Category Archives: Current Events
Into Cycling History.
Congratulations to my personal favorite Peter Sagan on a fantastic final stage win, alongside of course American Tejay van Garderen on his overall victory. With this the 2013 Amgen Tour of California rides into cycling history. Meanwhile, in Italy…
In My Own Backyard…
While more than two hundred make their way through Italy, a smaller number of the big boys are back in the Golden State for our own annual week of pro cycling competition– of course the Amgen Tour of California. From Santa Clarita through Ojai into Santa Barbara yesterday, it’s onward north today in this year’s first-time reverse of course direction. For as much as I love watching these guys hammer through Europe, it’s all the more exciting to see them in my own backyard, on the very roads my own bike knows all too well!
Peter Sagan takes Stage 3 in Santa Clarita.
Tyler Farrar wins Stage 4 in Santa Barbara.
“Oh, Mr. Hill…”
A Recommended Read
Through his humble and straightforward narrative style, I can hear her breathy voice calling his name, be it in amusement, annoyance, or a unique combination of the two. The deeply personal recounting of so many private yet fascinating moments yields a refreshing portrait of a woman subjected to so many portraits– in this case one without drama, sensation or agenda. Clint Hill takes us, his readers, on a one-on-one historical journey that only he can tell. And though “that day” came more than a decade before my birth, his frank and detailed words drew me in close enough to feel as if I were right there alongside him on November 22, 1963.
For all that’s been written about First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy over the past half century, only the U.S. Secret Service Agent assigned to her detail holds the otherwise unrecorded memories to write as he does. And Mr. Hill writes well in “Mrs. Kennedy and Me,” despite a few cases of grammatical usage that his proofreader apparently missed. She returns to life throughout these pages as calculating yet reasonable, demanding yet understanding, mischievous yet respectful– and the descriptors can easily go on. As her voice speaks through the pages, above all else I imagine her picking up a copy from beyond, glancing at it with a stunned yet captivated expression, and in disbelief that yet another entire book has been written about her, immediately calling out, “Oh, Mr. Hill…”
And They’re Off!
On the same day as the Kentucky Derby triggers the finest in large and colorful headwear while filling drinking establishments throughout the country, a second race in another country gets out the gate– one that lasts a little longer than two minutes. It’s May once again, meaning the Giro d’Italia is off and running! And with a Cavendish win to kick off stage one, it looks like the gears are well in place for a good show over the next three weeks. So begins the latest round of exciting competition in professional cycling!
Softened or Not…
“Just as the public tends to view presidents more kindly once they’ve left office, ex-presidents, too, tend to soften their judgments – or at least their public comments – with time.” (Huffington Post, 25 April 2013)
Softened or not, I always appreciate the rare occasion on which to view all living former U.S. presidents, among the current, in the same eyeshot. Today’s gathering reminds me of another classic below from 1994, except in the present case no death was involved. Naturally, some change with time more than others.
It’s Time.
“Really? So THAT’S how it happened?! What a letdown.” At least this was my first line of thought. Moments later my second mental train departed, leaving me reassuring myself: “Oh, ok. Maybe this really was the right way to do it after all. I suppose this season finale does make sense when you think about it.”
And now– dare I say– it makes even more sense to call it quits. While certainly the last person to want to say this, I must be realistic, as too should any true series follower. Larry Hagman is dead, and so now is J.R. Ewing. The villains have been rounded up if not eliminated. Points of peace have been reached, at least among the principal players. And speaking of Principal, Victoria will not be stopping by. J.R. executed his masterpiece while voluntarily extinguishing himself. Ultimately slipping past any killer’s hands, he dictated the manner of his death– and with justifiable reason. While a disappointment this long-in-coming revelation initially seemed, the most fitting sendoff it settled in to be.
After 35 years, it’s time now for “Dallas” to be done, for good. J.R. and all that comes with him have been laid to rest, so it seems. How could it– and why should it– go on? There’s only so much nostalgia to be milked, which could soon wear painfully thin. Unfortunate as it is to have to say, I believe we best lay all the Ewings to rest on this momentary high note.
