A New Seasons market opened recently in our neighborhood and we are ecstatic about the whole thing. I'm incredibly amazed by the quality of the people who work there. Not only are they friendly, they are helpful and even funny. They obviously enjoy their jobs.
I swear that the wine steward, Tucker, works all day every day. He's always there no matter when I show up. And, I love that he actually knows something about the wine. In fact,he knows quite a lot. And, he can help you pick out great wine at the price YOU want to pay.
Right now, I'm drinking one of his recommendations, Behemoth, a blend from the Columbia Valley AVA, which crosses the Oregon-Washington border and runs from The Dalles to Walla Walla. The 2008 vintage is produced by Portland Wine Co.
I don't remember what I paid for it, but it wasn't a lot and it's terrific as an everyday red. Great red fruit and wonderfully drinkable. The blend is 53% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Syrah. Great with everything from steak to pizza.
22 November 2011
Returning to the Art of Shaving
Today, I'm revisiting an old topic -- shaving. In the past two years, I've come full circle from Gillette Fusion cartridge razor to Braun electric razor and now it's back to basics -- a good old fashioned double edge safety razor, the kind my father used to use (I can even remember my grandfather using a straight razor, I think.).
Previously, I had used a shaving brush and soap bowl, but still stuck with the trusty Fusion. So, when an Art of Shaving store opened in Portland, I decided to give it a try. My first purchase was a Merkur Futur, a heavy, Germany made razor with a dial on the handle to adjust the angle of the blade. Then, I decided to give the more dainty, English made Edwin Jagger a try. It's very nice, but the handle is a bit on the short side. Still, it seems to suite my needs a little more than the big German machine.
At first, I was very off-and-on about the whole idea. I was put off by the need to really slow down and take a whole different approach to shaving, even shaving two or three times to get a super close shave. After numerous cuts, I just gave up and went back to the Fusion. But, I keep coming back to the safety razor. I've now been using the Edwin Jagger for about a week with excellent results and liking the idea more every day.
I've been using a pre-oil (made from rape seed) to soften up the beard, but just read that I should be shaving after I get out of the shower, not before in order to better moisten my beard.
It does take longer to shave. This morning, I shaved twice because I watched a video where it was recommended. Also, learned that I should soak the razor in warm water before using as it makes a difference. I'm getting better and better at it and haven't had any major cuts in awhile. One of the tricks is to figure out how long a blade will last. I think it's going to be about a week. I could make one of those Fusion cartridges go a month.
One of the things I really like is that double edge shaving gives me a smaller footprint. No hunks of plastic and metal to throw away, just a very thin blade that is recyclable. And, the razor itself should last for years. In fact I asked a friend who's into antiquing to look for an antique razor. And, you'll definitely save money. Costco sells a 16-pack of Fusion cartridges for about $44, so that's less than $3 each. A double edge blade runs about 25 cents.
I also like the feel after using the double edge razor. It seems like more of an accomplishment and a throwback to a time when he lived in less of a throw away world and cared more about permanence. I'm not surprised that it took me several starts and stops to actually get to a point where I was using the safety razor for more than a day or two at a time. But, I think I finally may be hooked.
If you're inclined to go double edge, read this post from one of the commentators from Badger & Blade, a shaving website.
Previously, I had used a shaving brush and soap bowl, but still stuck with the trusty Fusion. So, when an Art of Shaving store opened in Portland, I decided to give it a try. My first purchase was a Merkur Futur, a heavy, Germany made razor with a dial on the handle to adjust the angle of the blade. Then, I decided to give the more dainty, English made Edwin Jagger a try. It's very nice, but the handle is a bit on the short side. Still, it seems to suite my needs a little more than the big German machine.
At first, I was very off-and-on about the whole idea. I was put off by the need to really slow down and take a whole different approach to shaving, even shaving two or three times to get a super close shave. After numerous cuts, I just gave up and went back to the Fusion. But, I keep coming back to the safety razor. I've now been using the Edwin Jagger for about a week with excellent results and liking the idea more every day.
I've been using a pre-oil (made from rape seed) to soften up the beard, but just read that I should be shaving after I get out of the shower, not before in order to better moisten my beard.
