The Blue Angels roar– literally– over San Francisco, October 7, 2012.
Category Archives: News
Quickly Returned
“It is an extreme experience – cutting edge wing-sailed catamarans flying at speeds over 30 miles per hour, and a mix of fleet and match racing to test the abilities of the best sailing teams in the world.” (RedBull.com)
I’m vividly and happily reminded of my days– on a far smaller scale– on the waters of Lake Maxinkuckee at Culver Summer Naval School. Much of the sailing terminology and technique I learned more than two decades ago quickly returned to me here in 2012, much to my enjoyment and satisfaction.
This is to say, the America’s Cup World Series has quickly returned to San Francisco Bay this week for round two, following the first go-around in August. “The best sailors” and “the fastest boats” are captivating onlookers from Marina Green this week– including myself obviously.
Despite all this excitement on the water however, it’s not the only game in town. America’s Cup remains just one of many events in a very busy week for San Francisco!
A Post-Presidential Record
On this eve of former President Jimmy Carter’s 88th birthday, a bit of perhaps overlooked presidential trivia is in order. Earlier this month, on September 6 to be exact, Carter broke the record for living the longest post-presidential life. This is not to be confused with the U.S. president who lived the longest life, but rather he who has lived the most time since leaving office. Until this September, the record was held by our 31st president, Herbert Hoover, who left office in 1933 and died in 1964. Now turning another year older but whether living or not, President Carter will hold this quiet distinction for at least the next 20 years!
Former President Jimmy Carter turns 88 on October 1, 2012.
The “Right” Phone?
The iPhone 5 is now officially on its way, almost an entire year after some of us had thought it might be. If you’re wondering if this is indeed the right phone for you, consider a bit of simple reasoning from those supposedly in the know. It seems to be right for me, as I meet the criteria by falling into one of two groups. Therefore, though no sort of tech geek, I’m ready for my new 5 right away. Are you ready for yours?
May The Party Go On…
Not everyone can be a “life-of-the-party type” as she once described herself, nor will anyone ever be quite like her. Still, may those she inspired keep her fabulous wit, wisecracks and energy alive and strong. For an impressive life 95 years long, Phyllis Diller lived hers more than well. She will forever remain a true original.
And Now, “Back to Normal”
The celebrations have ended, the final medal count is in, and the mass exodus has begun. The sun has set on the Games of the XXX Olympiad, completing one more chapter in athletic history and leaving the world with a fresh batch of indelible memories. While Her Majesty did not attend the Closing Ceremony, instead we got the Spice Girls, Eric Idle and a giant octopus. Two amazing weeks have ceremoniously come and gone, and now amid post-Olympic pride and glory London can get “back to normal,” whatever this might mean.
A Voice of Reason
Amid the political hysteria and seeming abandonment of common sense surrounding gay marriage comments by the CEO of Chick-fil-A, a refreshing voice of reason has now emerged with which I entirely concur. I’m happy to say I support marriage equality, freedom of speech and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
Protestors against the Atlanta-based chicken restaurant chain are all too quick to cry out accusations of discrimination. The irony here, however, is that any potential discrimination is not on the part of Dan Cathy’s operation, but rather his opposition. Thankfully Mayor Bloomberg recognizes this distinction and appears wise enough not to follow suit with others in his position. What will be wiser is for the others to align with Bloomberg.
I disagree with Mr. Cathy’s position on gay marriage and “family values.” Still, he has the right to his beliefs, and– though in my opinion unwise for any business that relies on a customer base to take a stand on any polarizing political issue– he has the right to express it. It’s simple freedom of speech, appropriate or not.
In turn, we the customers have the right to choose to either patronize or steer clear of a Chick-fil-A. Anyone behind the counter will be happy to take money from a Christian, a Jew, a Muslim, an atheist, a gay, or a martian, because it’s just another customer ordering a chicken sandwich. After all, as the company states on its website: “We appreciate all of our customers and are glad to serve them at any time.” Mr. Cathy has not declared that gay people are unwelcome in his restaurants; this in itself would be illegal and a reason to react. Instead, he simply expressed his viewpoints, which– disagree with them as I do– are his to have. Moreover, given decades of running the business on “biblical principles”, none of this should come as any surprise.
Am I going to develop a complex and feel inferior if I choose to enter a Chick-fil-A? Absolutely not. Such complaints against the company seem entirely unfounded, as no instances of discrimination or harassment have been cited. It seems that anyone who goes in for a piece of chicken will receive the same, equal level of “second-mile” customer service, just as Mr. Cathy’s operation has pledged to provide all along.
