Jay Can Rant

Memorial Day Crit Pics

2009-05-27T22:00:00.000-07:00

Posted pics from the San Jose Bicycle Club's Memorial Day Criterium on Monday, June 25.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/67669459@N00/sets/72157618891172808/

Have a look!

Thanks.

A Very Sad and Dark Day for Justness and Society.

2009-05-26T14:24:00.001-07:00

“All, too, will bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will, to be rightful, must be reasonable; that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal laws must protect, and to violate would be oppression.” --Thomas Jefferson

I'm very saddened that the place that I and my family has thrived in for 5 generations has concluded that fairness applies only to the majority.

I'll be posting more on this soon, but please do know, that if it can happen now to "them", it will happen soon enough to you.

Goin' Detox - Day10, 1 April, 2009 - Commencement or "No joke, we made it!"

2009-04-06T21:52:00.000-07:00

I've been remiss in getting this day 10 blog update out. Apologies.

The "final" day of the detox went extremely well....again, no real breakfast which I need to figure out a way to fix. I had some nice comments and mails from some folks with suggestions on ideas to try. I'll work on that and let you know how they go.

Additionally, I got some really cool encouragement from some cool folks via tweets. Very cool to see other people who are so willing to be encouraging to me. I really appreciate that....as well as others who are being encouraged by my efforts. That's a great side effect, and the number two reason for doing this. By doing this, I've got some degree of personal accountability. The fact that you're reading this provides even further evidence of that. Thanks! That's been the primary reason.

Many have asked how I feel and "do you feel any different?' Well, yes and yes.

I do feel a bit more "clear" and "clean", but not that much different. However, I'm not sure that the physical difference was part of the goal, so I'm fine with it. I DO feel much, much better in many other ways. The fact that I accomplished something that not too long ago would have been WAY out of my box is very empowering. It's a confirmation of my new outlook, or going beyond and in treating myself well.

Next, lots of folks have asked "What are you going to have once the detox is over?"

Simple..pretty much the same.

This is not just a 10 day thing as I mentioned before. It's a new way of doing things, and accordingly , I've added some things...so, the plan is to add back brown rice no more than 4x week and no more than 5 glasses of wine a week, increase the green veggies and fruit and the only dairy will be nonfat milk and whey protein powder.

So, there you have it.

Lots of thanks to Chris Brewer for the inspiration.

I look forward to hearing more from each of you and give you my thanks for all the encouragement you've given me.

Peace to you.

(now, let's get back to the rants)

Goin' Detox - Day 8 & 9 - 30 & 31 March, 2009 - The Homestretch

2009-04-02T07:40:00.000-07:00

Almost there. Not that it's a big deal. Nice to be swingin' in a routine now.

Day 8 was a Monday, so starting off the 2nd week of the program. I definitely now know that my gas tank is lower than it has been in the recent past.

Last week I did 60 miles on the bike....around 20 miles per ride..good interval training and then the balance of the distance nice decent pace...around 20MPH. Today I was on the trainer and struggled for 15 miles. OUCH. While I was still doing TMax training today, the efforts were much more difficult and the last interval was pitiful. Legs just weren't there.

I suspect the reduction in both calories and carbohydrates has really caught up with me. I've been averaging around 12-1300 calories a day....much lower than I would like, but since this is a temporary thing, I figured I could live with it. In hindsight, I think the lack of a proper breakfast and the nutrition from that is probably the one key thing. Since I don't eat eggs, a breakfast is usually a protein shake, or 1 day a week, some toast/bread/bagel and chicken or turkey sausage. Since dairy is out in the detox, both the whey and milk in the shake are out. Consequentially, I've just been having an apple or skipping breakfast altogether. Certainly not what I ought to be doing, I KNOW, but...not any options for a quick, weekday breakfast came to mind and my tweeps didn't come back with anything that was practical.

If you have some ideas that will fit in the no grain plan, I'd love to hear what you have to say. Please leave comments!!!!!

So, here's the drill...we'll re-evaluate on Thurday and see what we can come up with to get this worked out.

Monday

BFast

Apple

Cashews

Decaf Coffee

Lunch

Mongolian BBQ Chicken & Veggies

H20

Dinner

Green Salad with tomatoes & avocado & organic grilled chicken

Vinaigrette

Veggie Soup

Tues

BFast

Decaf Coffee

Lunch

Burrito Bowl (burrito w/o tortilla)

Lettuce, black beans, chicken, salsa, onions

H20

Dinner

Turkey Chili (ground turkey, pinto beans, tomatoes)

Green Salad

Vinaigrette

Goin' Detox - Day 6 & 7 - 28 & 29 March, 2009

2009-04-01T12:55:00.000-07:00

Weekends, for me Sat & Sun, are now typically a time to set the work week aside and get on to life a bit more. I get most of my cycling in on weekends and try and get out to lunch and a beer or 4 with friends at least one day, when possible. Perhaps get to a crit or road race to shoot photos...you know...stuff that's out of the house.

This weekend turned out to be not quite that.

I was fortunate enough to shop for a new refrigerator on Sat...yep, 2400 duckets of stainless side-by-side coldness...and it was delivered on Sun. Between errands and fridge dealing/coping/scheming/shopping/installing and some fence building/yardwork, I was sucked into the homeowner's weekend. Bleck, but necessary. I'm very fortunate that I have fresh, cold, organic food and that I can afford to purchase a new fridge.

One thing that was nice about staying around the house is that since I was there and not running out someplace, I took the time to make a proper breakfast both days. Nice. Also, I got to grill on Saturday for dinner. Again, sure felt like I was supposed to have a glass of wine in my hands, but alas, no. Not for another few days.

Still having some intestinal issues...nothing major. I suspect just the body getting rid of toxins.