Typically The Case
“The death on Monday of an attractive, memorable woman with a beaming smile was particularly stirring and evocative, particularly for males of a certain age. She seemed to embody the era and excite our emotions. I am not referring to Margaret Thatcher, of course. I mean Annette Funicello, the most famous of Walt Disney’s original Mouseketeers of the “Mickey Mouse Club,” whose death in California at the age of 70 was announced a few hours after Thatcher’s.” (Burman, Toronto Star, 4/13/13)
Controversial in life yet honored in death, former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher posthumously stirs varied memories while reigniting a healthy range of social debate. But then, is this not typically the case upon the passing of a popular yet polarizing political figure?
She was hated– detrimentally so it appears– yet in opposing circles she is mourned, difficult as this might seem to those who will do anything but. Again, typical is this not?
“In the days leading up to Thatcher’s funeral, there will be considerable contortions on the part of commentators to be reverent and polite when speaking of the dead,” Mr. Burman explains. Reverence and politeness notwithstanding, while popular among many as she will forever stand in history, others might rather think first of Annette. Once more, that T word pops up.
Only Yesterday.
What a telling difference the past two decades– rapid in hindsight as they seem– have made on the fundamental social landscape of New York City. While distinctly recalling my stroll around Midtown Manhattan on the day of President Clinton’s first inauguration, I must now remind myself that 20 years have since passed. Really, 20? There was not a Starbucks to be found, yet somehow we survived. Has the year 1993 really become synonymous with a bygone era, when we stopped to use a pay phone? I’ve often pointed out that those born in 1974 are about the last to have entered adulthood without today’s taken-for-granted “conveniences.” From 1993 onward the changes quickly yet somehow seamlessly rerouted our lives, which the current exhibition aptly illustrates. Said for ages I say once more: It seems like only yesterday.
When in Inverness…
A unique, unexpected and tasty surprise it is. Quietly tucked away along Marin County’s Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, just a few miles northwest of Point Reyes in the little town of Inverness, lies a family-run dining establishment that’s been around for quite some time. Suffice to say, it immediately called to me. Once the menu was before my eyes on the front door, I knew this would be the site of my evening’s meal. In the end, disappointment was nowhere to be found. The garlic rabbit proved as delicious as it sounded. As such, I highly recommend the Vladimir’s experience, whenever you might wander into the area. Just be sure you have cash or a checkbook, as credit cards are an unknown concept. Fortunately, friendly service is not!
Deliciously Covered
Along the many paths between San Francisco and Los Angeles come stops, the best of which involve food of course. From the signature calf’s liver at Westlake’s Grill on the Alley, to Monterey’s fine presentation of jumbo sea scallops at Passionfish, let’s just say the routes are deliciously covered. Luckily for my waistline, my birthday week comes but once a year. Where– and what– will you be eating during yours?
Green As Ever…
And the Chicago tradition lives on, as Robert F. Monaghan smiles down on us– with drink in hand no doubt. Happy St. Patrick’s Day 2013!
Full Speed Ahead
The much-anticipated cameos came, and respects were properly paid. The scheduled demise of the character appropriately trailed the unscheduled death of the actor. Now comes yet another new chapter of the saga, as the plot of present-day “Dallas” charges full speed ahead in his memory. J.R. Ewing may be as dead and gone as Larry Hagman in body, but even from beyond it appears he’s steering the course for his family. Thankfully his “work” is living on, at least through the remainder of season two! I for one am looking forward to the grand revelation of J.R.’s so-called “masterpiece,” pieces of which any “Dallas” nostalgist might be able to predict.
Just Like Old Times
It sure is nice to be back in the saddle on Pacific Coast Highway, especially on such a fine Saturday as this.
Doing It Right.
The portions are large and the temperature hot! While unfortunately this cannot always be said for many popular dining establishments, thankfully one of my San Francisco favorites knows what’s important. My previous glowing review stands, even if liver is no longer a daily option. From the rich and hearty beef bourguignonne to one sizable and flavorful marsala pork chop, my menu exploration will most certainly continue. I highly recommend your own visit the next time you find yourself on the Marina-Presidio border. It’s refreshingly clear that now after 40 years of practice, Liverpool Lil’s leads the way in doing it right.
Endurance.