Neither the chain as a whole nor the CEO himself is going to determine the outcome of gay marriage in this country. However, some will attempt to “better” the situation by making it worse. So in the meantime, have a Chick-fil-A sandwich, or don’t. Either way, listen to Mayor Bloomberg! His voice of reason shapes my own.
Let The Games Begin!
The Games of the XXX Olympiad are here of course, kicked off with a “unique” and well-watched opening ceremony that seems to have left impressions one way or another. As our favorite events unfold– men’s cycling already got going on day one– plenty of opening ceremony photos are just a click away.
Fini, et Pas Fini
Paris came and went, again, as 2162 miles of hard hammering are now “fini.” After three weeks of enjoying my routine, on this morning the routine is over. No new day of competition is waking me up at 5:30.
While last year marked Australia’s moment, this year the highest honor goes for the first time to Great Britain. And yes, “The Missile” did indeed take the final stage one more time. Altogether, broadcast withdrawals notwithstanding, here’s to the exciting and successful completion of the 99th Tour de France.
The final stage winner hammers just behind 2012’s overall Tour winner.
Bob Roll commented yesterday that every year more and more spectators decorate the roadsides of France. As the planning for next year’s Tour progresses, I have to wonder about crowd control, or in some cases lack thereof. After all, given such alarming incidents as loose dogs, burning flares and scattered tacks, not to mention increasingly chaotic and ever-diminishing road space for cyclists to reach their marks, I would imagine in many cases a bit more order would be most appreciated. Yes, “C’est Le Tour,” but still– to a point.
How fitting that Great Britain dominated the 2012 Tour, just in time for the Olympic Games to kick off in London! After an intense three weeks in France, now it’s on to the next riveting chapters of athletic competition. All the while, I’m pleased to have gotten in my own ride on every single day of the Tour, logging just over 500 miles in my own saddle during this period. It’s not 2162 unfortunately, given the limitations of time and local roads, but at least almost a fourth that number for this amateur. C’est mon Tour, though thankfully– I’m “pas fini.”
A British One-Two into Paris
Twenty days of racing complete, 153 competitors still in the game, and but one stage remaining– this of course tomorrow’s grand finale. The third week of Le Tour de France has magnificently come and gone, leaving behind yet one more batch of remarkable accomplishments and impressive finishes.
And now it’s on to Paris, for the Tour’s big finish on the Champs Elysees. Considering the men in first and second place overall are both riding for Great Britain– Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome respectively– it’s a “British One-Two” as Tour commentators put it. Then, if “The Missile” Mark Cavendish from The Isle of Man wins tomorrow’s final stage once again, perhaps it will be called a British One-Two-Plus. We’ll see!
Say What?
An astounding 43 riders are now out– more than one-fifth the starting roster– while the remaining peloton has shown itself to be just plain tired, apart from having to deal with such disgraces as Sunday’s tack incident. Not a moment too soon has come the second rest day of the Tour de France, as now 155 battle-scarred professional cyclists move ever closer to Paris. Just how many will make it remains to be seen at this point.
Meanwhile on this rest day, one of my new favorite photos of this year’s Tour deserves a smile. So classically French as it is, in the spirit of The New Yorker I’d love to know what this spirited Frenchman might be saying. Caption anyone?
(The winning caption goes here.)
With Plenty More to Come!
On this Bastille Day, with 13 stages of Le Tour now behind us, the epic cycling event is now two-thirds of the way to its annual grand finish in Paris. From the raw energy of today’s photo finish, to the unfortunate greater-than-usual loss of 35 riders at this point, the ongoing excitement of such remarkable sportsmanship carries the 99th Tour de France into its third and final week, with plenty more fantastic stage finishes like these to come!
With the climbs of the Pyrenees next up, closer and closer these 163 remaining professionals come to their grand and well-deserved finale. Before long we’ll once again be enjoying the Champs-Elysees!
Triumphant on the Flats
After six stages and the prologue, the first week of the 2012 Tour de France has coasted into history with plenty of memorable results and of course no shortage of coverage.
Here’s to a week of truly triumphant finishes on relatively flat stretches of road!
Next come the mountains following this predominantly flat week, bringing with them a certain reshuffling of stage winners. In other words, we may not be seeing a fourth victory photo of young Peter Sagan right away. Stay tuned!
Vive Le Tour, Encore!