Some folks have asked about supplements, so here's the rundown.

For the duration of the detox/cleanse I'm taking RestoreLife's Organic Total Cleanse. I'm not endorsing it, nor am I not. I have no idea if it's working or not, but it's not expensive and the nutritionist recommended it, so I'm game.

For the other stuff it's:

Vit B

Vit C

Vit E

Potassium

Chromium

Calcium & Minerals

Men's Multi

Food was:

Sat -

BFast

Chicken BFast Sausage - 4 links

Apple

Almond butter

Decaf Coffee

Lunch

Chopped Salad (no cheese) w/ vinaigrette

H20

Dinner

Grilled chicken

Grilled veggies

Hummus

H20

Sunday

BFast

Chicken BFast Sausage

Apple

Cashew Butter

Decaf Coffee

Organic Blood Orange Juice (more sugar than I should have, but it was awesome)

Lunch

Apple

Mixed Nuts

H20

Dinner

Salmon & Maguro Sashimi

Green & Seaweed Salad

H20

Green Tea

Goin' Detox, Day 5 - 27 March, 2009. All Good...All Happy!

2009-03-29T17:49:00.000-07:00

Halfway Home.

Nice to make the halfway point. 5 days ago, there was much fear, self doubt and anxiety about this detox. That seems to be replaced by confidence, accomplishment and peace.

Albeit, Friday was a bit of a tough day, since it was bagel day at the office and I'm a bit of a bagel fan. Made it thru OK, but was definitely tempting. Had a good couple of meetings, one with my VP. Always great to sync up with him, then met friends at Pizza Antica in Satan's Row for lunch.

Interesting, as it wasn't as tough as I thought it would be. It's one of my favs for pizza and wouldn't have been my first choice during non-grain, non-dairy detox, but chose to catch up with Joe before he takes off for a month..so the mountain's gotta go....:)

After the office, did a really killer KB workout from Sandy Sommer ...20 mins of Swings & Squats, then a 10 min :30/:30 snatches. Very simple. Very tough.

Breakfast
Decaf Coffee
Apple
Almond Butter

Lunch
Green Salad w/ veggies & grilled chicken
Vinagrette
H20

Snack
Mixed nuts
H20

Dinner
Organic chicken & veggie soup
Greek Salad (no cheese)
H20

Detox, Day 4 - 26 March 2009

2009-03-27T20:40:00.000-07:00

Had a pretty good day today. I guess I may starting to feel a bit different, but no drastic changes. I still seem to have a bit less energy in workouts as I'm expecting myself to have, but again, nothing drastic. One major thing that hit me was really wanting a glass of wine as I was on the patio grilling chicken and veggies. It's one of my routines...if I'm grillin', I've got a glass of wine. Perhaps the only time I've been vinoless at the grill. Lots of temptations at the office yesterday...I forgot to mention..... I spoke at an summer intern recruiting event and they had lots of chips, dip, cookies, etc, etc etc....I had water. The next meeting had some mixed nuts, so I had an afternoon snack...that worked out well. Also, talked to a great new friend who has already benefitted from these notes/blogs. Happy to see that a bit of change can trickle down and spread out. Nice! Got a nice ride in last night (lovin' daylight savings time...in the evening, at least) and did 2 loops of my normal training ride. I know it's a tough ride, but I figured out why yesterday. It climbs 600 feet in 1/2 of a mile..the last 100 yards or so are >12%. Now I know why it's so freekin' tough. June 6 is coming fast and I'm doing everything I can to be ready. Also, had time to make a proper BFast as I was at home in the AM. Nice.

Breakfast

4 links chicken BFast sausage

Apple

Almond Butter

Decaf Coffee

Lunch

Green Beans and Chicken

H20

MTB Ride - 90 mins

Snack

Mixed Nuts & Organic Raisins (no sulfate/sulfur)

Dinner

Grilled Chicken Grilled Veggies w/ Zatar

Hummus

Tomato and Avocado Salad w/ Olive Oil & Lemon Juice

H20

Goin' Detox, Day 3 - 25 March, 2009.. Damn, hang on, I gotta pee again.

2009-03-26T11:56:00.000-07:00

First, I want to talk about this detox thing a bit. Chris Brewer left me a note and the tone seemed to be that he was concerned about me doing this thing very "cowboy" style. ..and rightfully so, as he didn't know I sought the advice of a professional nutritionist.

So, while my program is something similar to other people who are doing a detox/cleansing, this is really an individually designed program. If this detox idea interests you, PLEASE don't just take what I'm doing and apply it. I'm not the oracle. I'm writing/blogging this for two purposes: personal accountability and to perhaps spark the interest of others who might have considered this and thought it was too difficult or not very approachable. If I can do this, you can too, just seek professional help (NO, not THAT kind of professional help, a nutritionist) so you can make this work and make the sacrifices beneficial!

Day 3

I had a good day today as well with the exception of my legs. REALLY heavy today. I did a couple of heavy TMax intervals the past couple of days and not sure if that's the sole culprit or if removing certain things and taking calorie/carbohydrate levels down a good bit is part of the issue. I'll have to keep an eye on it.

..and now to the title. Yes. Seems as if I am always running to the toilet. Between 9:30PM and11:00PM I went 3 times. I suppose that's what you get for drinking so much H20...and that's good and is part of the plan. Water is one of the methods of cleaning the toxins from the body. Drink up, Mancebo!

Breakfast

Apple & Banana
Decaf Coffee

Lunch

Chicken Verde Salad, greens, tomatoes, salsa, cilantro
Nectarine
H20

Snack
Mixed nuts

Apple
H20

Workout - Light KBs...upper body only.