It’s all in the name, and I’m counting on this allegedly longer-lasting make. Let’s just say that in 600 miles of cycling so far in 2013, this has not been my year.
First came a broken shifter cable, annoying yet simple and inexpensive enough to fix. Then a week later came not one– but two!– sidewall punctures on a brand-new set of tires, from which these aptly named replacements came about. Apparently two “occasions” were insufficient vexation for a one-month riding period, because this past week produced a slip and a recovery, ending in– crack! The result: A broken carbon seat post.
Now I’m back in the saddle once again. This series of rare setbacks to “endure” had me momentarily down, but certainly far from out. With 45 miles today, it appears I’m off to a solid restart. We’ll just have to wait and see if these tires keep pace with my psyche. After all, in both name and practice, it’s about: Endurance.
The Entire Lot
At least now I know a new member of the family is on the way. Naturally the spot for the 2014 CLA grabbed and held my attention. Otherwise, with nods to a band of mischievous senior citizens, a supremely confident young Audi driver, and the indelible words of the late great Paul Harvey, the entire lot this year struck me as rather lackluster. While Tide did amusingly remind us that “no stain is sacred,” my overall impression remains.
So comes and goes another colorful installment of Super Bowl commercials. I’m left with just about as little to say as last year, with nowhere near as much to applaud as two years ago. This time around the game itself proved the more interesting show, close but not close enough as it turned out for San Francisco!
His Swan Song
Who’d have thought two or three decades ago that we’d be watching a brand new episode in January 2013? Then, who’d have thought such an event would be happening after the death of the show’s iconic star and irreplaceable centerpiece?
Season two of “Dallas” is off and running. Of course Larry Hagman passed away last November, midway through production of this second round of new episodes. As such tonight’s premiere is bittersweet. We get to see a severely aging J.R. a few more final times, knowing there’s no negotiation on his departure.
As the latest storylines rapidly spin beyond the point of even remote belief, and as we dare not blink in keeping up with exactly who’s one-upping who among the entire corrupt lot, the biggest question will certainly keep all true “Dallas” fans tuned in over the course of the next few weeks: Just how exactly will J.R. exit?
Blink I did not, as in paying close attention to the series of quick frames during the closing credits, my eye caught precisely what was placed there to be found. Apparently we’ll be seeing some more “old” faces this season. J.R.’s swan song, which began tonight, looks like it will grow into a well-attended event. While I could have waited, now under the circumstsances I can’t wait.
His Latest Entrance Before His Final Exit
Before Sunrise…
Burning nearly a thousand calories before 8am is certainly a fine way to start the day. It’s even finer when pedaling across the Golden Gate and up Hawk Hill to the top of the Marin Headlands, all before sunrise.
Looking East Across The Bay, Just After 7am.
One More To Go
The 49ers are heading to the Super Bowl, three months of course after the Giants took the World Series. This could be one big winning sports year yet for San Francisco. One more to go guys!
Well done Kaepernick & team!
Another “Short” One
From the Golden Gate Bridge south into Daly City, it was a great start before my having to cut it short for time.
At Last, His First Steps
He made mistakes– big, grave mistakes. Many people were hurt severely, and plenty of legal business remains. Now after part two of his Oprah interview, I do believe Lance Armstrong is sorry. I also continue to believe this cocky, arrogant survivor deserves to earn gradual forgiveness over time, based on his actions from here forward to repair some of the damage within his capabilities. His first steps have begun.
It’s certainly no surprise that far more bad than good has been said about the now-banned professional cyclist in the past 24 hours. Various talking heads– myself excluded– seem to be taking the easy road by belittling his interview, writing off his explanations as somehow not good enough. But then, how could they ever be?
Lance has an ego no doubt, and he’s holding onto it wherever he can. This is to be expected. Then when it comes to his children, the ego falls and emotion takes charge. Once again, Lance is human. Nevertheless, his interview is neither surreal nor jaw-dropping, and unlike Oprah, I was not mesmerized. He’s doing what he can today, forced into it as he might be, mindful of the deep hole he dug for himself– and I am listening. Still, it appears nothing he says– no way of phrasing it or spelling it out– will ever be good enough for his critics and his enemies. He remains in a no-win situation of his own making.
