To me, Applebees, TGI Fridays, Chilis are all the same. Ive been to TGIF the most because there was one a couple of blocks from work DT and a coworker had a lot of bonus points there to use.
They're alright, nothing special. All these places are the same.
Zaxby's for me is the most notable. Haven't even heard of Culver's or Wingstop (assuming its a wings joint, which means I'm probably going to avoid it anyway in favor of something better).
Culvers has great cheese curds and is known for their Frozen Custards, similar to Dairy Queen Blizzards. Can't remember if I've had their burgers or not, but they do have the Butter Burger.
OK I've been to Applebee's but none of those others. I wouldn't consider most of those major chains since they don't exist in the west at all (except Wingstop).
It has finally put some outposts in the Northwest as well. One of which has already packed it in, unfortunately. Loved it when I got to ne in Georgia, and another in Colorado.
HSB has been to many of them, even the western-most (at the time) one, I think in New mexico. He made a few trips to the desert there to launch his experiment.
I've had it once or twice because my coworker wanted it when we were staying at work late (after 9) and most of the places downtown were closed. It was fine, I've had it once, and don't need to do it again.
OOOOooOOOoooo Waffle House only once, at midnight at Columbus to see Berkeley play the next day, from my DBD in the past:
OMG the food here must have been the best in the whole of the state, because they had two (two!) armed guards to protect it! We never have any food that’s so fancy in California that it requires that much protection.
As told by Cugel’s son OaktownRush: The Waffle House has the ambiance of a high school cafeteria filled with 25-35 year old felons. Florescent lighting, armed guards, greasy food — it had it all and I was in love. The food was affordable on any budget and my hash browns left a visible puddle on my plate. Waffle House in California might lead me down a road to morbid obesity, but on a road trip, it just doesn’t get any better.
Hmmm. Olive Garden, Cracker Barrel, Sonic, Whataburger, Waffle House, Arby's, Chipotle, Red Lobster, Papa John's, I'm sure there are more if I really think about it.
I had an amazing Whataburger at 1:30 am in Phoenix following Cal’s thrilling win over Va Tech in the ‘03 Insight Bowl…I’d hit my biggest horse race bet ever at the Turf Paradise OTB that afternoon, and then went to the game at the B.O.B. with the cash in my pocket…drank a ton before, during & after and was famished…that Whataburger was amazing….
Never been to any of those. I live in a city full of great neighborhood restaurants - no reason to drive to the suburbs to find any of those (and many don't even operate in my area).
Was just at Stonestown for daughter's swim class. Ate at Marugame Udon (a chain in Japan, but still good!) It's next to the aforementioned Olive Garden location. Which is currently a construction zone. So not sure where one gets one's OG fix in the City now.
[TBB, where do you get your breadsticks?]
It's getting replaced with Shake Shack, which I didn't see on the list. Because it was an afterthought? Or because people go there/like it (so it didn't make the "fast food one doesn't go to" list)?
Chipotle has cilantro in everything as far as I can tell, which is why I avoid it. I am not a fast food Mexican snob -- I will eat the hell out of Taco Bell in the right circumstances.
I loves me some cilantro! so that's not my issue. (most pico de gallo has cilantro, but maybe it's mixed with enough other stuff to not bug you?)
I enjoy the Bell when I'm in places like Dixon or on I-5. decent veggie fast food. I don't consider if Mexican, tho. I can have TB for lunch and still have a Mission burrito for dinner.
I am driving through Ohio for the first time next month. I will make it a point to have something from Ohio - like Sauerkraut balls, Chili Five Ways, or Barberton chicken.
If you'll be driving through Columbus, then DEFINITELY get Jeni's!!! You can go to the original location at the North Market, which also has a lot of other delicious vendors: https://northmarket.org/ Another delicious restaurant in that neighborhood, the Short North, is the North Star Cafe.
Columbus has really good Japanese food thanks to Honda being based in Marysville. Akai Hana is a good restaurant in a Japanese plaza that also has a bakery (Belle's Bread), Japanese market (Tensuke Market), and Japanese fast casual (Tensuke Express) https://akaihana.japanmarketplace.com/
Drinks: Seventh Son Brewing, The Alibi Bourbon & Cocktail Lounge, Middle West Spirits, Bodega
If you'd like more details or suggestions in other directions, let me know!
PF Changs is a good add to the list. I've actually been to the Emeryville one quite often (parents liked it). pretty good lettuce wraps. but not a place I went voluntarily.
I didn't see places like Chilis or Outback, I don't think. I guess folks go there.