Dinner

Sauteed chicken and veggies (red peppers, zucchini, green beans, onion, celery) with Moroccan spices
H20

Goin' Detox - Day 2 - 24 March, 2009

2009-03-25T22:43:00.000-07:00

2nd day was also pretty good, but I was a bit more hungry than the first day. Seems logical given the pull back in all bread and my lack of a proper breakfast. Also, lunch was on the small side. Not much chicken.

One thing that I noticed is that the legs are pretty heavy today. I'm not sure if doing two consecutive days of TMax training is the culprit, but I was definitely not as crisp on the trainer today.

Had a business dinner at Gordon Biersch and was tough not having a beer or two with dinner...but I did keep it on the straight and narrow.

Breakfast

Apple
Banana
Raw Cashews
Decaf Coffee

Lunch

Chicken with Cilantro and Curry spices
Garbanzo Beans with green curry
Water

Snack
Nuts & H20

Workout - 45 mins TMax intervals (320 watts) on trainer

Dinner

Green salad with Vinaigrette
Seared Tuna
Sauteed veggies and garlic spinach
Water

T-Max Intervals...or how to puke your guts out, then climb strong.

2009-03-25T18:26:00.000-07:00

I've mentioned TMax intervals a couple times and some folks have asked ...what's TMax?

Tmax intervals are a method of power training aimed at increasing power levels and sustain times. To do this you need a bicycle with a power measurement device and a trainer, or an exercise/spin bike with a power measurement display.

The reader's digest version is this:

1) Figure your TMax -- On a trainer do an all out max VO2 effort. Max power for 4-6 minutes. You should puke, or be close to it at the end of this. Nice. Don't worry, you only need to do this once....in a while.

2) Wait 2 days, then do intervals of 60% of the time you set your TMax, then double that for an active recovery....so if you did 350 watts for 5 minutes, you'll do 3 mins @350 watts, then recover for 6 minutes.

3) Repeat 3-8 intervals. You'll likely not be able to do more than 3-4 to start. As soon as you can do 8 intervals, set a new TMax.

Lather, rinse, repeat.

For a full read up, check here

Goin' Detox - Updated daily for 10 Days

2009-03-25T17:59:00.000-07:00

As you may know, I'm doing a body detox that is inspired by Chris Brewer doing the same "concept" coupled with some interesting timing.

Disclaimer - Don't try this at home. I'm not a doctor, I only play one on TV, and objects in mirror are closer than they actually appear..etc, etc. ....so please see a nutrionist if you find this interesting and want more info. If you're near a Whole Foods SuperOrganiMercado many offer the opportunity to speak with a staff nutrionist. Check it out. It's a good deal! This is an individual plan, so it varies from person to person.

The goal of the detox is to try and get your body back to as neutral a state as possible and then add things back to the diet and watch for potential negative reactions. I've never done anything like this before but the idea of it seems really interesting to me.

The detox lasts 10 days, but this is not a temporary 10 day fix-it...it's a foundation for a new, more balanced plan of eating. It's pretty simple...no dairy, grains, sugar, soy, alcohol, no starchy veg (potatoes, tubers, etc), artificial sweeteners, caffeine, no red meat or pork....and everything organic. No sense of potentially putting toxic chemicals back in your system.

So, think caveman diet. Veggies, fruit, nuts, meat. Goal is 5 meals a day...3 regular and 2 snacks and LOTS of H20. My goal is 6 litres of water a day.

Day 1 - Monday, 23 March, 2009

I felt really good in the AM. Not hungry at all. Interesting what a commitment will do to things.

BFast
Decaf coffee

Lunch
Mexican style green salad with Chicken, roasted veggies, black beans, onions, tomatoes, salsa, avo.
H20

Workout - 45 mins TMax intervals (320 watts) on trainer

Dinner
Shrimp StirFry with veggies
H20
Handful of nuts

Had a good day. No real trouble spots here. No temptations. Felt fine, plenty of energy Some interesting digestive tract issues.

Thinking about things more & tough finding something for breakfast.

Rant - Real News vs. Real COMEDY

2009-03-20T10:09:00.000-07:00

Rant ON.

Seems as if Jeff Zucker, El UberPresidente of NBC Uni is ticked at Jon Stewart for being tough on CNBC & his lamb, Jimmy Cramer (seen here for those under the covers for the last week.) Zucker made the following comments at the McGraw Hill Media Summit in NYC earlier this week:

"I think Jon Stewart was incrediby unfair to CNBC and to the business media in general. Everybody wants to find a scapegoat. I'm upset that my 401(k) isn't what it was. But to suggest that CNBC is responsible is absurd. Last year, Jim Cramer was out in front during two days in particular, when he went after Ben Bernanke. He told viewers six months ago to go cash now. It's like holding BusinessWeek responsible for Nov. 2007 suggesting that AIG was the best stock to buy. You can't look at any singular call that CNBC or Jim Cramer makes. I'm incredibly proud of what we've done."

I just can't figure out what he's referring to. Unfair? What the hell are you talking about, Einstein?

If you watch the piece, Stewart brings up several clips where Jimmy the C talks some awfully irresponsible and two faced crap. It seems pretty obvious that Stewart is calling them on their shit. The message is not "The mess here is all your fault Jimmy and CNBC and financial news media", the message that I got, and that seems presented pretty simply, was something along the lines of ..."you guys are supposed to be REAL news and you're not acting that way...you're acting as if you're promoting the interests of connected parties. That's not news. Start acting like news, people are relying on you being informative and honest. You've been neither, lately" (my words, of course)

When Cramer talks out of both sides of his mouth..."Lehman is a great bet" and also "I told people to take cash positions six months ago", he's clearly trying to be more relevant and more of a hero than an oracle. Jimmy, you're just a news guy. Nothing more, nothing less. If that's too "little" for you, you should probably look for a new hedge fund to skunk.

