Please Inform Yourself!

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! The above Rex Babin cartoon appeared earlier this week in the Sacramento Bee. I was a little surprised that Babin would do such a cartoon, as his work is usually over the top left. Maybe this will cause at least a few people to think about the consequences of their voting actions, as it seems to put this into terms that are easier to understand.

I get frustrated with people that don't take the time to at least inform themselves a little, but still go out and vote for whatever or whomever. One example was a conversation I was having with a mother and daughter on Thanksgiving. Somehow we got on the topic of politics and I mentioned California's Proposition 2 that was just passed by voters, which mandates that certain farm animals (mostly chickens) have more room where they are confined.

They said they both voted for this because they received a "Republican Voter Guide" in the mail saying the party was supporting this measure. I told them I was certain that the Republican party did not support the measure. First of all, you have to ignore these mailers, because you really have no idea who is actually sending them. Secondly, are you automatically taking the same sides of your political party of every single thing that may come down the pike? Please inform yourself and think for yourself! While I do almost always vote for a republican candidate, I certainly don't always follow the party line on every single ballot measure.

One other related note, last night I talked with a guy who said he voted for Obama because we have to stop the excessive government spending! I admit, Bush did overspend, but you really think we will have less with Obama? Most of the economic crisis we are in stems from the mortgage collapse. And who pushed for legislation making it easier for anyone to own a home? The democrats.

Where Are We Headed?

I know, I haven't written anything for quite a while. For one thing I really haven't had much time - working two full time jobs. For another thing, I really haven't had much motivation to write lately. As hard as it is to admit, I have been in a personal depression.

Just to get you updated, my financial situation has been bad. It all started with the business I had in 2006 and 2007 - a year and a half of a big financial loss. Then I went to work for an ad agency - as a commission sales person - and I continued to lose. I could not gain any momentum, as the only accounts that I brought in just were not spending enough.

I finally took a second part time job at the Folsom Lake Bowl Card room as a Floor Manager. It quickly turned into a full time job, and not only was I making good money here, but I really enjoy going to work to this new job every day as well. I decided that I would focus my energies at the card room and I gave my notice at the ad agency. This will give me the opportunity to possibly pick something up additionally I can do closer to home.

Anyway, this all brings me to a point. It appears that Barack Obama is our new President. While I applaud our nation in electing the first black president, did our nation really think when it went to the polls? Obama didn't try to hide the fact that he favors socialism. Do you remember learning socialism when you went to school? I am a prime example of someone who needs lots of help financially - but do I want everything handed to me? NO! Even though my business lost a lot of money, we need to be motivated to try start businesses. (even under a perfect system, not every business will succeed). If Barack Obama gets his way, there will no longer be any incentive to even to try to start a business. Give me one example where socialism has succeeded. This is not the answer to our problems.

English Ale Tasting at Manderes

One of my new favorite places to go is Manderes in Folsom. It is a beer lover's dream as they have 20 beers on tap plus another 150 more in bottles - and all the beers are special. You won't find any Bud or Coors here. Manderes also features an outstanding wine list - in case you might want to invite someone who doesn't like beer as much.

It doesn't even stop there. The food also gets an excellent rating as I haven't been disappointed yet. One of my favorites is the Crab, Lobster & Sweet Corn Chowder. I've also enjoyed their Angus Burger and Pastas, but their house specialty is Korean Barbecue Beef (Bulgogi). My friend Tony, who has been to Korea, says it is absolute authentic. You will also love dipping your fries in their Cusabi Sauce - a cucumber/wasabi combination.

Every 2nd Wednesday Manderes has a beer tasting party. I really wanted to attend last month when they were tasting IPAs, but a meeting was scheduled that night which I needed to attend. I did make it last night for the British Isle Tasting, which wouldn't be my first choice in beer styles, but at least it would be an opportunity to try some different beers. Everyone has a different preference in beer styles, which is what makes Manderes so great. If there isn't one beer to your liking, there are maybe about 100 which are!

Our first taste was Fullers 1845. It was a little too smooth for my taste. The overall flavor was fine, there's just not enough there to impress everything in my mouth.

Next beer was Bellhaven Wee Heavy. This was more like the beers I enjoy, slightly bitter, but the flavor was not completely to my liking.

After that we tried Wychwood Hobgoblin ESB. I like the name and the picture on the bottle. By the description our host gave before tasting, I was expecting a very robust beer. However I was surprised (and disappointed) that it was instead very smooth and really lacked flavor. There was at least a tiny bit of bitterness which made the finish a little better.