And Cheesecake Factory. I've actually been there a handful of times for one reason or another.
Went to an Oktoberfest event at a local farm brewery and saw a local congressional candidate there. She wasn't campaigning or anything, just hanging out enjoying some beer. That further solidified my decision to vote for her.
I made pulled pork and coincidentally my neighbor made brisket, ribs, and smoked chicken, so we traded some leftovers. It was a delicious evening.
Cousin-in-law and her husband flew into town. We took them to the Shakori Music festival, which is normally more blue-grass, hippy folk music, and country. This Saturday, it was oddly enough a lot of rock music. The most notable moment was a dude who bought a vendor license to sell weed out of a big ol' pushcart - $40 for an eighth at the festival. Weed is not legal in NC, so I applaud that dude's chutzpah for dealing in plain sight. I stuck to only 2 beers otherwise I'd fall asleep.
Had some partly similar happenings. A cousin from Alaska was in town and had a nice dinner with he and his wife. Bob Weir and his band were at the Kennedy Center and folks were set up nearby in front of Wategate and were selling all kinds of things, weed included. Suprisingly, I saw no evidence DC police were anywhere in the area.
I had a cold for the first time in years which had me largely sitting on the sofa with a box of kleenex watching football and baseball (no complaints). Made a fantastic pot of pasta e fagioli to keep myself nourished and warm.
Saw a lot of interesting football Saturday. Then most of the Stanford game happened. Fortunately, , the 4th quarter then happened. Because that happened after 11 PM, few others did, and it also made for an odd Sunday, given the effects of #Pac12LuckyToGetAnySleep football scheduling.
Went to a wedding in Brooklyn. My wife more or less insisted that we drive up because the notional time advantage of the train drops off when you have to both go into DC to board the train and then get from Penn Station to Brooklyn. Between construction and accidents and Friday afternoon traffic it took us 7 hours to complete a trip that typically shouldn’t take more than 4 - 4.5 hours. Thanks to indecision and oversleeping teenagers the only thing we achieved on Saturday other than the wedding was a wander around Barnard and Columbia for the HS senior. The wedding was at a great venue... but the actual highlight was the “family nosh” Sunday morning at the missus’ aunt and uncle’s absurd apartment in the Village. And then a marginally less shitty ride home.
Well, awesome for a bunch of reasons, but I'll stay with eating: Wife made Teriyaki chicken and various veggies on udon on Saturday, a Cal sharp and a bit spicy chardonnay was quite good with it. But Sundays are pet to be the best: Pappardelle with sausage, bell peppers and sage sauce, opened the Pascal Mazet Champagne with zero dosage so good as a taste first - but the 1995 Felsina Riserva Chianti was a fucking amazing wine to connect with that dinner.
Of course it was INSANE pouring that wine, needed to filter the wine, thought a metal strainer would be good, got the broken cork - but no, that didn't get the wine super fine sediment throughout - needed an hour with THREE different coffee filters do get all that super fine sediment - but it was the best bottle of Chianti I have ever had - ever.
Friday evening: block party at Donkey & Goat Winery with my coworkers
Saturday: HAG looked at my car for me (good news: he could turn off the error code and it hasn't come back on yet. bad news: if it really is the catalytic converter, I'll be polluting our air.) Then joined my friend as he showed his boyfriend around Berkeley--got a photo of the Campanile + Blue Angels!
Sunday: brunch with a coworker and his friends, then Tri-Valley (went to the new Pleasanton Five Little Monkeys!) for family dinner
Weekend in Palm Springs with the in-laws for my MIL's 60th. It was a hot, but not unbearable, 96 and we had a house with a great pool. Quality family time and lots of playing with the nieces and nephew. I was surprised that most of Palm Springs shuts down by 10pm, so our kid's night out on Saturday ended early with card games back at the house.
Rested after pacemaker implant on Thursday. Well-wishers texted, emailed, called, dropped by. Feeling fine other than slight pain in area of incision. Back to teaching tomorrow.
Went to watch the Blue Angels on Sat with my mom. Fog rolling in at Aquatic Park so they just did a high show with some diamond formations and no opposing solos. Sun was supposed to be more clear so I went out again. Walked out there, and fully engulfed in fog, so no show at all.
Oh well, got some walking in and had a sandwich from Molinari and Sons, so a win.
I usually buy the 3 lb salami from Costco. Costco has raised the price of it over the last year or two. It was only about $19 at Molinari and Sons. I also saw they have the 5 kg Caputo Type 00 Ipizza) flour for only about $15 which on Amazon right now is $36. So I bought a bag of that as well.