So Jeff, suck it up and get your financial news goons to start acting, reporting, talking, & discussing financial "stuff" more like it's NEWS, not just stuff that really doesn't matter to people. Like Stewart said, it's not a fuckin' game. People are relying on you being news and not entertainment.

Absolutely freakin' amazing that it takes a comedy news show to get to tough questions and call the alleged "REAL" news folks out. These are the guys that are supposed to make us laugh and Cramer and clan are the guys that are supposed to tell us the truth. WHAT?

Both Zucker and CNBC are a joke. Have some gravitas and take responsibility for your inattentiveness to your job. Man up, dude.

Rant OFF

2007 UNTI Barbera

2009-03-10T17:08:00.000-07:00

Well, seems as if I have a bromance goin' with Mick Unti of UNTI Vineyards

We met Mick at Nectar Wine Bar in Burlingame last night (09 Mar 09). His wines were the feature for the Monday evening tasting and he brought some excellent representations of his family-owned, craft-oriented vineyard. (That's code for he gives a shit about the wine more than capturing the $$ following the latest trend.)

We talked about our preferences in styles of wine and how overdone things are and we just seemed to be agreeing. Santa Lucia Highlands is not really Pinot but rather Zin and Rombauer ...well, you get the idea...it's about the wine, not the winemaker. We're a perfect match.

Mick graciously presented the flight of the four featured wines. First, the 2007 Cuvee Blanc, a clean mineral rich Grenache Blanc blend with Picpoul. Nice. Shale, green olive finish. Next, my friend, the 2006 Petit Frere. See previous blog for review. 3rd for the evening was the 2006 Zinfandel. Pleasant, not your average Dry Creek Zin. Very personable and understated. Reserved. Nice! Finally, the 2005 Syrah Benchland. Sourced from their own acreage on the East Dry Creek Bench. Well, OK. Syrah's not really my favorite, but it's certainly showing of it's character. Good. Ok.....Time to go home.

Now, I think I know what you're thinking..."tell us more about the bromance, Jase." Ok, Ok...well, this is where he sealed the deal.

See, while I was plenty excited on the drive up to catch up with the latest Unti news and "brews", I didn't have any idea what was in store for me. I though she'd stayed at home, at least that's what the rumors were, but no, thankfully the rumor mill was blowin' smoke and Barbera was there to show me what's what!

Mick brought down a single bottle of the yet to be released 2007 Unti Barbera and was generous enough to not only share a taste with several of us, but several tastes for a few lucky souls. This delightful, honest ruby toned delight brought with her a celebration. She's Piemontes for sure, but with a tad more soft fruit, perhaps a slight bit richer than her Italian cousins, but with a more vivacious and youthful aire about her.

In a word, she's "glorious!"

Earlier in the evening, I asked Mick for his thoughts on veracity, that is, how truthful a wine can or should be, and that's where the connection was hooked. Mick's style is to let the wine be. Let it show itself, be itself, and alter very, very little, if at all.

Mick, I love you, man!

This Barbera shows great young character, and her glory is her truth. 2007 Unti Barbera releases shortly. Keep an eye out for it. Remember, it's NEVER at Whole Foods in San Mateo, so don't look there.

2007 Unti Barbera

$ TBD (estimated $25-28)

91 Points

Ok...time to get going again!

2009-03-04T16:11:00.000-08:00

So to start, we'll harness the power of coal :-)

Is Today the First Day of Change?

2008-11-04T07:46:00.001-08:00

If you are registered, PLEASE get out and vote!

2006 UNTI Petit Frere

2008-10-28T11:40:00.001-07:00

I took this up to Lee and Nancy's for the 2009 rendition of "Pumpkin Festival.... North." On deck for dinner were simple thin pies (think Roman style) from Mezza Luna in town.

This nice, dry Grenache, Mouvedre & Syrah blend, while called "little brother", really just isn't. It's a nicely bodied Rhone blend with enough blackberry fruit up front to balance the Rhone sensibility on the back and providing a pleasant balance for everyday southern European inspired cuisine.

Mick Unti is doing a great job of very reasonable, drinkable and well-paired juice for food.

2006 Unti Sonoma County Petit Frere

~$20

89 points

Gig Review - Aaron Parks @ Yoshi's SF

2008-10-28T10:56:00.000-07:00

Ran up to the city to catch the 8:00 set by Aaron Parks on Monday, 20 Oct, 2008. Aaron's a gifted musician who's music I recently discovered. He's very contemporary jazz (not smooth jazz) focused and is currently touring in support of his new CD, Invisible Cinema. Joining Aaron was his regular guitarist, Mike Moreno, and new supporting rhythm section of Thomas Morgan on bass and the young Marcus Gilmore on drums.

Aaron's past is quite an interesting tale. A Seattle native, he entered U of W when he was 14, was a National Merit Scholar at 15 and at 16 packed it up with his family and they all moved to NYC where he studied at The Manhattan School of Music with Kenny Barron. Surely a difficult, but wise choice!

I was really looking forward to hearing this music live and the quartet delivered the goods! The title, Invisible Cinema, is very telling. I often feel like I should be seeing a film while listening to a soundtrack, or I'll start playing scenes in my mind as if I'm FFC directing a scene..trying to find the right setting and story for the music. Very emotive!

Opening with Peaceful Warrior, the set was gentle, relaxing and engaging until the speed bump of a standard. When you have such wonderful music, does it make sense to disrupt the flow with something out of character? Perhaps. Perhaps not. For me, I would have preferred the flow, but was very satisfied with the set in general. It was a warm and rewarding evening.

