weblog

July 16th, 2003

Lupo Solutions is off the ground, having already helped many new customers. I hope the new job at OfficeDepot allows some time to continue to assist my friends...

July 9th, 2003

Summer Movies! I saw Matrix Reloaded and Terminator 3 this week while Eliza was in Paris. The Matrix delivered better action scenes, the Matrix freeway chase scene being particularly enjoyable in contrast with the textbook helicopter crash in a tunnel performed by Arnold. Don't get me wrong though, Arnold will always be cooler than Keanu, no matter how much karate he knows. I actually think it is funny how archaic the zombie-like trudging Arnold would look when pitted against many of the newer, skinnier super heroes. Another interesting comparison in the two movies is that no wardrobe gains as many cool points as leather (maybe they use it so when the stuntman goes crashing through a cement wall while hanging from a crane, he gets no bruises?). Anyway movie magic has come a long way in the area of effects, but rehashing the same plot to make a three-quel is not all that inventive. Entertaining, but not enough to make me sit and watch the credits.

June 25th, 2003

While performing the first oil change on the Suzuki, I discovered some other maintenance will be required soon. The rear tire is heavily worn, and the chain has a LOT of play in it. I have definitely felt a jerkiness. I wonder if that is do to my poor throttle control or just normal wear. The bike had 8000 miles on it when purchased from The Fresno Kid, and I have only added about 4000 miles since. Need a rear-stand.

Eliza has completed the final stage of Grand Bethel, passing the baton to her little sis. With the baton comes and endless supply of tchotchkes and a giant crab.

June 8th, 2003

Davis ride. Write-up on trips page soon.

June 4th, 2003

Been busy working for friends, selling their stuff on Craigslist. It's fun doing research and then learning all about something you never thought would matter. Like Victrola phonographs and Coca-Cola vending machines.

May 31st, 2003

Jack London's novel, Valley of the Moon, chronicles a fictional road trip by a young working-class couple in their struggle to find a better life in the country from that of unionized Oakland during a violent labor strike period. They learn of a life in harmony with the land, each other, and beholden to no one. Despite its almost absurd racist overtones, it is a successful analysis of the failures of democracy, socialism, and capitalism. I am not quite through reading it, but so far he has not reached a pat conclusion or solution for the common man. The characters are extremely likable in the typical London fashion, with common sense and hunger for knowledge, in particular Saxon, his best realized female protagonist.

May 29th, 2003

My favorite TV chef, Lidia Bastianovich, made three fun dishes with filet of sole today. She has such a great repertoire. She reminds me of my (now deceased) family and their passion for cooking and eating. I got her cookbook for my birthday, and have already made a Zuppa di Broccoli e Lenticchie and Spaghettini di Aglio e Oglio. I know these are simple dishes, but simplicity can taste so good! I look forward to making many more of her creations. Check out her show and you will be pleased with the authenticity and style.

May 26th, 2003

Check the sale area for some newer items.

Today Eliza and I breakfasted at one of our favorite spots, the Blue Front Cafe on Haight Street. For $6, you get a great meal with unlimited coffee, and an endless supply of interesting people to watch. We discussed the impact that films like Pulp Fiction have had on our generation of artists and beatniks. Is gore necessary to gain notoriety and fame? Have we lost sight of other constructs and methods to grab the viewer's attention? Is the media really to blame for the desensitization of America's youth, or is it inattentive parents during the critical early years of development? Does Janice secretly wish to be kissed by a frog? A consensus was not crystallized, but an enjoyable discussion was had by all. Later we finally got her a leather jacket, after searching for months. A beautiful horsehide bomber with faux fur collar and wool fleece lining for only $40! Unbeleivable. Can't wait until summer when we can ride two-up to some of our favorite places, maybe even camp under the stars!

May 25th, 2003

Eliza was recognized for her trials as Jobie Grand Bethel girl tonight. A memorable occasion, and a smashing success with refreshments afterwards. A fresh deluge of bizarre crabby cowgirl trinkets, tchotchkes, and trash engulfed the apartment. Next begins the Herculean task of sorting and storing all of it for future incarnations of Grand Bethel Representative to Maryland and Texas.

May 24th, 2003

Great stuff for sale. Some furniture and a camera. I am helping a friend to sell some of her things so she can move to a new residence. Get yours today!

May 23rd, 2003

My friend Tiger who attends Cal Poly has recently put up a website as an assignment for his MIS class. ZUKE71 is a site that originated as a part of this same assignment. Now in its third incarnation, I feels good to finally get some content up.

I recently wrote a few thoughts about my good times driving in the FireAm (pictured below). I want to share them with you.

This car was best enjoyed tearing along country roads, up through the hills to the lake, with your girl beside you, squealing breathlessly for more speed. Roaring along a central valley farm road, with your best friend in his 67 Mustang thundering alongside at redline and only the moon as a witness. She was amazingly good-natured at speed, with steering surprisingly only slightly lighter at 120mph from the usual rock-solid. When tuned just right, she had a surly but mellow exhaust tone that bespake adrenaline and youthful hooliganism. She often rumbled along the back roads between Davis and Woodland at midnight, hurtling toward infinity and fate. The first time I shifted her into fifth above 90mph, ear-shattering grins lit the night like halogen lamps and rebellious war yelps lept out towards the blurred blackness.

May 21st, 2003

How do you tell if you're a Unitarian? I wondered too. Check out the FAQ.

May 12th, 2003

Rides page updated. Gonna add more pics soon. Can't figure out where to put 'em... how about this:

April 30th, 2003

Like-new Pentax ZX-50 35mm SLR camera for sale!

April 25th, 2003

What is Baghdad-by-the-Bay? San Francisco, the town I recently relocated to! If you want to learn more about San Francisco, check out MisterSF who has a lot of information about the people, places, and institutions of this great town.