I still don't understand the newsworthyness of him. As a not part of the target market for his music, I cannot say for sure that I've heard any of it. Others in his genre, I for sure have heard, so...i don't get it.
Attended 2007 Cal @ UCLA with friends and parked in somebody's driveway for like $15. They were nice and I appreciated the entrepreneurship. Coming back to the car all safe and sound in their driveway felt reassuring given the deflation of that terrible game.
Re: the photo at the top, my only guess is that the driver hit the tree a high velocity and a slight angle to just miss the pole. Rear end pitches up upon impact and swings in to drop down on the pole.
I have serious PTSD from a dreadful parking experience at ASU in February of 1995. I flew into Phoenix for the weekend and stayed with a buddy who went to U of A for the Cal hoops team’s visit to the Desert. That was the gap year between Kidd/Murray & Shareef/Ed Gray…it was already a long a$$ day when we went to the 7:30 Cal/ASU game and got blown out…we’d parked at the very top of some 8-story, completely packed parking structure, though, and it literally took us nearly 2 hours just to get out of the damn thing…we then had the nearly 100 minute drive to Tucson left too. Miserable…Cal beat U of A on Saturday tho on a KJ Roberts jumper, so that was nice, but ever since, I do my best to park a-ways out and walk in…anywhere…including this past weekend at the Ben Harper/Jack Johnson concert…
AZ Governor debate: one candidate refuses to go to her corner, get booted. Her tags in a telenovela actress instead. I mean, totally normal for today's political world.
Beavers QB and former Cal commit Ben Gulbranson is on his own 43 with 23 seconds left. He throws deep to Tre'Shaun Harrison. The DB tries to break up the ball late and Stanfurd fifth-year senior safety Patrick Fields decides he doesn't want to play any more and allows Harrison to score. Beavers win. Furd loses.
That was SOOOOO much fun; watched the 2 minutes of the end of that game after watching the first movie downstairs on the good 65" (I've had a new screen 2-3 years, $2,200 back then) - so much surprise end, and yay Stanfurd loss.
Oregon v. UCLA looking like a 52-49 game so it'll probably end 21-17. Either way it might be for conference supremacy -- though U$C might have something to say about that.
Everyone tries to blame Oklahoma's issues on Lincoln Riley taking players to USC but that is only true for the offense. The Oklahoma defense is terrible despite not losing players to the portal.
The 49ers get more points (37-15) than the Panthers due to a quietly efficient Jimmy G and their tough D. However, the turf at Charlotte won as there were a lot of injuries, which may have contributed to the loss of Nick Bosa, Jimmy Ward, Robbie Gould - on top of the already injured Trent Williams, Arik Armstead, Javon Kinlaw, Tryion Davis-Price, Tyler Kroft, and Tarvarius Moore.
Verstappen crosses Japanese Grand Prix finish without enough points to win F1 Championship. Officials go look at the rules. Apparently he is the champion. F1 is weird.
After being gifted the title last year due to some odd decision-making from the race director, it's amusing that he was once again awarded the title based on an FIA decision (in much less dramatic fashion this time).
Teddy Bridgewater takes a safety from this intentional grounding/hit. Doctors give him a concussion test, which he passes. Nevertheless, team doctors don't let him play and the Dolphins predictably flounder behind their QB3 40-17 vs. Jets.
New rule apparently agreed to by NFL/NFLPA in response to Tua…any hit that results in ataxia is an automatic OUT, even if they pass the tests. Apparently Bridgewater displayed signs of ataxia, so he was done.
i took younger daughter last night at their request. i think there might have been some romantic interest involved since we sat w/ 3 other 10th grade boys from school.
good atmosphere to start, but in the end it. ended w/ a whimper and no legit Mets scoring threats. Musgrove pitched great. a joy to watch despite it being the other team
The one Yankees game I went to a couple of weeks ago when Judge was at 60 also had empty seats in the upper deck towards the OF. I was shocked. It was a Thurs night, but seatgeek had seats for under 30 out there I think. Shocked it wasn't packed.
4 time Fat Bear winner Otis was beaten by 6 year old female #901. 901 now faces off in the semifinals against Grazer. The winner will face off against 747, who beat 2019 champion Holly. I gotta imagine that 747 - the 2020 Champion - is the favorite since he is an enormous chonk this year.
Have not been to: Applebees, Outback Steak House, Jersey Mike's, Wingstop, Panda Express, Chipotle, Panera, Golden Corral, Shake Shack, Jimmy Johns, Macaroni Grill, el Pollo Loco, Papa Johns, etc.