There's a nice article on SFGATE.com that's a good read. It was written just before this gig.

Workout Schedule Week of Oct 20, 08

2008-10-11T10:09:00.001-07:00

http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pINZkpd-qBKkaYsl-OJblIw&output=html

2006 Summers Napa Valley Estate Charbono

2008-10-01T10:02:00.000-07:00

..she said..."Rambo, what means "Charbono?"

He said "huhhhh?" in his most Scooby-Doo like inflection.

Now, although Bill got all in my face and called me full of $h*t and a wine snob at the Rains' luau and it was all the zen master I could muster to not break his finger as it dented my chest, I really don't think I am, especially since I'd never heard of Charbono. Accordingly, in my geekdom, I did some research before I tackled this and stumbled across some really interesting info.

While there's too much to post here, I do recommend taking a look into several of the links in this search as it's kinda fascinating.

So, here's the reader's digest version....

* Only 80 acres grown in the USA. 100% in California.

* Imported by Italian immigrants in the 1800s

* Is a Piedmontese varietal - possibly related to Charbonneau (fr.)

* Is the 2nd most popular varietal grown in Argentina

Ok..Cool. Now what? Well, try some.

I know. Too far out of the box, too difficult to find, blah-blah-blah-blah.

No? Good...actually, Great!

So this Charbono has wonderful mouthfeel that's extremely soft and delicate, but with significant bright fruit, mainly dark berries, but not a Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot type of berry. When I say significant, I mean subtle. Huh?

How can that be? Yeah, I know, but I don't know any other way to describe it.

I had this with a hearty fall soup, but it would also play well with most meats (non-beef), fowl (particularly Duck or Ostrich), and several other fall-style vegetable dishes.

2006 Summers Napa Valley Estate Charbono

~$25

90 points

Gig Review - Antonio Sanchez & Migration @ Yoshi's SF

2008-09-25T10:14:00.000-07:00

On Tues night (23rd Sept), we made it up to the city to check out some of the best. Antonio Sanchez, as you likely know, is a phenomenal drummer who's recently played with the best of the best. His band, Migration, consists of Scott Colley, Miguel Zenon and David Sanchez (no relation).

Antonio made a very self-effacing comment that this was his first visit as a "leader" (quotes emphasized by Antonio), and while that's no small task, it's kinda cool. The really cool part is that this is not your typical "drummer" lead group that focuses a bit on the other players and then get ready to hunker down for the 15 minute drum solo.

Feh :(

Thankfully, Antonio gets it! He's got 3 of the most amazing musicians and he certainly let's them shine. While someone has to be the leader, live music, not even jazz, is a democracy, he does so as subtly as possible, allowing the creative energy to flow richly. When you've got Miguel and David interjecting with their own individual styles that so seamlessly mesh with the groove Scott and Antonio lay down, you just can't help boppin' along and having as much fun engaging with them as they are having trying to bring smiles to the audience and to the others on stage.

What a great night. Most of you know how much I enjoy live music. This was likely the highest level of musicianship I've seen assembled in one venue. Simply stunning.

2006 Seghesio Sonoma Coast Arneis

2008-09-24T16:00:00.000-07:00

Arneis. Yes, Arneis. I know what you're thinkin'..."WTF is Arneis?" Well, it's a white Italian, specifically, Piedmontese, varietal that's more challenging to grow than Pinot Noir.

Again, I know what you're thinkin' "WTF could be more difficult to grow than Pinot?"

Arneis. Translates to "Little Rascal." One more time, I know what you're thinkin" " WTF...isn't that a TV show from the 30's?". Well, yes, but that's a whole different thing.

THIS Arneis is a really great find in our challenge. It's very Italian in style. Not as restrained as a white Cote d'Or, and not nearly laid back as Bordeaux's Sauv Blanc or Semillon, this Sonoma Coast grown wine is far more exciting, challenging, fiery and fun than its frog cousins. It appeals to your visual senses with a deep straw hue and to your nasal senses with it's stealthy anise aroma, taunting you to just taste a bit.

OK. So I did. ....and now I'm hooked!

Chrysann came over for dinner on Sunday and we had this with our melon and jamon salad. It proved to be a great complement, providing further sweetness to play off the saltiness of the lovely Spanish cure as well as bright citrus notes and a very subtle anise tone to sharpen the effect of the sweet Galia melon.

....So before Summer turned to Spring, I turned to Arneis for one last summer fling. We'll have to do this again...and soon.

2006 Seghesio Family Sonoma Coast Arneis

~$18

92 Points

Sunday in the Park

2008-09-16T16:31:00.000-07:00

Here's a link to some pics from the dreaded crappy-fone-cam at the park on Sunday.

Look at all the GREAT t-shirts!!!

Inflection Point in Life - Take the challenge!

2008-09-15T07:06:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to meet Ryan a couple of times before he passed, and yesterday, everything that everyone said was just validation of why I like him and Jen so much, and why I needed to be there. Of course, to support her, but for myself, and for Tina, too.

I really enjoyed the service; it felt so honest, comfortable, unpretentious and "connected", just like I heard from those who shared. Connected is just a remarkable way to describe someone. I wish I could be just a wee bit as connected as Ryan was.

The amazing impact that one life had on the world was evident both by the many touching and heartfelt stories we were lucky enough to hear yesterday, but also by the number of friends that were at the amphitheater yesterday, and their level of gratitude to have been touched by him.

I did some thinking and took some notes on the flight home last night, trying to make sense of my feelings. To that end, and to further extend the touch of Ryan's energy in this world, I'm taking the challenge to make the following commitments in my life:

1) Whatever you do, do it with PASSION. Ryan was good at some things, great at others, but passionate about everything. If it's worth my time, I want to be passionate about it and be as committed to it as possible.