Next on the list was Bell Haven Twisted Thistle IPA. This is not like the typical IPAs that I'm used to, but it was very good. Again, slightly lighter than what I prefer but this had an excellent flavor.

We sampled St Peters Cream Stout next. It is a typical cream stout. I'm just not a big fan of the chocolate taste in a beer.

A very different, yet good beer was our next selection: Meantime Coffee Porter featuring Rwandan coffee beans! You have to like coffee to like this beer - and I like coffee! Perfect flavor and a nice bite to it. Best one that I've tasted so far.

Next up was Theakston Old Peculier. One thing you have to say is that the English at least come up with interesting names. This had the potential to be something special, but I think it fumbled on the 5 yard line. There wasn't enough to wake up my taste buds.

Our final taste was Fullers Vintage Ale. Our host said that this beer actually ages like fine wine. WOW! Everything I previously said about British beers, I may take back after tasting this one. It was fantastic, clearly the best was saved for last.

Now I can really look forward to next month's taste, which is much more up my alley - Oktoberfest beers. October 8 at 7pm - mark it on your calendars and let me know if you want to join me - I'll make the reservation.

A New Football Year

The 2008 NFL season is now under way! As I write the New York Giants have an early lead over the Redskins.

I'm excited this year. Mark my words: The Detroit Lions are going to surprise a lot of people this year and actually pull off a good year. They will make the playoffs - and maybe even advance a round or two!

Of course, things got a little crazy, or bizarre actually, the last couple days back at the Lions practice facility. They signed running back Rudi Johnson Monday, forcing Tatum Bell out of a job. While Johnson was going over paperwork in Matt Millen's office, Bell is seen on surveillance tape taking Johnson's luggage. Bell insists that it was all a mistake, telling the Detroit News, "It's crazy. I wouldn't just steal somebody's stuff on purpose. I'm no thief, and I'm not stupid. I know they got cameras at the facility. I mean, I parked right in the front. It wasn't like I was sneaking out of there or nothing." He says he was asked by Victor DeGrate, another player who was cut, to get a bag that he had left there, and somehow got the bags mixed up.

Johnson doesn't believe Bell at all. Eventually the luggage was returned, but without the contents including cash, credit cards and underwear.

It could have been an innocent mistake, but it doesn't look like it. Besides the story sounding shaky, what happened to the missing contents? How come DeGrate hasn't said anything?

Bell probably would have been picked up by another team shortly after his release. Now there is a good chance that his NFL career is over. But I can't help to think that Matt Millen had something to do with this. He, after all has been stealing the dreams of Lions' fans for years, being the extra baggage that the Lions don't need.

Sarah Palin

When I first heard the news this morning that John McCain had picked the unknown Sarah Palin to be his running mate, I was not too happy. But I have warmed to this ticket as I have learned a little more about her.

My first reaction was he is only choosing a woman in attempt to lure Hillary supporters. It did not make sense as I would think they would see right through that, and maybe almost be offended by it. Then there was her lack of experience, which also didn't make any sense as he has been knocking Barack Obama for this very thing.

Her background may be brief, but extremely impressive. Throughout the day I was hearing a little bit about her, including that she took on fellow Republicans over some ethic violations, but I was not hearing the details. I searched for some info online and found a story that ran in the Weekly Standard back in July 2007, titled "The Most Popular Governor." I recommend that you read the entire article: http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/013/851orcjq.asp, but I will share a little here.

Her rise started after she resigned as Chair of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission in January 2004. She had complained about fellow Commissioner Randy Ruedrich (also the Alaska's Republican Chairman) over ethic violations and corruption. First he was fined, and ultimately resigned, with Palin proclaimed as the hero.

Since she has been governor, she has stuck to her guns on ethics and good business policies, not letting anyone get in her way - no matter what party they may be from. She fired the entire Alaska Board of Agriculture in order to stop the closure of the Creamery Board, which was important to keep Alaska's economy diversified.

Her overall politics may not be completely in line with mine. I am a fiscal conservative. I don't necessarily agree with all of the Republican party's social views. But someone who is pro-business is a must. It is business - small to large - that carries our country, and makes it possible for all of us to work and succeed. It comes down to simple economics. This is really the compelling reason why there is little chance that I will ever vote for a Democrat. The fact that she is also fighting for good ethical standards makes her a stronger choice.