A major chain restaurant that you've never been to
I have never been to Applebee's, Culver's, Cracker Barrel, Zaxby's, Jersey Mike's, Wingstop, White Castle, Golden Corral, or Firehouse Subs.
I thikn that maybe I've been to an Applebee's? haven't been to and/or haven't heard of the others.
not sure that these are chains, but:
Hard Rock Cafe
Planet Hollywood (do they still exist?)
To me, Applebees, TGI Fridays, Chilis are all the same. Ive been to TGIF the most because there was one a couple of blocks from work DT and a coworker had a lot of bonus points there to use.
They're alright, nothing special. All these places are the same.
Zaxby's for me is the most notable. Haven't even heard of Culver's or Wingstop (assuming its a wings joint, which means I'm probably going to avoid it anyway in favor of something better).
I have never heard of Zaxby's
Culvers has great cheese curds and is known for their Frozen Custards, similar to Dairy Queen Blizzards. Can't remember if I've had their burgers or not, but they do have the Butter Burger.
I had White Castle in Berkeley years ago down in that area (San Pablo) - but it was not that good, but stoned enough I didn't even care.
OK I've been to Applebee's but none of those others. I wouldn't consider most of those major chains since they don't exist in the west at all (except Wingstop).
Exactly…like In ‘n Out and the west, a lot of those places are regional chains as opposed to national.
Cracker Barrel is all over the east and Midwest, that’s enough to count as “major” imho
I went to a Cracker Barrel in New Mexico in the late 90s
It has finally put some outposts in the Northwest as well. One of which has already packed it in, unfortunately. Loved it when I got to ne in Georgia, and another in Colorado.
HSB has been to many of them, even the western-most (at the time) one, I think in New mexico. He made a few trips to the desert there to launch his experiment.
Ah, Ohio is also the home of White Castle, but I don't recommend it...
I've had it once or twice because my coworker wanted it when we were staying at work late (after 9) and most of the places downtown were closed. It was fine, I've had it once, and don't need to do it again.
Good, but over-rated. Not better than average in my experience.
White Castle, Red Robin’s, Zaxby’s (we don’t have any that I know of in SoCal) Church’s, Waffle House
back in the day, would eat at Church's as the first meal after arriving in Dallas to visit grandparents (so last time was probably in the mid-80s)
Sonic, Churches, Little Ceasars, Papa John's, Golden Corral, El Pollo Loco, Olive Garden
The Sonic in our area just closed. This was a surprise and disappointment.
Sonic, Golden Corral, Waffle House, Rally’s, Firehouse subs.
OOOOooOOOoooo Waffle House only once, at midnight at Columbus to see Berkeley play the next day, from my DBD in the past:
OMG the food here must have been the best in the whole of the state, because they had two (two!) armed guards to protect it! We never have any food that’s so fancy in California that it requires that much protection.
As told by Cugel’s son OaktownRush: The Waffle House has the ambiance of a high school cafeteria filled with 25-35 year old felons. Florescent lighting, armed guards, greasy food — it had it all and I was in love. The food was affordable on any budget and my hash browns left a visible puddle on my plate. Waffle House in California might lead me down a road to morbid obesity, but on a road trip, it just doesn’t get any better.
Hmmm. Olive Garden, Cracker Barrel, Sonic, Whataburger, Waffle House, Arby's, Chipotle, Red Lobster, Papa John's, I'm sure there are more if I really think about it.
I had an amazing Whataburger at 1:30 am in Phoenix following Cal’s thrilling win over Va Tech in the ‘03 Insight Bowl…I’d hit my biggest horse race bet ever at the Turf Paradise OTB that afternoon, and then went to the game at the B.O.B. with the cash in my pocket…drank a ton before, during & after and was famished…that Whataburger was amazing….
Haven’t had since
Those are all ones's you have missed? I'm not sure how that's possible, much less why. Or is this a list of recommended ones?
Never been to any of those. I live in a city full of great neighborhood restaurants - no reason to drive to the suburbs to find any of those (and many don't even operate in my area).
we have many chipotles here in SF (more than there should be in a town with great taquerias!) I'm amazed (and saddened) to see people lined up for it.
I've gone with co-workers a couple of times, but DO NOT LIKE IT. our weekly monday lunch at work had it last week and it was as bad as I remembered.
and there is/was an Olive Garden in stonestown. I went to one like 15 years ago and it was so bad. hard to f-up basic pasta, but they do.