Lance knows this is a tough time, though understandably not the most difficult he’s lived through next to his advanced cancer diagnosis. He knows many if not most people will never believe him now– that it’s too late– that he’s made his own bed. Would he like to compete again? Of course he would! I could have answered that before he did. Will he? It’s unlikely at this point, though we’ll see what transpires.
Remorse will prove itself and forgiveness will be earned– so at least I can hope. Mistakes were made, lies were perpetuated, lives were greatly affected– and today, the past is just that. Like it or not, the doped-up, lying, seven-time Tour de France champion-turned-disgrace has now– at last– taken his first steps on his new road to some form of redemption. From here, we– like he– must only look ahead.
Life “After Oprah”
He did not invent the culture, but he also did not try to stop the culture. This among many truths speaks volumes in part one of Oprah’s much-anticipated– if not overly pre-discussed– interview of Lance Armstrong.
There’s much to say about the disgraced cyclist, and no doubt much is already being said in the wake of tonight’s airing– all which I’ve yet to read upon this writing. For now, I take away this: Lance is a man, a human being, and as he readily admits, deeply flawed. At this late point there are no surprises, no shocking revelations, and no reasons for continued outrage. What happened– in terms of his doping, the series of lies that followed, and those affected throughout– is known to all. Is the whole story now not growing old?
Lance speaks to Oprah quite humbly and with apparent honesty. The most polished speaker he is not, nor expected to be. Nevertheless, for the “jerk” and the “bully” he owns up to having been, here he seems as real as he may allow himself to be. No matter the potentially unsavory details of what brought him to this interview chair, he maintains relative clarity, free of defensiveness and– to his credit– admitting his mistakes while repeatedly refraining from any finger-pointing.
“Winning at all costs” served him well at the time, a common though detrimental human mindset which holds at least some degree of understanding apart from the disapproval placed on it. What’s more important today is Lance’s lucid hindsight, as he now recognizes the wrongs that did not appear to him then. Defiant? Check. Arrogant? Check. And, still an able leader and an admirable humanitarian? Check.
As with most if not all public figures, from actors to politicians to elite athletes, one does not view himself from the same perspective as does the public. Lance reminds us now of this reality. As we best carefully consider the judgment we place upon him, he seems to be doing a decent job of judging himself. At the same time he’s prepared for the rest of his life to be apologizing and earning back what trust he can, Lance has declared he is happier today than he was while taking his yellow jerseys. He appears to grasp the reality of where he’s come, despite yesterday, and regardless of all that might await. This seems most important.
He once saw a level playing field, and now the playing field has been leveled. Lance’s past actions are clearly disappointing, but I do not dislike him– a double negative that indicates my cautious regard for him. I say this now, mindful of all that I– and you– still do not know, and might never know. But then, do we really need to? Lance is finally coming clean in his way, the sport of cycling is evolving as it deems necessary, and the past is just that. Again, he is human, complete with the same disappointing behavior set that has defined so many throughout history. The rest simply needs to be, shall we say– laid to rest.
I hope and predict that Lance Armstrong will rise again in some unusual and perhaps unforeseen capacity. For this simultaneously unique yet not-so-unique figure, there must surely be life “after Oprah.” But first, part two!
We’re Reminded…
From the smiling reminder that standard schtick works– thanks to Will Ferrell and Kristen Wiig– to the sobering reminder that we all are aging– thanks to Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger– to the intellectual reminder that a well-written speech always wins– thanks to Jodie Foster– the 70th Annual Golden Globes certainly presented us with a series of memorable moments. Most of all perhaps, we’re reminded that the fabulously never-lagging duo of Tina Fey and Amy Poehler can be upstaged– if only for a moment– by one, and only one, figure bigger than the two of them combined, otherwise known as “Hillary Clinton’s husband.”
A Surprise Appearance
Hosts Who Never Fail
The Ride Cut Short
The repair ended up taking only about ten minutes. This allowed enough time afterward to tack on an additional 12 miles to the initial 15, in order to piece together some semblance of a workout. In the end, the ride cut short was not a total waste. If this annoying detour should ever fall upon you, simply remember it’s a rather quick fix– especially if you time it around 9:30am just before the bicycle shops open!
Ryan R. Sanderson 