and I do believe he will bounce back, despite what everyone says. The bullpen has struggled lately (Wilson's saves have been shaky) and I think the pre-game meeting Bochy had with them helped lift their spirits a bit.

Can't end this entry without acknowledging Aurilia and Vizquel, who despite age, are showing the youngsters how to persevere, continuously bounce back, and contribute to the team.

Tina Dico at the Nectar Lounge

It was a really warm weekend and what better way to celebrate it than with a Sunday night live music gig....well, late night, that is.....the tix did say 8pm but I don't think the front act even started 'till about 9 and Tina's set was pushed to 10......coincidence or the fact that her latest album's titled "count to ten" :). Anyway, on to the show! Having seen her before when she was doing shows at Chopsuey, I think she's more confident this time and there's something really bright about her, or maybe that was just the lighting :).

She performed a lot of tracks from her latest album, and halfway through the set she did do a medley of songs from her previous albums, and even gave in to a few requests (yes, the folks asked for 'Warm Sand'). Having worked with a band in her other shows I think has added a nice dimension to her performance, but this night when she played acoustic with us, brought out some interesting variations, where I think in some situations the way she played and sang was intended to go with a band behind her, be she continues to perform the same way. And it does work, actually, and really exposes her voice and guitar work.

Pushed far enough

Annika Sorenstam and Justine Henin have both made the judgement that they have pushed far enough and its time to throw in the towel. I've always admired the seriousness that Annika brought to her game. Even when she smiled or laughed a bit, you knew it was never going to last.....her face would turn back to serious (or neutral) and she'd be ready for the next swing. Justine Henin is not too far from that mold, I think. I haven't seen her as much as Annika, but whenever I think of someone who has indeed stretched it far enough or made that full extension to earn every point, I'd think of Justine. It's amazing how much she can do with that frame. Anyway, farewell to you both, and all the best in that next step in your lives.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder?

Watching the news clip on Sergio Garcia after he won the Players Championship, the last thing I thought he would say....and what was on my mind.....he actually said. Smiling, he started his acceptance speech with a thanks to Tiger Woods for not competing in the tournament.

The Anointed One

I was anointed by the pagan goddess :)

One of the things I miss about San Francisco is that it's a major stop for artists. When I heard that Goldfrapp was doing a show at the Warfield, my heart sank. It wasn't until the last week or so when circumstances turned in my favor and I found myself back in SFO just in time to watch a cold-infected Alison courageously sing, among other tracks, Utopia. I was one happy camper :).

QnA from SFGate

Take Notice

In one of my email exchanges to a former co-worker, I got the sad news that she had a diminished interest in the Giants this year and I found myself trying to sell the excitement of the new crew, one highlight of which is how refreshing defense from left field now looks like with Fred Lewis. He again showed this last night when made a perfect relay to throw out Josh Bard from second base. Like I've been saying lately to quite a number of folks, you just have to give this crew a chance. Emmanuel Burris is one of the new additions to the next generation, and he delivered.

Let's not end this entry with all glowing praise to the young guys. Last night's rally, after all, would not have been possible if that old, slow, guy named Bengie Molina hadn't hit a monster homerun off of Trevor Hoffman. Yes, it still pays to have veterans mixed with the kids, because experience is still a valuable commodity, and Bengie's got a lot of it......and a lotta Heart....ya need to impart that trait to the kids as well.

Congrats, Danica!

Danica Patrick's patience and hard work has finally culminated in a win! It's no secret that everyone has been tagging her as a Kournikova-in-the-making, but she really isn't given enough credit and she's no slouch in the racetrack. I'm glad that this win finally helps give her a bit more respect. I'm sure this will magnify her stardom significantly, but moreover, this is a great day for loyal fans. When I last saw her at Infeneon Raceway in Sonoma, her fans cheered her every pass around the track. Her fans in Japan must have been screaming with joy. Cheers, guys!

Wins and Losses

Confidence continues to grow with the new Giants crew. A great balance of youth (Lewis, Castillo, Wilson), seasoned guys (Taschner, Correia, Rowand), and veterans (Molina, Aurilia) came alive last night and I was very satisfied with the win. Sadly, this came in the same evening the Warriors lost to Denver and now fall a game behind in the playoff race. Not that it eliminates them completely....but that would have been a great moral boost.

Not that I'm a big hockey fan, but the Sharks won over Calgary in the NHL playoffs last night.

Is there a loss to balance this one? Hmmm.....how are our football teams rebuilding this off season?

Congrats, Frank!

I think the choice to have Frank Somerville replace Dennis Richmond in the 10 O'Clock news is a great choice. Being a big fan of Mornings on 2, I've always enjoyed Frank's light approach to delivering the news (and how we can easily switch to a serious tone when the news calls for it). Him paired with Ross and Tori make a great team......and that probably leads-in to a bit of sadness for me, as this will most likely split him from that crew (I mean he can't do both morning and evening shifts for sure.......or can he???....nah :) ) I still do my best to catch KTVU here in the Seattle area every chance I get (thanks to my brother's slingbox :) ) and now I'll have more to look forward to for the evening broadcasts. I'll always remember Frank for one of the station's anniversaries when they showed how Frank proposed to his wife (who was a producer or director I think at the time)......it was one of those great moments in local TV.....the camera suddenly turning to her...and there was Frank proposing on the air :)

Anyway, I'm glad you're still at KTVU, Frank, and congratulations on the new evening anchor position!

So who subs for Frank on Mornings on 2 now? (Willie Brown? :) )......just kidding!.....or ammm I???

:)

They'll ramp up soon enough

I've been guilty of impatience myself. But I always find a way to reason with my stubborn side to remember that these guys are fresh and they will make mistakes....they will discover major league play on the job.....they will even mess up routine plays at times. But they will get the hang of it soon enough and the talent that got them here will be revealed.

I was really happy for Daniel Ortmeier last night. My brother was witness to my constant ranting on him during spring training and I think Bochy's (and Lansford's) decision to keep him batting from the right side only has paid off. Personally, I'm just glad he's persevered as much and hope he continues to do so as the long season ahead will definitely test him.

Congratulations also to Jonathan Sanchez and the bullpen, who picked up each other.

A big WOOHOO for Fred Lewis' double play at the plate! I'm sure a lot of folks have to start getting used to outstanding defense from left field now that we've got him patrolling that area :).

First Win of the Season

Finally, one for the win column :) It's been rather depressing the past two games (especially Matt Cain's gem of performance that went unrewarded) so to finally get last night's win (a game-ending double play) is a boost for this crew. It's become apparent, however, that it truly is time to give all the new guys more playing time. They're hungrier, stronger, and it's really refreshing to see new players, especially the ones that are doing well.

Eugenio Velez is as potent as he was in spring training. Jose Castillo came out of nowhere and is a pleasant surprise (he reminds me of Deivi Cruz for some reason). I'm hoping to see more of Fred Lewis and Brian Bocock, and hopefully more of Steve Holm. And Merkin Valdez....wow! He really has rebounded after TJ surgery (also Tyler Walker). But let's not forget the real winner last night: Tim Lincecum. He not only pitched great, he won the game by getting a hit off of Loaiza and eventually scoring on Randy Winn's sacrifice fly.

Assimilation Complete. ST Routines Installed.

Resistance is futile.

Seventh Tree is now in my veins. There is something eerily haunting in Alison's voice and the simple combinations or orchestrations she and Will used for this album.

Watching the DVD (that accompanies a special edition of the album) repeatedly the past couple of days reminds me how much a visual person I am, and in this case...the audio-visual experience just makes me appreciate the album more, especially the instrumental versions of Road to Somewhere and Some People.