It does take longer to shave. This morning, I shaved twice because I watched a video where it was recommended. Also, learned that I should soak the razor in warm water before using as it makes a difference. I'm getting better and better at it and haven't had any major cuts in awhile. One of the tricks is to figure out how long a blade will last. I think it's going to be about a week. I could make one of those Fusion cartridges go a month.
One of the things I really like is that double edge shaving gives me a smaller footprint. No hunks of plastic and metal to throw away, just a very thin blade that is recyclable. And, the razor itself should last for years. In fact I asked a friend who's into antiquing to look for an antique razor. And, you'll definitely save money. Costco sells a 16-pack of Fusion cartridges for about $44, so that's less than $3 each. A double edge blade runs about 25 cents.
I also like the feel after using the double edge razor. It seems like more of an accomplishment and a throwback to a time when he lived in less of a throw away world and cared more about permanence. I'm not surprised that it took me several starts and stops to actually get to a point where I was using the safety razor for more than a day or two at a time. But, I think I finally may be hooked.
If you're inclined to go double edge, read this post from one of the commentators from Badger & Blade, a shaving website.
26 September 2011
Bose finally fixes Lifestyle 235 firmware
Almost a year ago, I bought a Bose Lifestyle 235 home theater system. I connected it to my DirecTV box, Blue-ray player, Sonos sound system and iPod. Everything worked fine with one big exception. I could not use an HDMI interface between my DirecTV box and the Bose console. It worked at first and then wouldn't work.
In frustration, I finally just gave up on the HDMI and after hours on the phone with Bose, connected the DirecTV box using bulky component cables and a very slim fiber optic audio cable. I still had an HDMI connecting the Bose and my TV. But, it was frustrating that I couldn't use HDMI for the whole setup.
Well, I was in the local Bose store today looking at a new SoundLink portable speaker Bose just introduced last week. I happened to mention that I had the 235 and that it worked fine with the exception of the HDMI issue. The salesman told me it had now been fixed.
Bose ships a USB thumb drive with the 235 to allow firmware upgrades. I did one right after I got it, but forgot about it after that. As it turns out, Bose finally figured out why the HDMI wasn't working and made the appropriate firmware upgrades to fix it. So, tonight, I came home, downloaded the upgrade and installed it. After a few bumps on the reset of the Bose unit, it now works with an HDMI cable. And, I swear, the picture and the sound are better.
Lucky I stopped into the Bose store and happened to mention the HDMI problem. Also great that Bose makes its products so they are user upgradable. So, I was able to eliminate some cabling and probably will get a smidgen better performance out of my entertainment equipment.
In frustration, I finally just gave up on the HDMI and after hours on the phone with Bose, connected the DirecTV box using bulky component cables and a very slim fiber optic audio cable. I still had an HDMI connecting the Bose and my TV. But, it was frustrating that I couldn't use HDMI for the whole setup.
Well, I was in the local Bose store today looking at a new SoundLink portable speaker Bose just introduced last week. I happened to mention that I had the 235 and that it worked fine with the exception of the HDMI issue. The salesman told me it had now been fixed.
Bose ships a USB thumb drive with the 235 to allow firmware upgrades. I did one right after I got it, but forgot about it after that. As it turns out, Bose finally figured out why the HDMI wasn't working and made the appropriate firmware upgrades to fix it. So, tonight, I came home, downloaded the upgrade and installed it. After a few bumps on the reset of the Bose unit, it now works with an HDMI cable. And, I swear, the picture and the sound are better.
Lucky I stopped into the Bose store and happened to mention the HDMI problem. Also great that Bose makes its products so they are user upgradable. So, I was able to eliminate some cabling and probably will get a smidgen better performance out of my entertainment equipment.
11 September 2011
Linfield sends warning: We've reloaded
It was another historic day at Maxwell Field in McMinnville yesterday. Linfield opened another football season and from the looks of their solid play and improvement, this is going to be yet another amazing Wildcat campaign. Less predictable and more fun.
Let met set the stage: Linfield comes into the game ranked 7th nationally against 16th ranked California Lutheran University. The rankings mean nothing. Linfield is ranked 7th strictly off its finish last year (9-2, advanced to second round of NCAA Division III playoffs). Linfield is rebuilding, particularly at quarterback, where they lost an All-American. Defense projected to be solid, but also lost an All-American.