Was just at Stonestown for daughter's swim class. Ate at Marugame Udon (a chain in Japan, but still good!) It's next to the aforementioned Olive Garden location. Which is currently a construction zone. So not sure where one gets one's OG fix in the City now.
[TBB, where do you get your breadsticks?]
It's getting replaced with Shake Shack, which I didn't see on the list. Because it was an afterthought? Or because people go there/like it (so it didn't make the "fast food one doesn't go to" list)?
That was the last Olive Garden I patronized; sorry! In the Darden family, I'm more of a Red Lobster fan...cheddar bay biscuits!!!!!
Chipotle has cilantro in everything as far as I can tell, which is why I avoid it. I am not a fast food Mexican snob -- I will eat the hell out of Taco Bell in the right circumstances.
I loves me some cilantro! so that's not my issue. (most pico de gallo has cilantro, but maybe it's mixed with enough other stuff to not bug you?)
I enjoy the Bell when I'm in places like Dixon or on I-5. decent veggie fast food. I don't consider if Mexican, tho. I can have TB for lunch and still have a Mission burrito for dinner.
I'm with you 100%
I've been to all the ones listed so far:
-Sonic
-Chick-Fil-A (no more, though!)
-Wendy's (OHIO!)
-McDonalds (ordered delivery the day after my birthday...I don't know if I should be proud or ashamed, but I needed that hashbrown!)
-Olive Garden (breadsticks!)
-Arby's (horsey sauce! curly fries!)
-Waffle House
I've never been to PF Changs, though.
I am driving through Ohio for the first time next month. I will make it a point to have something from Ohio - like Sauerkraut balls, Chili Five Ways, or Barberton chicken.
Which route(s) are you taking? I have a lot of Ohio food recommendations.
According to Google Maps, it looks like I'm taking the 35 & 33 through Columbus and Toledo. I'm driving toward Ann Arbor, MI.
If you'll be driving through Columbus, then DEFINITELY get Jeni's!!! You can go to the original location at the North Market, which also has a lot of other delicious vendors: https://northmarket.org/ Another delicious restaurant in that neighborhood, the Short North, is the North Star Cafe.
If you're interested in Sauerkraut balls and other German food, go to Schmidt's in German Village https://www.schmidthaus.com/ Make sure you go to the Book Loft nearby, too https://www.bookloft.com/ And, while you're in the neighborhood, grab a pastry from Pistacia Vera https://www.pistaciavera.com/
Columbus has really good Japanese food thanks to Honda being based in Marysville. Akai Hana is a good restaurant in a Japanese plaza that also has a bakery (Belle's Bread), Japanese market (Tensuke Market), and Japanese fast casual (Tensuke Express) https://akaihana.japanmarketplace.com/
Drinks: Seventh Son Brewing, The Alibi Bourbon & Cocktail Lounge, Middle West Spirits, Bodega
If you'd like more details or suggestions in other directions, let me know!
surprisingly good coffee at Brioso Coffee in downtown
i drove away w/ a cortado, turned the car around, and went back for a 2nd!
I'm surprised you left out Matt the Millers. Though maybe it was more my kids that wanted to go back there.
stay away from Skyline Chili.
PF Changs is a good add to the list. I've actually been to the Emeryville one quite often (parents liked it). pretty good lettuce wraps. but not a place I went voluntarily.
I didn't see places like Chilis or Outback, I don't think. I guess folks go there.
And Cheesecake Factory. I've actually been there a handful of times for one reason or another.
Never been to Chilis or Outback.
I would add PF Changs and Cheesecake Factory to the list. I’ve been to both and I prefer PF Changs to Cheesecake Factory.
Sonic, despite living with one on my block the last three years.
I don't think I've ever set foot inside a Chick-Fil-A or Wendy's, though I have eaten the former when someone else brought it as a to-go item.
Wendy's, but only when I was a kid - liked it better than McDonalds
Olive Garden, Arby's, Waffle House.
I want to know what it will take to get Waffle Houses in the northwest.
I don't think I've ever been to any of those either.
Bunches, seriously.
How was your weekend?
Went to an Oktoberfest event at a local farm brewery and saw a local congressional candidate there. She wasn't campaigning or anything, just hanging out enjoying some beer. That further solidified my decision to vote for her.
I made pulled pork and coincidentally my neighbor made brisket, ribs, and smoked chicken, so we traded some leftovers. It was a delicious evening.
Cousin-in-law and her husband flew into town. We took them to the Shakori Music festival, which is normally more blue-grass, hippy folk music, and country. This Saturday, it was oddly enough a lot of rock music. The most notable moment was a dude who bought a vendor license to sell weed out of a big ol' pushcart - $40 for an eighth at the festival. Weed is not legal in NC, so I applaud that dude's chutzpah for dealing in plain sight. I stuck to only 2 beers otherwise I'd fall asleep.