Instant Replay

It has finally hit baseball. Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig announced Tuesday that Major League Baseball will begin to use instant replay on questionable "boundary calls". I have mixed feelings on this decision as I am a traditionalist when it comes to baseball. I would like to get rid of things like the DH and Inter league play, so you would think it would be natural for me to be against this too. but there are two points that I like.

First, replay will only be used on these boundary calls: did it go over the fence for a home run? Is it fair or foul? Was there fan interference?

Second, the umpire is the one who decides if they will review the play or not.

With these parameters, I don't think you will have games bogged down by reviews like you often see in football. And there seems to be so many more questionable home run calls this year. Why? Bud Selig (whom I don't usually respect too much) says: “I believe that because of the configuration of ballparks, both new and old, that calling home runs is really much more difficult than it once was.” That makes sense. I am sure it is also due to the television coverage of games being so much more sophisticated than before. With the ability of cameras to zoom in so clearly and to break the replay down frame by frame in perfect quality, we are seeing much better than ever before. The umpires are right on top of the play in the infield (and they get these calls right nearly 100% of the time), but it is impossible for them to be on top of the play at the wall.

At the same time mistakes have always been part of the game. In its purest form, the game will not be perfect, which makes it real.

I will at least give baseball instant replay a chance. But can we please get rid of this inter league play nonsense?

Is it Racism or Comedy?

It goes without saying that racism is an extremely sensitive subject. I would prefer to avoid the topic in my blog, but I do have some thoughts regarding the recent furor over the City of Sacramento not showing "Breakfast at Tiffany's" because of racism charges.

A group called the Council of Asian Pacific Islanders Together for Advocacy and Leadership protested to the city, saying that Mickey Rooney's character was offensive. The movie was going to be shown at a free outdoor event sponsored by the city. It was replaced by a movie called "Ratatouille".

I do understand the point that Rooney, playing a Japanese man, reinforced sensitive stereotypes. But the movie was a comedy - and Rooney was even quoted in the Sacramento Bee this morning saying, "Blake Edwards, who directed the picture, wanted me to do it because he was a comedy director. They hired me to do this overboard, and we had fun doing it."

Comedy performers - whether in a movie or on stage - constantly poke fun at stereotypes, whatever they may be. That is how they get paid! Plus consider that "Breakfast at Tiffany's" was made in 1961. There were things done back then that probably would not be done today. But this is certainly a classic movie, and maybe it just warrants a brief discussion before showing it.

Now I just said it probably would not be done today. Well, I just saw "Tropic Thunder" this weekend...what about Robert Downey Jr playing a black man? It is actually part of the plot in this crazy, but funny Ben Stiller movie. Downey plays a white actor who undergoes surgery in order to play the part of a black man. Again, it is comedy, and it leads to lines that help make the movie more funny.

I am also reminded of a joke that I have told a few times. It starts out sounding like it will be a racist joke. When I have told it, my friends - before hearing the punchline - can't believe that I am telling such a joke, because it just isn't me. It asks, "what do you call a black man flying an airplane?" The answer: "A pilot, you racist". Again for me, it is more about the shock that I might be telling such a joke in the first place, which garners more laughs when they hear the punchline. I was embarrassed once - probably the last time I told it. There was one person in the group who I had not met before. He proceeded to fire off two or three actual racist jokes. I was very sorry that my joke led to this, and I think it made it uncomfortable for all of us.

Does racism still exist in our society today? Absolutely. But I think we all can be a little less sensitive in analyzing every thing that may come up. Let's try to focus on the big picture.

The Handyman (Not)

Anyone who knows me well, wouldn't trust me with hanging a picture in their back bedroom. I am not too handy when it comes to fixing things. However, I did decide to try my luck yesterday with fixing the deadbolt lock on my front metal screen door.

I had been living at risk recently after my friend Michael (who will remain anonymous) was visiting from San Diego a few weeks ago. He tried to force the lock, somehow jamming it to the point where it would not turn one iota. I decided that having a breeze come through the door at night was a priority over my personal safety.

I finally got around to attempting the fix yesterday. I unscrewed the deadbolt from the door and with the lock apart, was able to loosen whatever was tight and then sprayed some WD-40 on it. Now the hard part: I had to put it back together again!

I put everything through the hole in the door, but try as I might, I could not get both screws to line up at the same time. I would get one screw in the hole but the second one would not want to go anywhere near its hole. I would try the reverse, putting the opposite screw in the hole first, but still the second screw would not go in (there probably is a line in there somewhere, but this is supposed to be a clean site!). I was getting perplexed and frustrated, and I was realizing that I had not improved in home improvements.