And, CLU was projected to be better than their ranking and possibly better than what showed on paper, which was very good. I was fully prepared for a lessons-learning opening loss, not something Wildcat fans suffer lightly, especially at home. And, it did not start out well. Linfield went three out on their first three series and looked, in a word, bad. Meanwhile, CLU marched down the field in its first possession and scored with ease. Uh oh! This could have been a long afternoon.
But, the amazing thing about Linfield historically, is how well they are coached and how well they adjust. Major kudos to Coach Joe Smith and his staff. The fake punt call in the second quarter was pure brilliance and superbly executed. It was the turning point in the game. And, let's hear it for the Wildcat defense! They kept us in the game early and then slammed the door shut on CLU's comeback attempts late.
QB Mickey Inns started out slow and finished like a house on fire, aided significantly by his offensive line who did not allow a sack. He's got a ways to go, but showed visible and major improvement as the game progressed. He's going to be more than adequate, especially if he demonstrates the same kind of improvement throughout the season. Despite two picks, Inns was solid, solid, sold.
And, then there was Josh Hill. The Portland junior ran for 164 yards and two TDs in one of the best performance by a Linfield running back in years. He is exactly what the spread offense needs to be killer this year. Speed, quickness and smarts. Josh is our LaMichael James and will make our passing game even more effective.
This is a team to get excited about. I haven't been excited about a "new" Linfield team since Bret Elliott showed up on the scene in 2004. I was all prepared for a tough season of weekly hand-to-hand combat. I don't think so after watching the superbly entertaining and well played opener yesterday. I've watched a lot of Linfield football in the past 34 years and this year is unlikely to disappoint.
Let met set the stage: Linfield comes into the game ranked 7th nationally against 16th ranked California Lutheran University. The rankings mean nothing. Linfield is ranked 7th strictly off its finish last year (9-2, advanced to second round of NCAA Division III playoffs). Linfield is rebuilding, particularly at quarterback, where they lost an All-American. Defense projected to be solid, but also lost an All-American.
And, CLU was projected to be better than their ranking and possibly better than what showed on paper, which was very good. I was fully prepared for a lessons-learning opening loss, not something Wildcat fans suffer lightly, especially at home. And, it did not start out well. Linfield went three out on their first three series and looked, in a word, bad. Meanwhile, CLU marched down the field in its first possession and scored with ease. Uh oh! This could have been a long afternoon.
But, the amazing thing about Linfield historically, is how well they are coached and how well they adjust. Major kudos to Coach Joe Smith and his staff. The fake punt call in the second quarter was pure brilliance and superbly executed. It was the turning point in the game. And, let's hear it for the Wildcat defense! They kept us in the game early and then slammed the door shut on CLU's comeback attempts late.
QB Mickey Inns started out slow and finished like a house on fire, aided significantly by his offensive line who did not allow a sack. He's got a ways to go, but showed visible and major improvement as the game progressed. He's going to be more than adequate, especially if he demonstrates the same kind of improvement throughout the season. Despite two picks, Inns was solid, solid, sold.
And, then there was Josh Hill. The Portland junior ran for 164 yards and two TDs in one of the best performance by a Linfield running back in years. He is exactly what the spread offense needs to be killer this year. Speed, quickness and smarts. Josh is our LaMichael James and will make our passing game even more effective.
This is a team to get excited about. I haven't been excited about a "new" Linfield team since Bret Elliott showed up on the scene in 2004. I was all prepared for a tough season of weekly hand-to-hand combat. I don't think so after watching the superbly entertaining and well played opener yesterday. I've watched a lot of Linfield football in the past 34 years and this year is unlikely to disappoint.
06 September 2011
The disaster in Dallas
I haven't written a blog entry in eons. Guess I've not had a lot to say or at least anything to say that rocked my world. I did manage a blog on my decision to give Windows Mobile Phone a concerted try, then backed out of that one. Just couldn't give up on the iPhone based on the productivity it was providing me. I'm still fascinated with WP7, especially with Mango imminent (probably before iOS5 even). I still use it on WiFi, but haven't gotten up the courage to take it to the AT&T store and have my account switched over to it again. Maybe after Mango.