My favorite sporting event of the year is well underway. Here on the first day of the second half of the year, Stage 1 of the 2012 Tour de France is rolling through not France incidentally, but eastern Belgium. The city of Liege marks this year’s starting point, following yesterday’s individual time trial prologue.
As usual this time of year, I know how a good chunk of my free time will be spent– watching NBC Sports that is– likely around 5:30am to catch some live moments of this exciting professional cycling action.
From there comes the continued accumulation of my own road cycling mileage, which I’m happy to report more than doubled in the first half of 2012 compared to the same period of 2011, putting me at a modest yet respectable 2,106 miles so far this year. If this number sounds like a lot, keep in mind the fact it happens to be 55 miles less than the total distance of the current Tour de France itself!
After sacrificing pedaling for motorcycling in ’10 and ’11, I’ve since happily reignited my cycling discipline and kicked back up my overall mileage. Still, my personal record is not about to be broken, as I’d have to triple my latest figure in order to exceed my 2008 total of just over 6,200 miles. At this point, two-thirds of this record by the end of 2012 will be more than satisfactory.
Meanwhile of course, for the next three weeks once again, vive le tour!
Our Own Pride
Taking the positive with the negative– from a time of celebratory self-expression to a massive and exhausting crowd worth avoiding altogether– another San Francisco Pride weekend has come and gone. As the city now thankfully returns to “normal”– of course a relative term around here– the history behind this longstanding annual event is not far from my mind. Despite a seemingly endless street mess among various unruly elements scattered about, all in all it’s good to remember the fortunate reality that each of us has the right to our own Pride, however it might, or might not, be expressed.
Following The Jubilee…
Here’s to her impressive 60 years as monarch, though of course not a record for her position. This will come roughly three and a half years from now, and I’d say it’s a safe bet she’ll make it. Either way, at least for now Great Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II might finally get some rest upon the conclusion of four days of celebration for her diamond jubilee. If not Her Majesty herself, the city of London may very well need the time to recoup. After all, with jubilee celebrations now at an end, the London Olympics are quite soon to begin!
Go West!
Finally! Relieved cyclists are at long last returning to the west sidewalk of the Golden Gate Bridge, thanks to its much-anticipated and very necessary reopening this week. This of course comes just in time for the iconic landmark’s big 75th anniversary celebration this weekend, while not a moment too soon– as I’ve said before— for us cyclists simply tired of having to navigate the narrow and overcrowded east walkway. For months the bridge’s east side has been nothing more than a maddening pedestrian obstacle course. Now, happily enough, the madness is all over, at least for now if not– fingers crossed– for good.
Finally a reality once again, thankfully so!
This lengthy and unfortunate cycling inconvenience came about, as you may very well know, thanks to south-end construction of the new Golden Gate Bridge entry plaza and Bridge Pavilion, which has now finished up right on schedule with this weekend’s anniversary festivities. Not only did the work wipe away existing pathway access to the west sidewalk, but bridge officials apparently decided not to let cyclists pass through the service area or alongside the toll booths, which would have been perfectly fine with me. Instead we waited– and suffered– until now, as finally the time has come for cyclists to “go west” once again.
Happy 75th, Golden Gate. I’m looking forward to my first west-side crossing in far too long. Plus, seeing as the new pathway from the plaza to the west sidewalk is much improved over the previous, wider and smoother that is, in the end it looks like we cyclists have been rewarded!
Let’s See More…
The 2012 Tour of California Finishes in Downtown L.A.
A professional cycling race making its way along Sunset Boulevard through West Hollywood was truly an impressive and memorable sight to behold today. Indeed this was the first time the Amgen Tour of California featured such a route, along a stretch of roadway my own bicycle knows all too well– at somewhat slower speeds among a few more cars of course. Still, to see the peloton hammer through such familiar territory was nothing less than an honor and an inspiration.
As plans evolve for 2013, I hope the Tour of California decides to bring road racing back to even more of L.A., to some exciting and challenging streets yet to be conquered. Mulholland Drive, anyone? In any case, let’s see some more of this in our own backyard. May today’s first not be the last!
Beyond Awesome
In addition to the Tour of California, another major professional cycling event currently taking place is of course the 2012 Giro d’Italia. One of my favorite racing powerhouses, “fastest man on two wheels” Mark Cavendish, continues to prove he’s beyond awesome in taking today’s Stage 13 in the northwestern town of Cervere, as we see above. No matter how it all ends on May 27, Cavendish and his numerous awesome competitors are already fueling my anticipation of this year’s Tour de France, come June 30!