Then I noticed something as I looked at the front of the lock. The key hole was upside down! Guess what? I turned it around and amazingly both screws lined up with the holes. I got it back together and now my deadbolt locks again! it is amazing how simple something can be when you actually do it the right way.

Even though I eventually experienced success, I doubt if I will be trying anything much more sophisticated then this in the near future. At least I can once again sleep securely at night.

Old TV Shows

Have you ever watched a TV show that you thought was just brilliant as a kid or teenager, but when you saw a rerun in more current times, the show somehow turned terrible? I have had many of those experiences - Magnum PI is one that comes to mind.

But there is one show that has survived the test of time...The Rockford Files. The old reruns of this show still keep me entertained. I have a Netflix account and I can even watch the shows on my computer when I'm in between movies - waiting for the next one to arrive in the mail. When I first started re-watching the Rockford Files, I feared that it would be like the others: it seemed great back then, but it would now seem lacking. That was not the case at all. James Garner and the cast of characters keep it moving. There is a story with a pretty good plot, but excellent writing - humor mixed in very well with the action.

This needs to recaptured somehow, but it seems like remakes of old shows always fail. Maybe David Chase can put something together. He was a young writer on Rockford back in the day before he went on to create the Sopranos. What are your experiences of re-watching old shows from your youth?

On a More Serious Note...

While reading my Sunday newspaper today, two stories struck a chord with me. The first one told about two El Dorado County Sheriff Deputies suing a woman over a shootout last year. Her son killed his father (her husband) and deputies were called to the scene, who were ambushed by the son. He shot three deputies plus a police dog before being killed. Thankfully the deputies and the dog all survived and, for the most part, recovered from their injuries.

Now two of the deputies are suing the widow and the estate of her dead husband for $8 million, saying the family was negligent in controlling their adult son. The third injured deputy, who also was the canine officer with the injured police dog, declined to join the suit.

First of all, I admire those in law enforcement immensely. I am thankful that we have them to serve us and protect us. But this suit just seems wrong. Here are the quotes in the Sacramento Bee article from McGeorge School of Law professor Julie Davies saying that she feels the deputies situation falls under what is called the "firefighter's rule":

"With the firefighter's rule, the reasoning is that they voluntarily agreed to undertake these risks – they know going in that fighting crime or fighting fires is dangerous. Additionally, they are paid well to encounter the risks. They're given a whole packet of benefits to compensate them if they're injured, so allowing them to sue citizens would almost be like double taxation. If people worry that they might be sued by police officers or firefighters, they might hesitate to call on them for help. And that would be bad public policy."

I couldn't agree with this assessment more. We need to take the bad guys off the streets, and we need the law to not favor the criminal as much as it does now. But is it right to sue this woman, who likely had her hands tied by the law in trying to commit her adult son anyway. Every time I hear of a police officer getting hurt, or worse killed by someone, I wonder how they can be better protected. A lawsuit like this is certainly not the answer.

Switching topics completely, the other article dealt with a Nevada City business owner trying to stop a Beach Hut Deli from opening in Downtown Nevada City because it happens to be a franchise. There are good businesses and bad businesses. There are good franchises and bad franchises. How does the fact that just because a particular business is a franchise makes it bad? This franchise will continue to fit the "mom & pop" atmosphere he says the town was built on. It will be owned by a couple from nearby Grass Valley - they have lived there for over 40 years. Judging by the article, it sounded like this is the first and only business that they have owned. And they are keeping with all the historical standards that are required by downtown businesses. All I can say is welcome them to town, and if you don't like the place, don't go there!

The Home Game

I enjoyed a good casual poker game with my buddies Friday night. We usually start with a no limit Texas Hold em Tournament, and then as we lose people a cash game starts. That's what we did Friday, however only six of us showed up. I made fourth place in the tournament (that does sound better than saying I was the second one out), and I ended up about even in the cash game. We play low limits in the cash game which is dealers choice, so we can get some crazy games going sometimes. I say low limit, but with some of these games that get called, the low limits can quickly get out of hand. But mostly the game is just a fun time with friends.