Just back from the Oregon-LSU game in Dallas. Well, the trip was fun, but the outcome was so distasteful that I'm not sure it made the trip worthwhile. Until now, I'd resisted attending any of these big Oregon games -- partly because the track record is so abysmal. What a surprise, the got bamboozled again by the SEC.
While some disagree with me, I do believe Oregon is being out coached in these big games. LSU's speed was a major factor in helping "create" the turnovers. Did you also catch the time when LMJ was overtaken in the backfield by a very fast LSU defender.
This was a sobering lesson in humility (once again) for the Ducks. They may think they're ready for Primetime, but not that Primetime. LMJ's Heisman Trophy quest is over, which is a good thing. Now, maybe Oregon can shed all the hype and focus on winning the Pac-12, no small task. The bright spot was the defense, until it just got tuckered out in the second half.
The LSU fans were mostly nice, but also appropriately arrogant. But, they can legitimately claim arrogance when they have the kind of talent they have and perform the way they did against a favored Oregon team. With the glamour gone, maybe the Ducks can get back to a workmanlike approach to football. This will be their big test for 2011.
Can Oregon regroup, run the table and land in a nice BCS bowl game in Pasadena or elsewhere?
Just back from the Oregon-LSU game in Dallas. Well, the trip was fun, but the outcome was so distasteful that I'm not sure it made the trip worthwhile. Until now, I'd resisted attending any of these big Oregon games -- partly because the track record is so abysmal. What a surprise, the got bamboozled again by the SEC.
While some disagree with me, I do believe Oregon is being out coached in these big games. LSU's speed was a major factor in helping "create" the turnovers. Did you also catch the time when LMJ was overtaken in the backfield by a very fast LSU defender.
This was a sobering lesson in humility (once again) for the Ducks. They may think they're ready for Primetime, but not that Primetime. LMJ's Heisman Trophy quest is over, which is a good thing. Now, maybe Oregon can shed all the hype and focus on winning the Pac-12, no small task. The bright spot was the defense, until it just got tuckered out in the second half.
The LSU fans were mostly nice, but also appropriately arrogant. But, they can legitimately claim arrogance when they have the kind of talent they have and perform the way they did against a favored Oregon team. With the glamour gone, maybe the Ducks can get back to a workmanlike approach to football. This will be their big test for 2011.
Can Oregon regroup, run the table and land in a nice BCS bowl game in Pasadena or elsewhere?
22 July 2011
Day One of Wine Bloggers Conference
Things kicked off at the fourth annual Wine Bloggers Conference in
Charlottesville, VA. Unfortunately, we are faithful in the Great US
Heat Dome of 2011. Sitting in the technology breakout session where
the talk is all of Facebook vs. Google+. Tonight dinner at Monticello where Thomas Jefferson is probably
turning over in his grave about the politics in Washington right now.
More than enough great wine here. So much wine, so little time. Excited to learn who gets the bloggers' conference next year. Oregon
is in the running. Fingers crossed.
Charlottesville, VA. Unfortunately, we are faithful in the Great US
Heat Dome of 2011. Sitting in the technology breakout session where
the talk is all of Facebook vs. Google+. Tonight dinner at Monticello where Thomas Jefferson is probably
turning over in his grave about the politics in Washington right now.
More than enough great wine here. So much wine, so little time. Excited to learn who gets the bloggers' conference next year. Oregon
is in the running. Fingers crossed.
Posted via email from CFH
12 July 2011
Giving up my iPhone (Oh, My!)
Today, I began a grand experiment -- giving up my iPhone for a Samsung Focus, whick is a Microsoft Windows Phone.
I'm sure that may will consider me crazy or at least semi-crazy. And, I have to say I'm questioning my sanity a bit myself.
But, as my mother always said, you never know if you never try. So, I'm going cold turkey on the iPhone, which I've been using off and on for the past 3+ years.
Why Windows Phone 7? I guess I'd have to say that I'm intrigued about what Microsoft is doing. They have made a remarkable comeback from where they were a couple of years ago. That "comeback" is definitely reflected in business metrics, however. But, I do believe that given some time and persistence (always a significant Microsoft attribute), WP7 willcome around. Right now, the problem isn't the phone, which I've found to be very good. It's the mobile phone carriers. Their sales staff almost refuse to recommend the Windows Phone and in many instances advise against getting one.