“What The Hell’s The Presidency For?”
In light of one refreshingly frank rhetorical question from President Lyndon Johnson almost 50 years ago, President Obama might very well be asking himself the same thing today. Considering Mr. Obama’s now-clarified support of same-sex marriage, it seems a very solid question on which to base his announcement.
In addition to the expected widespread liberal praise, agreement with the president’s viewpoint is coming even from conservative sources. Former Bush Solicitor General Ted Olson, who more than two years ago wrote the conservative case for gay marriage, wasted no time yesterday in reminding us Mr. Obama has it right. In fact, Mr. Olson goes on to articulate precisely the argument that too often seems to be forgotten:
“How many citizens would have voted to continue separate-but-equal schools, if you’d put that to a vote in 1954? In fact, in 1967, there were 14 states that prohibited interracial marriages, indeed made interracial marriages a felony, and the Supreme Court struck down those laws unanimously in 1967.” (Avlon, DB 5/9/12)
It’s been said before and will be said again: Civil rights, for any group at any time, need not be put to a popular vote. Why gay marriage continues to be left to “the will of the people” certainly baffles many of us. Nevertheless, President Obama has now placed himself in the position of initiating some real and permanent change on this matter, while perhaps drawing on the experience of LBJ. After all, the question that rang true in 1963 should certainly carry its weight in most any circumstance.
Regardless of what comes next, at least Mr. Obama is no longer “evolving.” And in spite of all the tension, argument and debate, we always need a good chuckle!
A Sight to Remember
Washingtonians were treated to an impressive sight this past Tuesday, one that might not be seen again anytime soon. The photos deserve a good look, as we bow to this truly unparalleled transportation marvel.
Don’t Freak Out.
“Raising a national fuss because a few public employees chose sex over reading good books in their off-hours is an American pastime.”
“(They) may have violated their employers’ rules, but they hadn’t broken any laws.”
“Maybe… we could just learn to shrug our shoulders.”
I was thinking of writing something on the topic. Then I quickly discovered the words had already been extracted from my mind and written for me. How convenient. Thoughtful even.
Essentially it’s all summed up for you above, unless of course you simply must now read the entire well-worded thing. Very well then, go right ahead. Just don’t “freak out.”
Later Than Sooner
We knew it would happen sooner or later; it just happened to come a little later than sooner. Whether or not Rick Santorum’s departure from the presidential race really pleases Jesus, at least now– as I discussed here not too long ago– the Republican nomination might proceed more logically. At the same time, we can always count on another fitting “text from Hillary” to sum up the situation with a humorous one-liner!
Keeping The Momentum Going
It’s time to bring Idaho to California. While certainly not the first to say it, I’m joining the chorus.
The issue at hand: Bicycles and stop signs. In California, the law dictates that cyclists must always come to a complete stop. (Yeah, right.) The debate has been around for a long time, and it always seems to get pushed once again to the forefront when someone gets hurt or killed.
It’s important for cyclists to yield to cars and pedestrians, to stop when necessary, and to not kill ourselves or anyone else. Stopping at every uncrowded intersection, however, is simply not conducive to the physics of cycling, especially the kind of high-speed road sprinting that my fellow racers and I enjoy. Recreational and commuter bicyclists might stop more easily, but they too shouldn’t have to always do so just because it’s “the law.” And as I look carefully for cars and pedestrians in my path that would cue my need to stop, I’m tired of having to also look around for cops before rolling through an otherwise-deserted intersection.
This brings us to Idaho. The law there permits bicyclists to treat a stop sign as a yield and roll through it under certain circumstances, meaning… when it’s harmless to do so! This is hardly a novel concept; in fact it’s exactly what I and so many other cyclists already do everyday, in all those instances when simple practicality trumps the letter of the law.
It would just be nice if we didn’t have to risk being stopped and ticketed for safe judgment, common sense, and keeping the momentum going!
About Those Fools…
Unlike other years, in finding myself wondering this time around what the day really means, I decided to read up on it. Fortunately for me, as April 1 now draws to a close, I seem to have emerged unscathed. It looks like the same might not be said however for Mitt Romney!
Hold The Outrage, Thank You
Were you “outraged” by any comments, jokes or insults floating around in the media universe yesterday? I most certainly hope you were not. If however you were, then you missed the “National Day of No Outrage,” brought to us by comedian Bill Maher via his op-ed last week.