2) Care more. If I can make just half the effort to care about people the way Ryan did, people will be appreciative, thankful, and the effect of that is that I will be happier :) It's pretty tough to have a shitty or pessimistic attitude when people are appreciative of your honest and selfless help.

3) Smile alot. See pics of Ryan. Always freakin' smilin! Also, see #2 -- tough to be unhappy when you're smiling :-)

4) Be myself. He was SOOOO himself. People loved him for what he did and what he did was who he was.

5) Love more. Can you really love too much?

6) Be greatful...for every second, every memory, every friend.

7) Be positive to everyone. See this. I think Will may have pinched this from Ryan.

That's a good start. I'm working on this in every portion of my life from this day forward. I don't wanna be like Ryan. We're each individuals and they broke the mold after him, but I sure do want to live life like Ryan did :-)

Greetings from Stockholm!

2008-08-11T10:12:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd post a quick note before I head out to dinner tonight at Aquavit, Markus Samuelsson's place here in Stockholm.

We've had some great days here. Sailing yesterday with Niklas, wondering the streets, people watching with great espresso & gelatto and shopping today around central Stockholm, and on Saturday walking the old town and visting Skanssen with Ylva.

Stockholm is a great place. Wonderful people who are all helpful and generous, a clean beautiful city with wonderful architecture and lots of southern Europeans visting, so I'm getting to work on my Castillian. (ouch...it's really ugly). I was talking to someone from Madrid last night at the hotel bar and it was a stretch to understand each other. Wow...my Latin Spanish is soooo much different and doesn't adapt very well :-)

I'll post some pics later.

Ciao,

jase

2007 Abacela Garnacha Rosado

2008-08-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

From Abacela in southern Oregon, this bright rose is an nice example of the recent, well deserved popularity being attached to wines of Southern Oregon. Garnacha is one of my favorite varietals, and by doing a rose with it, winemaker Andrew Wenzl takes the bold to the beautiful.

The grapes are estate-grown on south-facing slopes in the Umpqua Valley, were pressed with limited time on the skins and fermented and aged in stainless.

Raspberry, roses and strawberries are all present in the nose. With a very bright acidity on the front end and pomegrates & candied cherries filling the mouth, it finishes very dry and mineraly.

Retail ~$15

89 Points

2006 La Bastide Saint Dominique Cotes-du-Rhone

2008-07-29T09:49:00.000-07:00

OK, OK...stop gettin' your knickers in a twist. I finally had a decent red to review, so here you go. Pulled this little bottle out last night for something to pair with boneless pork ribs on the grill. They'd been in a salt brine with herbs de provence and a bit of pimenton for a day and I thought the Cotes du Rhone would make a super pairing. Bra-Vo!

I found this wine at the local wine shop in HMB and have had it aside for a few months, waiting for the typical summer HMB weather to arrive...well, it finally has and last night was a perfect time for a sultry glass.

It's mostly Grenache with 5% each of Syrah, Mouvedre & Cinsault and took some time to open up; about 15 mins did the trick. I was patient and was successful at taking something that was tightly tannin-ed up, to a nice relaxed, drinkable glass, or two....or the whole damn bottle.

If you enjoy a deep inky-hued Cotes Du Rhone with a decent base structure, moderate tannin with a raisined nose and notes of blackberries and currants, then this is your ticket!

Retail ~$17

88 points

You too can play the mandoline!

2008-07-28T07:51:00.001-07:00

People ask me all the time.....they say, "Jase, can you teach me to play the mandolin?" and I say, why in the world would you think I can teach you to play an 8 stringed difficult to learn instrument? Now, if you'd like to master the mandoline, I'm your go-to guy!

The mandoline can be intimidating for many, with it's razor sharp mouth-like opening, ready to devour everything that gets within 2cm of its grasp!

Fear not!

It's just a mandoline and it's ready to help you make wonderful things. It slices and juliennes, but it doesn't dice.... sorry, its not a Popeil pocket fisherman, "The biggest thing in fishing since the hook."

I suspect the best advice I can give on using the dusty thing in the back of the bottom shelf that you've been saying you need to use for several years now, but hasn't see the light of day since the last time the 49ers had a winning season is: Yagotta Use It!!!

It's pretty much the same as most things that are not common things, but with a sharp edge :-) Be respectful and remember your knife skills. The worst thing that can happen is an unscheduled manicure.

So to that vein, here's a simple recipe I mentioned the other night at the wine bar to a new friend who's mandoline needs some lovin'. Try it out!

Prawns and Apple in Cucumber (serves 4)

1 english cucumber

1 firm semi-tart apple ie: pink lady, braeburn or similar -- no red delicious or on the other end, granny smith!

1/2 lb (approx 10) 16-20 count raw wild prawns

4T calvados

1t sugar

cinnamon

unsalted butter

olive oil

S&P

..and although it's not an ingredient, you'll need a 3" ring mold ( a large cookie cutter will substitute....well, kinda)

Wash, then cut the ends off of an English cucumber, so the cuke is approximately the same diameter and doesn't taper at the ends.

Using your mandloline set for approximately 1/8", lengthwise slice 4 pieces of cucumber & reserve

Skin and medium dice the apple

Saute the apple until softened a bit (3-4 mins on med.) with butter and a bit of cinnamon. (Now, I know you're saying "How much is a bit?" I dunno. It's more than a shake and less than 1t. Maybe 2 or three shakes?? Try it. If it's too much, then try it again with less!)

Add the shrimp and 1t of olive oil and continue until shrimp are pink (approx 1 1/2 mins).

Once shrimp are pink, remove the pan from the fire, add the calvados, then back on the fire and reduce for 1 min. Remove from heat.