Had some partly similar happenings. A cousin from Alaska was in town and had a nice dinner with he and his wife. Bob Weir and his band were at the Kennedy Center and folks were set up nearby in front of Wategate and were selling all kinds of things, weed included. Suprisingly, I saw no evidence DC police were anywhere in the area.
Fine and relaxing since I didn't have to watch Cal's offense.
Actually noticed a difference?
I had a cold for the first time in years which had me largely sitting on the sofa with a box of kleenex watching football and baseball (no complaints). Made a fantastic pot of pasta e fagioli to keep myself nourished and warm.
First cold since Covid I'm guessing.
Saw a lot of interesting football Saturday. Then most of the Stanford game happened. Fortunately, , the 4th quarter then happened. Because that happened after 11 PM, few others did, and it also made for an odd Sunday, given the effects of #Pac12LuckyToGetAnySleep football scheduling.
Went to a wedding in Brooklyn. My wife more or less insisted that we drive up because the notional time advantage of the train drops off when you have to both go into DC to board the train and then get from Penn Station to Brooklyn. Between construction and accidents and Friday afternoon traffic it took us 7 hours to complete a trip that typically shouldn’t take more than 4 - 4.5 hours. Thanks to indecision and oversleeping teenagers the only thing we achieved on Saturday other than the wedding was a wander around Barnard and Columbia for the HS senior. The wedding was at a great venue... but the actual highlight was the “family nosh” Sunday morning at the missus’ aunt and uncle’s absurd apartment in the Village. And then a marginally less shitty ride home.
It was great.
Pads won their series.
Went to the beach.
Homemade margarita pizza dinner with friends.
Daughter had a friends 5th birthday pool party.
Watched The Black Phone, which I really enjoyed.
Well, awesome for a bunch of reasons, but I'll stay with eating: Wife made Teriyaki chicken and various veggies on udon on Saturday, a Cal sharp and a bit spicy chardonnay was quite good with it. But Sundays are pet to be the best: Pappardelle with sausage, bell peppers and sage sauce, opened the Pascal Mazet Champagne with zero dosage so good as a taste first - but the 1995 Felsina Riserva Chianti was a fucking amazing wine to connect with that dinner.
Of course it was INSANE pouring that wine, needed to filter the wine, thought a metal strainer would be good, got the broken cork - but no, that didn't get the wine super fine sediment throughout - needed an hour with THREE different coffee filters do get all that super fine sediment - but it was the best bottle of Chianti I have ever had - ever.
Friday evening: block party at Donkey & Goat Winery with my coworkers
Saturday: HAG looked at my car for me (good news: he could turn off the error code and it hasn't come back on yet. bad news: if it really is the catalytic converter, I'll be polluting our air.) Then joined my friend as he showed his boyfriend around Berkeley--got a photo of the Campanile + Blue Angels!
Sunday: brunch with a coworker and his friends, then Tri-Valley (went to the new Pleasanton Five Little Monkeys!) for family dinner
Weekend in Palm Springs with the in-laws for my MIL's 60th. It was a hot, but not unbearable, 96 and we had a house with a great pool. Quality family time and lots of playing with the nieces and nephew. I was surprised that most of Palm Springs shuts down by 10pm, so our kid's night out on Saturday ended early with card games back at the house.
I love Palm Springs this time of year.
PS always shuts down early, it is an older community.
Rested after pacemaker implant on Thursday. Well-wishers texted, emailed, called, dropped by. Feeling fine other than slight pain in area of incision. Back to teaching tomorrow.
I hope it's a great from here on out!!! When my grandmother got hers, she was in such better health afterward <3
Sounds like a successful procedure. Good luck on the recovery.
Went to watch the Blue Angels on Sat with my mom. Fog rolling in at Aquatic Park so they just did a high show with some diamond formations and no opposing solos. Sun was supposed to be more clear so I went out again. Walked out there, and fully engulfed in fog, so no show at all.
Oh well, got some walking in and had a sandwich from Molinari and Sons, so a win.
Also changed No 3's transmission fluid Sat night.
And you also helped me with my car! Thank you!
oh yes that also. Hopefully the check engine light stays off.
Molinari is hella good IMO
I was trying to decide if I like theirs better or Genova. I decided both are good.
The only place i used to get sandwiches was GB Rattos in Oakland. The last time I got a sandwich there it wasn't as good.
