Ronny Turiaf promotes heart health

Golden State Warriors PF Ronny Turiaf has experienced firsthand the troubles with heart problems, check out this article in the San Francisco Chronicle where Turiaf talks about his condition and how he is spreading awareness.

I am personally aware of Ronny Turiaf, seeing as how he played college ball at Gonzaga University along side Adam Morrisson (player of the year?), a fixture in the Westcoast Conference (WCC) who often abused my beloved USF Dons, although we got a couple of shots in here and there.

Awfully Amazing Art

Got some new decks. And no, I don't skateboard (use to), but I fell in love with these decks by Will Barras (Superfishal) and Sam Flores (Twelve grain). Check out their work at Upper Playground San Francisco.

Both decks pictured here

'The Stack' -- loved this one because as a motorcycle rider, this was just impressive! One look at this piece and I had to have it. Looks like there are 3 creature-like beings riding "3 up" and the "little woman" on top has a butterfly-catcher net and she's doing something with it. Hilarious!

"Memory" -- I'm not even sure if Sam Flores was going for the Hindu/Indian look, but I picked this one because it reminded me of Ashleigh (although everything Indian-influenced reminds me of Ashleigh), but even moreso because her mom fancies elephants and this one had a sleepy elephant on it! Again, took one look and I had to have it

-The Dreamer

Snowmageddon...in Texas

I went to bed last night around 12:30AM thinking about the meeting I had for 9:00AM, and there was still snow coming down when I looked out of the window. When I woke up at 7:00AM, this is what I saw out of the window

Pictured in the distant is what used to be a volleyball court. It is now a frozen lake. Also last night, this was the site of a massive snow ball fight. That is what happens when you get a bunch of kids who many have never seen snow before

This is what the courtyard usually looks like; rainy and sunny simultaneously, with a sparkling rainbow always present to remind us everything is going to be alright =)

Snow Day in...er.. Texas?

What's not pictured are the dozens of kids having a massive snow ball fight in between the two buildings =)

Lumberjack Village Community Center, usually green

The front of the C-Store

The side of Bldg. 2

The view from the Front Desk building, usually a sloping hill here

Happy birthday Dilla!

Freaky thing just happened...so, listen

Earlier today, I was looking at Podcast to subscribe to, and remembered coming across on Imeem.com J-Rocc's 66 minute mix of Dilla joints titled "Thank You, Jay Dee. Act 4," so I was looking for that. Turns out, it's not available for download, only through purchase for $00.00 from Stones Throw, when you buy something else. So, I was looking for something to buy, and cme across Dilla t-shirts. I've seen these designs before, and thought they looked good.

That's when this article caught my eye, The Battle for J Dilla's Legacy, about the ongoing struggle of those closest to Dilla and managing his estate. So I didn't get a chance to read it then, but left the tab open for later.

That's when I started reading it tonight and I read this very line at exactly 12:00 AM February 7, 2010

"Donuts was released on Stones Throw on February 7, 2006, his 32nd birthday. Dilla died three days later."

I thought to myself, "wow, today's the 6th (cause I've been filling out papers today) and his birthday's tomorrow..." but I looked at the time, and it was already midnight, meaning it was his birthday. Kind of wild, I think. Maybe it's a sign, who knows...

I feel like I should go write a song or something LOL

New riding gear

So, after my first crash, I realized I had to drop some dough on some gear! I know, it's a little late now, but I think of it this way, this is my second chance so I am going to get it right this time.

New helmet. Brand name is a little obscure to me, but the helmet fits unlike any other helmet I've ever tried on. It's is comfortable beyond belief, so that is a plus. When it comes to choosing a helmet, essentially they're all the same -- just the higher end ones tend to fit a lot better! But in terms of protection, as long as they are DOT Certified or Snell, or both, then the helmet will do what it is supposed to do. The cheaper joints, they will have terrible sizing. I got this from eBay.

SHIFT motorcycle gloves, oh you notice me when I'm waving at you after flying past! It was partly because of the way these looked, but also, the protection they provide. They also go with the jacket, too. The checkered flag design really caught my eye, other than that, gloves are basically gloves, in regard to regular street riding. If you're doing track days, then I'd get a little more protection than these things.

Icon Team Merc motorcycle jacket. Got this baby from motorcycle-superstore.com for $119, on sale from $190. It is a really good jacket, especially for warmer weather, but maybe not so good for those who get cold easily. Fortunately for me, I don't have that problem so it does its job for me in both circumstances. It has two side-pockets which are spacious enough to fit groceries (yes, I do my grocery shopping like that), and it has a stash pocket on the inside for your house keys or something of that nature. I really like the colors, although I'm not a big fan of the Camo, but I think this was creatively done.

There are side vents, or should I say back, that allows air flow if needed. Also, there is a back flap on the lower rear for added protection. I mean, it's not much of protection but it's nice looking. Also each jacket comes with a different number, this one just happens to be four. Have no idea about the connection, but I'm sure it makes a lot of sense. It's a comfortable fit, I got an XXL and it fits my 5'11" 225lb. frame rather well.

Icon riding denim jeans. At first I didn't like these things, only because of the fit, but after I wore them around, they adjusted and now I absolutely love them. They're pretty stylish (I wore them to work) while at the same time offering abrasion-resistant protection, and reinforced-knee protection. They are a little on the long side, the inseam has to be around 40" just they will feel longer than your normal pair, but that means they look excellent while riding.

Best $1,800 I've ever spent

Step your computer game up!

After my old Dell Latitude crashed for the 3rd time, "I've had it!" So I made the conversion to the new MacBook Pro 15.4" screen, and the apple Magic Mouse (not pictured) - pure luxury when it comes to computing! Love it, and you should too! This is truly a machine to behold, all other laptops will bow in its presence or prepare to be crushed! I haven't even tapped in to a fraction of this machines' capabilities. I get weak in the knees just thinking about it.....ooOOooohH

And props to Apple who had it on my doorstep in 2 days!!!! That's service, right thurr!!!