Line the inside of the ring mold with a slice of cucumber as if the cuke slice is standing on its edge inside the circumference of the ring mold.

Spoon 1/4 of the shrimp and apple mixture into the ring mold and remove the ring, leaving the cuke standing in a round on its edge.

Season to taste.

I'd serve this with a nice Pinot Blanc or Pinot Noir Blanc.

Have fun and remember, it's not going to be used if you don't use it...right C???

Happy Monday my friends!

Traveling plays havoc...but gotta keep it goin'

2008-07-20T09:52:00.001-07:00

One thing that's nice about life right now is consistency. Consistency of my workouts, especially. While the workouts themselves are quite varied, I know that on Mon, Wed & Fri, I work strength with kettlebells, on Tues & Thurs, it's cardio on the treadmill at the office gym then Sat or Sun is a bike ride.

When I'm on the road for work, the change in scheduling makes things challenging to keep to my consistent routine. Last week I was in Raleigh, NC on business and tried to keep things progressing as much as possible.

...so, as usual, I meet up with Tim Anderson (link to his blog called "Life is Movement" in my "Thoughts by Friends" section) at least once. Tim lives about 45 mins south of my RTP office, so after work, I try and get a workout in there.

Luckily, I was able to get 2 workouts in with Tim this trip, on both Tues & Weds, so I had to shift Monday to Cardio at the office gym for a few miles, then KBs with Tim. Thurs was a travel day back to SF and Friday I was so toast from the travel day that I rested. Sat was a 2 hour ride and today I'l do a short ride just to spin the legs a bit.

Tues workout: (wtXrepsXsets - each arm)

One Arm Swing

24x25x4

Clean

24x10x3

Guard Press

24x10x3

Triceps

16x10x5

Weds workout

Windmill

16x5x3

Double Snatch

16x10x3

SeeSaw Press

24x10x3

Press

40x1x1

Assorted Rope Work (Tim, can you help out here)

So it was great to press the 40 again...this time on both arms. I've done it a couple of times before, but not very easily....mainly due to my rotator cuff issues. the RC is feeling a bit better now, so this was a nice return to the heavies.

Also, Tim showed me a bit of Z R-Phase, both some general stuff as well as an exercise to specifically target the bicep/tendon issue that's been going on. It's feeling quite a bit better now. I'll keep up the Z for a while and see what happens....and thanks for the nice "attaboy" in your blog, Tim :-)

it's a great Fri night ...and a bummer night, at Hellyer

2008-07-15T20:49:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, we trucked down to Hellyer (the velodrome...see previous posts for details) for the first Friday night fiesta in quite some time. It started out great...several match sprint heats, a senior scratch race ....it was like summiting a nice climb....but then it turned ugly.

In the first women's ride, a 30 lap scratch, there was a fairly low speed accident involving 4 riders. One got up, but the other three stayed down for some time. Not sure how it happened, but it really doesn't matter. What does matter is the three, albeit with some broken bones for each, are not very seriously hurt. Sure, broken bones are not trivial, but I was really concerned things were much more serious. From what I hear, everyone will be OK after a bit of healing.

..so our heart and thoughts out to the gals who are recovering..and to the ones who love them who were right there, TCB.

..beautiful night tonight? What are you freakin' nutz?

2008-07-15T20:41:00.000-07:00

..so I'm pullin' into the hotel parking lot last night and one guy says to his buddy " beautiful night tonight, eh?"

Beautiful night? Are you kiddin? It's like 88 degrees and 95% humidity. What in the world is beautiful about that?

Sure, there are lot's of other things that are beautiful....I took a short drive down to Fuquay-Varina and got a great workout in with Tim....learned alot about Z today. Good stuff. I'm working on it tonight. Cool.

Also, the new road bike is doin' great for me. Gettin' some new pedals this weekend and I'll be ready for the 50K ride I'm planning in Sept.

..and geez, what else is NOT going well?

..well, only one thing. The weather in Raleigh/Durham. This beach dude is not used to this silly heat and humidity.

Racing 2Nite --- HELL-yer

2008-07-11T08:29:00.000-07:00

Woo Hoo! Track racing tonight at Hellyer Velodrome.

It's been WAY too long and we're UBER happy to get back to watch Michael Hernandez & his "One Ring Circus" as we like to call it. Michael is the Friday event producer/announcer/bottle washer. He & his enthusiasm are not to be missed!

Friday nights always bring a nice bit of free food and beverage (it's been a keg of FatTire lately!) that are generously sponsored by local cycling teams/clubs. Tonight is sponsored by the nice ladies of Velo Bella.

..or like us, bring a nice bottle of home made sangria, some jamon and a bit of manchego and enjoy the fiesta!

2006 A to Z Pinot Blanc - Oregon

2008-07-10T15:59:00.000-07:00

Ok, so don't get on me 'cause I'm doin' another white review. It's been hot here...STUPID hot. Of course, for me stupid hot = anything north of 85 degrees, but anyways, it's still hot and I just can't think of anything better than Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris or Sauvignon Blanc these days.

Get over it, will ya?

So, for those of you who DON'T know, Tina and I are going to Stockholm for vacation this summer. Luckily, I reconnected with a great friend from Stockholm recently and last night, we had dinner with Henrik and Ylva @ Pizza Antica in Mill Valley. They're in the middle of a 3 week journey driving from Chicago to Seattle, via the Dakotas, Wyo, all the other stuff in the middle, Yosemite, and SFO.

We ended up with a couple of great appetizers including house made mozzarella and antipasti and the A to Z Pinot Blanc did a great job of keeping up with the varying notes and textures.