I tried three different flavors of Android and it just didn't cut it for me. Why? Basically because it's not finished. I'm past the stage of being a beta tester with equipment that's supposed to work. The last Android phone was also a Samsung, the Infuse. Beautiful, big phone. But it couldn't maintain a bluetooth pairing in my car to save its life. Gonzo!
I also don't like to follow the pack and it seems nowadays that everyone has an iPhone. For me, that means it's time to move on to the next thing. So, how's it going?
Well, so far so good. And mind you, I'm using this as a business device. I don't really play games on my mobile phone, unless you consider Solitaire a game. I'll judgte the phone based on how easy it is to get work done.
So far, here's what I'm liking:
- I love the basic UI with the colorful tiles that automatically update with new information. And if you get tired of the color tiles you're using, just pick another color. Mne are green right now.
- It's fast, which surprised me.
- The basic metahor of the apps is cool and they are different from either iPhone or Android. Different is good.
- I really am finding I can get work done faster.
- I hated how it brught all your facebook contacts into your contacts until I found out how to have it only bring in info on the contacts you already have.
- Works great with my person email and calendar, Gmail, though it's rekindled a long ago relationship with Hotmail.
- The display isn't as good as the iPhone's retina display, but it's very good and good enough.
- The weight of the phone is nice and way lighter than the iPhone. And the display is bigger.
That's about it for today. Will post again tomorrow.
Posted via email from CFH
08 July 2011
04 June 2011
How soon we forget
Been so long since we had one of these days. Truly lovely and my backyard temp says high 80s. Well worth the wait.
Posted via email from CFH
02 January 2011
Taking stock and looking ahead
In some ways, this year turned out much better than could have been predicted. In other ways, not so great. But, when you add it all up, there was more good than bad. As a friend recently told me, life is a series of transitions and the bottom line is how well you handle those changes and ups and downs. Some transitions are planned and create exciting opportunities. Others are not, take you off guard and demand quick thinking and adjustments. Preparation and experience are the keys to creating success in both instances.
By sectors, my year in review:
Family: Lots of positives here. We were blessed with two additional grand children, Baron, born in March, and Regan, born in October. Both are healthy, growing and amazing in all ways. We are so blessed and fortunate to have three healthy grand children and both our kids are doing well. On the home front, circumstances have given Lynne and I a lot more time with each other. Also, a blessing. This could have been a disaster, but I'm making a lot of adjustments, learning to be more patient and enjoying a reduction in stress caused by the pressures of daily work.
Work: This is probably the low point as I lost my job mid-year. I'm still hoping this will prove to be a blessing in disguise. 2011 will go a long ways in telling if I'm right. I am among those aging Baby Boomers whom the steep recession has tossed onto the human scrap heap of the unemployed who may never find full-time employment again. I remain convinced that either through part-time work or consulting, there is a patchwork of projects that could look like a real job. A lot depends on how strong the economy bounces back this year and the appetite for "not-quite-over-the-hill" workers. This is a moving target. The really good note is that it's caused us to focus on our retirement scenario very seriously and make a lot harder choices than we probably would have otherwise.
Sports: This sector couldn't have turned out much better. While my Wildcats didn't win a fifth national championship, they did recover from an early season stumble, win their umpteenth NWC title, wrap up another winning season to extend their national record to 55 seasons and make it to the second round of the NCAA Division III playoffs. Not much more to say about Oregon. A perfect season and a spot in the BCS National Championship Game. Wow, the best season ever for the Ducks and the culmination of a long uphill journey from football oblivion only a couple of decades ago. Shocking what money will buy! And, it was all topped off by my late-in-the-year decision to switch from cable to DirecTV. If you are a serious sports fan, you must get DirecTV. The picture is better, the choices are greater, the HD is more ubiquitous. I've had it only for about two weeks, but already a HUGE fan.