“Let’s have an amnesty– from the left and the right– on every made-up, fake, totally insincere, playacted hurt, insult, slight and affront. Let’s make this Sunday the National Day of No Outrage. One day a year when you will not find some tiny thing someone did or said and pretend you can barely continue functioning until they apologize.” (Bill Maher, The New York Times, March 21, 2012)
Thank you, Mr. Maher. I could not agree with you more, except to take the practice a step or two further by instituting the same kind of national week, then even a national month, and so on and so forth until all “outrage” has been purged from everyone’s bodies! Then maybe– just maybe– personalities can freely say what they will, offend a few viewers or listeners along the way– which is par for the course– and wake up to see another day without a big chunk of everyone’s time wasted on yet another silly, forced apology. After all, with another nod to Maher’s reasoning, who wants to live in a society where nothing ever offends anyone? How utterly boring! And remember, there’s a big difference between being “offended” and being “outraged.” Think about this.
Until this time comes, at least we have Maher’s second piece of solid, sound and refreshingly simple advice to practice daily while learning to coexist:
“If you see or hear something you don’t like in the media, just go on with your life. Turn the page or flip the dial or pick up your roll of quarters and leave the booth.”
And that’s our coexisting opinion!
By No Other Name
My favorite annual day of indulgence and festivity comes tomorrow, falling on a sure-to-be bustling, spirited and office-free Saturday this year. As always, my green wardrobe is ready to go! We’re talking of course about what could only be called St. Patrick’s Day– or — does it now have another name?
Apparently someone has renamed our joyous Irish holiday, in a move that’s simply preposterous, outlandish and asinine! Seeing as “stupid”, “ridiculous” and “illogical” have already been used, I must add to the list of appropriate descriptors. If you have your own to include, do share!
There can never be another name for St. Patrick’s Day. Any such attempt is certainly nothing more than “political correctness gone too far.”
“Beware The Ides of March”
“The Ides of March are come.”
“Ay, Caesar, but not gone.”
This ominous historical date has acquired a superstitious aura, akin to Friday the 13th.
The Ides of March marks the day of Julius Caesar’s assassination in 44 B.C., while coming to be known as a day to “beware.”
On the other hand, this line sums it up well: “But bad things happen every day– we just notice them more on days of heightened superstition.” (Judkis, WP Style Blog) In this case, fear not!
Not One Ride Soon Enough!
It closed, it opened, and then it closed again. The word is the Golden Gate Bridge bicycle lane will reopen– hopefully for good this time– by “the beginning of April.”
More Saturdays than not so far this year, I’m one of many cyclists “forced” to brave the bridge’s narrow, crowded, east-side walkway to Marin, then later a second time when even more congested and unruly– back across to San Francisco. In a rare moment of not dodging slow-moving, seemingly oblivious, camera-snapping packs of pedestrians, I glance across lanes of traffic to an empty, lifeless west-side bikeway– not a worker in sight– spotting no visual reason as to why on a Saturday, an obvious day off from the bridge’s current repairs, this very necessary stretch should remain closed. And then it’s back to the “obstacles” ahead.
Suffice to say, the beginning of April cannot come one ride soon enough!
Math + Logic = ________
At this point it’s all about the math. In the wake of Super Tuesday, the race for the Republican presidential nomination appears to be leaning all the more in favor of the largely presumed winner.
“Super Tuesday dramatically reduced the likelihood that any of Governor Romney’s opponents can obtain the Republican nomination. As Governor Romney’s opponents attempt to ignore the basic principles of math, the only person’s odds of winning they are increasing are President Obama’s.” (Rich Beeson)
In other words, it’s time for even the most conservative Republicans to put logic ahead of emotion, if this is at all possible. From my own selectively objective, somewhat journalistic, ideally non-partisan viewpoint, I echo the common sentiment that Republicans of all degrees need to rally around Mitt Romney for even the slightest chance of winning the White House come November.
This is where the math comes in. Romney holds a majority of delegates so far allocated, and from what I heard on a talk radio program today, Santorum would have to win two-thirds of all remaining delegates to clinch the nomination, a basically insurmountable task. Gingrich and Paul, meanwhile, barely deserve a mention at this point. And for anyone who didn’t already know this: Rick Santorum is just plain unelectable by our general population. Nominating him, however unlikely, would simply hand President Obama his reelection.
As such, one question for the GOP to answer in the next several weeks is this: Will logic back up the math?
And this is really not just my opinion, if my opinion at all.
Ryan R. Sanderson 