The winemaker notes mention:

" ...walks a taut line between the Old World mineral driven aromatics (talc, wet stones, chalk) and New World fruit (melons, nectarines, tangerine, and white grapes overlaid with honey, lime blossoms, and hazelnuts)." and "The wine's richness and weight is held in place and balanced by crisp ripe acidity that gives focus and integrity"

I have to disagree with the first and agree with the second. Don't get me wrong, I liked this wine, but the fruit forward sweet nose and tongue drive it over any mineral aromatics that might be involved in the party. To the second point, it IS quite rich and the crisp acidity provides a platform for the weight of the richness.

I'd definitely order this again with seafood that wasn't rich (ie: lobster in butter or anything with bernaise), or with spicy Asian such as Vietnamese or Thai.

Also, A to Z is big in the "wine for the rest of us" game. That's they're mantra. Check them out!

Retail ~$15

88 points

The Tour, The Tour, boss

2008-07-05T03:11:00.001-07:00

I'm nearly squealing that the Tour starts today. Really like to watch the evening wrap show that Versus does for 3 hours nightly, so that's where you'll see me for the next 3 weeks.

I'm certainly disappointed that the best stage racing team in the world is sitting in front of the TV as well, but not surprised, given the politics involved here.

...so let's throw all the love behind Team Columbia, nee: HighRoad as well as Team Garmin/Chipotle, nee: Slipstream (and hey, I'm a Felt guy, too.)

It's just not a Friday without Hellyer

2008-07-01T11:44:00.000-07:00

With the recent AVC past us now, I'm really missing getting to Hellyer. Certainly, there's racing on weeknights, but Friday is about the only convenient time for us to get there and spend the evening watching some great competition.

Unfortunately, the last Friday night fiesta staged by Michael Hernandez and gang was a couple weeks ago and the next one isn't until 11 July. Ouch...I think I'll try and head down for the Omnium this Sunday. It's not the same as a fun-filled Friday, but It'll have to hold me over.

Uber congrats to a new friend, Jen Triplett, who made the record books when she won the first Woman's 6-day event held at Alpenrose in PDX last week. That's quite an honor. I met Jen at the AVC a couple of weeks ago where she won the miss-n-out and did quite well overall. She's a really talented rider. Kudos, Jen!

2007 Sineann Pinot Gris - Oregon

2008-06-27T04:50:00.001-07:00

Since I saw that a friend is in Oregon this week, I thought we'd start with a recent find from the PNW.

I first ran into this nice Pinot Gris at my local wine shop, HMB Wine & Cheese at a "Look Ma, No Cork" themed tasting. No, not a screwtop or silly pseudo-cork, but a glass stopper known as a "vino-lok selection" tops this Alsace-style green bottle. Retailing at around $18, this is a fine value for an Oregon Pinot Gris.

Sourced from the Wy'east Vineyard in Hood River Valley, the fruit provides a structured, but not overloaded base for the clean high notes of green apple, citrus and pear to stand out. I'd hesitate to call this Peter Rosback produced wine understated, but it's certainly not the typical Oregon Pinot Gris we've been accustomed to in recent times. I'd argue it's more similar to a Southern Hemisphere Sauvignon Blanc with its solid base, but certainly brings the Pinot notes forward.

I enjoyed a bottle of this with a little linguini & prawns fra diavolo with an heirloom tomato & avocado salad. Its high notes were a great balance for both the creaminess of the avocado and the heat of the pasta dish.

90 Points

..and On With The Show. Wine for the Rest of Us.

2008-06-24T07:25:00.000-07:00

Before getting too into the wine discussion, I wanted to chat briefly about what I'm trying to do with the wine blog. I've found, thru several years of my interest in wine, that there's a gap, that is, a place that retailers, and many wineries, have neglected to address.

Sure, it's really easy to go to Bev-Mo or your local bottleshop/grocery store and pick up some mass produced, mediocre at-best wine. Also easy is to pop into your local wineshop and pick up a >$50 bottle of Cabernet or Pinot. It will be great and if your "Wine Monger" has done their job, then you'll have a great meal.

...but what about the rest of us? There seems to be an obvious hole there between mediocre at-best and a bottle of Grand Cru Burgundy, and that's what we'll try to share. REALLY good wine for a really reasonable price.

Remember, we're not talking cheap here, but if your budget is in the gap, then you're looking for wine for the rest of us.

Welcome!

Shares (not so) Well With Others

2008-06-23T14:47:00.000-07:00

OK, OK...so I'm jealous of:

Joe Sarti, the torture master, eh, my trainer. He's on TOP of his blog.

Tracy Reifkind - Super inspiring. I try and think of Tracy whenever I'm having one of those "I don't feel like working out" days.

Tim Anderson - I train with Tim whenever I'm on the East Coast. He and his family are wonderful to be around and they're so welcoming and accommodating when I'm in town. Tim's a fine example that youth is NOT wasted on the young.

Jen Triplett, my newest kick-ass trackie friend (Holy geez, she rocked this weekend at the AVC!!! --- I'm UBER impressed at her riding! You should really watch her ride. Smoother than a baby's you know what.) I'm hoping she posts a few pics from this weekend and you know what? She's got her blog updated from this past weekend ALREADY! You freakin' rock, Jen!

...and plenty of others who are on top of things, being both creative and inclusive in their blogs, so I gotta get on it!

So now it's finally time to do something about it. An occasional workout buddy saidt to me the other day, "hey, you should blog about the wine"...so here we are. Let's DO this, already.

We'll try and do a weekly wine review/suggestion (one red, one white and maybe an occasional pink), so feel free to send along a few bottles for our consideration :-) Also on tap are happenings in the local cycling scene, an occasional restaurant review, my famous rants on politics, and what's new in the contemporary (not smooth) and Nu-Jazz worlds...basically, all the other crap!