Ratto's? No way ever as good as Genova back in the day.
I usually buy the 3 lb salami from Costco. Costco has raised the price of it over the last year or two. It was only about $19 at Molinari and Sons. I also saw they have the 5 kg Caputo Type 00 Ipizza) flour for only about $15 which on Amazon right now is $36. So I bought a bag of that as well.
Rant
Kanye goes on an anti-Semitic rant, gets banned from Twitter temporarily
https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/09/entertainment/kanye-west-twitter-account-locked/index.html
He's also kicked off Instagram after those comments.
I still don't understand the newsworthyness of him. As a not part of the target market for his music, I cannot say for sure that I've heard any of it. Others in his genre, I for sure have heard, so...i don't get it.
In his prime, he was probably the most popular rap artist in the world. So that's why he's newsworthy.
I’m an intactivist so I’m strongly against male circumcision. Unless your Jewish and religious, it isn’t necessary at all.
A hero who lived long enough to be seen as the villain
Dianne Feinstein
Rudy
Victor Orban
Kayne.
Justin Wilcox
Villain? Come'on man, he ain't that kind of bad.
His offenses are criminal.
David Shaw
Not in the Champagne Room, but maybe in the back cabin of the firetruck [mildly NSFW]
https://www.instagram.com/p/CjZYMskjD8K/?hl=en
She's just going from the job with benefits to the job for cash.
DBD AV Club
DdGT forgets that Tom Cruise had absorbed the ability to die and then relive a situation until he succeeds.
https://twitter.com/neiltyson/status/1579177010374799361
Someone didn't watch Edge of Tomorrow.
deGrasse Tyson must be fun at parties….
Honestly, he probably is. He's still a fun and engaging speaker. He's just annoying on Twitter.
His podcast is pretty good, he forces the issue with nerdy jokes sometimes, but overall very informative and entertaining
That's my rule of thumb.
Spoken-word NDG: good! Bite-sized Twitter NDG: bad!
I also think he does a brilliant job counteracting Ben Shapiro's bad-faith anti-trans opinions here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w89etN8QqNQ
I watched The Black Phone and I really liked it.
Parking
Attended 2007 Cal @ UCLA with friends and parked in somebody's driveway for like $15. They were nice and I appreciated the entrepreneurship. Coming back to the car all safe and sound in their driveway felt reassuring given the deflation of that terrible game.
Re: the photo at the top, my only guess is that the driver hit the tree a high velocity and a slight angle to just miss the pole. Rear end pitches up upon impact and swings in to drop down on the pole.
Park first, ask questions later.
I have serious PTSD from a dreadful parking experience at ASU in February of 1995. I flew into Phoenix for the weekend and stayed with a buddy who went to U of A for the Cal hoops team’s visit to the Desert. That was the gap year between Kidd/Murray & Shareef/Ed Gray…it was already a long a$$ day when we went to the 7:30 Cal/ASU game and got blown out…we’d parked at the very top of some 8-story, completely packed parking structure, though, and it literally took us nearly 2 hours just to get out of the damn thing…we then had the nearly 100 minute drive to Tucson left too. Miserable…Cal beat U of A on Saturday tho on a KJ Roberts jumper, so that was nice, but ever since, I do my best to park a-ways out and walk in…anywhere…including this past weekend at the Ben Harper/Jack Johnson concert…
found a new parking spot near Citi Field.
didnt want to wait forever to get out of parking lot after Mets game last night so i parked in a seemingly free lot right near the freeway entrance.
it was about a 15 min walk to the car after the game, but well worth it.
on the other hand, the traffic was moving faster than average due to not being particularly crowded last night.
And I'm sure plenty of people leaving by around the 7th or 8th made it super easy to get out for those staying for the whole game.
OUR CRUMBLING DEMOCRACY
Matt Gaetz wants to abolish the Dept of Education
https://twitter.com/mattgaetz/status/1579127077949038593
Senator Tuberville says blacks don't deserve reparations because are the ones who do crime.
https://twitter.com/Acyn/status/1578910976740536320
Racist asshole
What a terrible human being who made millions of dollars off of unpaid black athletes who often came from poor backgrounds.
Michael Cohen says Trump keeps the classified docs as a poison pill against the US government
https://www.salon.com/2022/10/08/michael-cohen-ny-fraud-case-will-financially-destroy--and-may-put-him-in/
Single used plastic bags to be banned in California starting in 2025.
https://www.sfgate.com/food/article/Gov-Newsom-signs-bill-that-will-end-plastic-bags-17494115.php
AZ Governor debate: one candidate refuses to go to her corner, get booted. Her tags in a telenovela actress instead. I mean, totally normal for today's political world.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2022-election/kari-lake-was-booted-arizona-town-hall-audience-hobbs-took-stage-rcna51347
Elsewhere in college
PAAAAC TWEEEEEEELVE AAAAAAAAFTER DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARK!