Health & Lifestyle: After a nagging injury kept me from running the first half of the year, I got back it in May, which made my doctor happy as I was able to shed about 20 pounds. Now, I need to pick up the pace, lose another 20 and focus on upping my mileage. I'm considering (and I say that advisedly) training for another marathon. Incented by Tyson's sub-four minute first marathon in November. With enough time to focus on the training and IF I can lose the weigh, I could make it work by the fall. I still think this is a long shot. The pace is slower, more focused and all about quality, not quantity of experience. I've spent a lot of time reuniting with old acquaintances and taken time for family. Getting a LOT of stuff done around the house that needed attention and still more to do.
2011: Overall, I'm hugely optimistic about the new year. 2010 was a great year for the stock market and it's hard to predict how it could do better in 2011. I do think we'll be up next year, but less than 2010 -- maybe something in the 5-6% range, unless we hit a patch of unusual inflation. There's more run in this bull despite the fact that what we saw in the second half of 2010 certainly anticipated some of this. Look for a sell-off early in the year that will frustrate some. Businesses will beging spending and hiring at a faster pace than 2010. It could be a great year. Barring some unexpected global catastrophe, there seems little risk that it will be a horrible year. This year will be a big year of adjusting to our "reduced" lifestyle and living the kind of life where we focus on what we need, not what we want. We've already planned some quality time with friends and family. It will be a year of hunkering down and enjoying and appreciating the "simple" pleasures that make life great. I'm both excited and cautious about the new year because more unknowns than I've faced in many, many years. Still, the glass looks half full, not half empty.
By sectors, my year in review:
Family: Lots of positives here. We were blessed with two additional grand children, Baron, born in March, and Regan, born in October. Both are healthy, growing and amazing in all ways. We are so blessed and fortunate to have three healthy grand children and both our kids are doing well. On the home front, circumstances have given Lynne and I a lot more time with each other. Also, a blessing. This could have been a disaster, but I'm making a lot of adjustments, learning to be more patient and enjoying a reduction in stress caused by the pressures of daily work.
 |
| Cautiously optimistic about 2011 |
Sports: This sector couldn't have turned out much better. While my Wildcats didn't win a fifth national championship, they did recover from an early season stumble, win their umpteenth NWC title, wrap up another winning season to extend their national record to 55 seasons and make it to the second round of the NCAA Division III playoffs. Not much more to say about Oregon. A perfect season and a spot in the BCS National Championship Game. Wow, the best season ever for the Ducks and the culmination of a long uphill journey from football oblivion only a couple of decades ago. Shocking what money will buy! And, it was all topped off by my late-in-the-year decision to switch from cable to DirecTV. If you are a serious sports fan, you must get DirecTV. The picture is better, the choices are greater, the HD is more ubiquitous. I've had it only for about two weeks, but already a HUGE fan.
Health & Lifestyle: After a nagging injury kept me from running the first half of the year, I got back it in May, which made my doctor happy as I was able to shed about 20 pounds. Now, I need to pick up the pace, lose another 20 and focus on upping my mileage. I'm considering (and I say that advisedly) training for another marathon. Incented by Tyson's sub-four minute first marathon in November. With enough time to focus on the training and IF I can lose the weigh, I could make it work by the fall. I still think this is a long shot. The pace is slower, more focused and all about quality, not quantity of experience. I've spent a lot of time reuniting with old acquaintances and taken time for family. Getting a LOT of stuff done around the house that needed attention and still more to do.
2011: Overall, I'm hugely optimistic about the new year. 2010 was a great year for the stock market and it's hard to predict how it could do better in 2011. I do think we'll be up next year, but less than 2010 -- maybe something in the 5-6% range, unless we hit a patch of unusual inflation. There's more run in this bull despite the fact that what we saw in the second half of 2010 certainly anticipated some of this. Look for a sell-off early in the year that will frustrate some. Businesses will beging spending and hiring at a faster pace than 2010. It could be a great year. Barring some unexpected global catastrophe, there seems little risk that it will be a horrible year. This year will be a big year of adjusting to our "reduced" lifestyle and living the kind of life where we focus on what we need, not what we want. We've already planned some quality time with friends and family. It will be a year of hunkering down and enjoying and appreciating the "simple" pleasures that make life great. I'm both excited and cautious about the new year because more unknowns than I've faced in many, many years. Still, the glass looks half full, not half empty.
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