I "invented" a game called Pai Dough, which is a variation of Pai Gow. Dough is actually a nickname of mine - you take the D from my first name and the ough from my last name to create dough. There are other "reasons", but we are getting off subject. So in Pai Dough, adding one joker is optional, but if you do add it, the player holding it may only count it as an ace, or it may be any card to complete a straight or a flush. Everyone gets five cards and there is a round of betting. Then each person receives a sixth card followed by another round of betting. After dealing the seventh and final card, each player divides their seven cards into two hands. The "low hand" consists of two cards and the "high hand" consists of five cards. To clarify, the low hand does not mean a winning hand is low. It is called "low" in Pai Gow because it is only two cards but the best or highest hand of those two cards still wins. The one rule is that the low hand can not have a better poker hand than the high hand. For instance, if you hold A-A-K-10-8-2-2, you could not put the two aces in your low hand. If you could it would give you a guaranteed winner for at least part of the pot. What happens is that once everyone has set their low and high hands, there is one more round of betting. Then everyone turns over their two card hands. The person with the best two card hand will get half the pot. Then everyone turns over their high hands - again the person with the best high hand gets half the pot. There actually is some strategy to setting your hand - different than Pai Gow in the casinos.

Well I guess this turned into another poker blog. When I sat down at the computer I really wasn't sure what I was going to write about - I just started typing and the words followed!

The Poker Suck Out

For those of you that play poker you assuredly have been on both ends of a "suck out" at one time or another. I will describe the latest one that I did in just a minute, and maybe you can give me some feedback on how the hand was played.

First of all, just a quick comment about Texas Hold em. It is truly a great game. You have the overall fun of playing cards, quite a bit of math to use your mind with, and there is a mystery to solve with several clues coming as the hand progresses.

So back to this hand I had this past weekend. I was playing in a tournament that started with about 84 people. We were down to the final three tables and I had a below average chip stack. To you non-tournament players: the amounts that I am about to describe are just tournament chips - they don't equate to real dollar amounts!

I was the small blind and the current level was $200/400 with $50 antes. The second person to act limped in, and then it was folded around to me. I decided to put the extra $200 in to call with my 5D-7C. The big blind checked. The flop was 10-6-4 - the 10 and one of the other cards being diamonds. Both of us blinds checked and the player in position bet $1200. I called as I was getting the right odds - $1200 to win $2850 with my open-ended straight draw. The big blind folded. The turn was 2D. I checked. Now the other player bet $2000. I re-checked my cards and I still had the open ended straight draw, but now the flush draw as well. obviously if I hit the flush it will be very small, and there was a chance that the other player already made a flush. But I surmised that he had an A-10, which, if the case, he could not have already made the flush. The card that could blow my theory is if he is holding the Ace of diamonds. I realized I had exactly $2000 in chips left and the total in the pot was $6050. I had 15 outs - I had the odds - but if I didn't get one of my cards I would be out of the tournament. However, if I folded at this point, I would be more severely short-stacked with the blinds and antes due to go up again.

I made the call. Sure enough he turned over A-10 and luckily not the Ace of diamonds! The dealer turned over the diamond on the river to complete my suck-out. I could hear the groaning as I scooped up my chips (I think the groaning was actually from other players, the guy in the hand handled his loss very graciously).

I played good poker the rest of the way to finish in 8th place and a little bit of winnings (this is good because I have actually built up a little poker winning bankroll lately, which is the only way I can justify continuing to play). You generally do need a little bit of luck (strategic luck) to cash in a tournament, but tell me what you think of this play.

My First Blog

I've been saying that I wanted to start a blog for quite some time now, and I have finally done it! The topics covered here may be within a wide range. I love to write, and wish that I was writing professionally, so maybe this is a way to compensate. At times I can be highly opinionated, other times I may seem wishy-washy. I may write about something cute like my dog, Sierra or I may complain about an absurd thing that some politician is proposing. I may chime in about something happening here, around Northern California - specifically in the Sacramento area or I may provide some commentary about my latest poker game. From time to time I may write a review about a restaurant, bar, wine, store, product, event or place. No matter what, I will always welcome comments whether you agree with me or not.

A few quick musings:

Just to get it in my first blog, Don't buy a Dell Computer! I will never give Dell my business again as they pulled a bait and switch tactic on a financing deal when I bought my computer. They would not even attempt to resolve the situation, and I am by far, not alone in this.

Right now I am focused on my Detroit Tigers. They were supposed to have the best team in baseball this year, but they have flopped horribly. There is still a chance they can turn things around, but something has to happen with that bullpen. They traded away Pudge Rodriguez for a relief pitcher, but that hasn't worked so far.

I am sure by now you have seen the Paris Hilton video - or at least heard it (I better clarify! I am talking about the one she just released where she talks about her energy plan for the country). Maybe she really would be a better option than those other two guys!