Beavers QB and former Cal commit Ben Gulbranson is on his own 43 with 23 seconds left. He throws deep to Tre'Shaun Harrison. The DB tries to break up the ball late and Stanfurd fifth-year senior safety Patrick Fields decides he doesn't want to play any more and allows Harrison to score. Beavers win. Furd loses.
https://twitter.com/TPortalCFB/status/1578996695437697025
Recorded it and watched it yesterday morning while getting ready, making breakfast, etc. It was an utter delight.
ESPNU is re-airing it in 5 minutes. I'm definitely going to tune in to re-watch the last 10 minutes.
That is the best description of Fields’ play I’ve read
That was SOOOOO much fun; watched the 2 minutes of the end of that game after watching the first movie downstairs on the good 65" (I've had a new screen 2-3 years, $2,200 back then) - so much surprise end, and yay Stanfurd loss.
What movie?
It was the only one they could agree to out of the more than 200 movies on list I had - How to Train Your Dragon 2
Iowa's great defense can't get off the field due to their terrible offense. 8 punts, 3 attempted FG, zero TDs, 1 TO. They lose to Illinois 9-6.
https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401405106
ASU beats Washington 45-38. Penix threw 53 times and had zero TDs, if you don't count the Pick-6 he threw.
https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401404009
We may have a chance against Washington at home.
battle of former IU vs Purdue QBs ..
maybe they can dig up an Old Oaken bucket for the occasion
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Oaken_Bucket
We can’t score with Washington.
#12 Oregon beats Arizona 49-22
https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401404008
Oregon v. UCLA looking like a 52-49 game so it'll probably end 21-17. Either way it might be for conference supremacy -- though U$C might have something to say about that.
#18 UCLA beats #11 Utah 42-32
https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401404011
That UCLA team is going to annihilate us.
Probably the toughest game of the season at this point.
At USC is by far tougher…they could hang 50 on us…at least UCLA is at home.
Chip has Justin's number, for the most part - though there was that one victory.
2019, ya. Wilcox’s best year.
USC pulls away from Wazzu 30-14
https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401404012
Longhorns had more points (49) than the Sooners had passing yards (39). Texas beats OU 49-0.
https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401404090
I don’t think Venables is going to last much longer
Everyone tries to blame Oklahoma's issues on Lincoln Riley taking players to USC but that is only true for the offense. The Oklahoma defense is terrible despite not losing players to the portal.
PRO
Neat stats and data visualization, NFL kicker edition
https://twitter.com/StatsbyLopez/status/1579312523685539841
Cardinals lose to Eagles
https://twitter.com/FTBeard7/status/1579251503235465217
Who wore it better? Kyler or Hillary Clinton?
https://twitter.com/SInow/status/1579184146819461122
I think the Cardinals are going to regret his contract.
The 49ers get more points (37-15) than the Panthers due to a quietly efficient Jimmy G and their tough D. However, the turf at Charlotte won as there were a lot of injuries, which may have contributed to the loss of Nick Bosa, Jimmy Ward, Robbie Gould - on top of the already injured Trent Williams, Arik Armstead, Javon Kinlaw, Tryion Davis-Price, Tyler Kroft, and Tarvarius Moore.
https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401437772
Apropos: Matt Rhule fired. He'll instantly become an attractive college HC candidate.
https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1579489201028235266
I would take him at Cal in a heart beat as our HC to replace Wilcox.
Verstappen crosses Japanese Grand Prix finish without enough points to win F1 Championship. Officials go look at the rules. Apparently he is the champion. F1 is weird.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/63192820
After being gifted the title last year due to some odd decision-making from the race director, it's amusing that he was once again awarded the title based on an FIA decision (in much less dramatic fashion this time).
Not least because he could win it without the intervention, unlike last year
Lakers' Rob Pelinka at the helm of one of the most disappointing seasons in NBA history, gets rewarded with a contract extension through 25-26 season.
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34755781/sources-lakers-gm-rob-pelinka-gets-extension-2026
Teddy Bridgewater takes a safety from this intentional grounding/hit. Doctors give him a concussion test, which he passes. Nevertheless, team doctors don't let him play and the Dolphins predictably flounder behind their QB3 40-17 vs. Jets.
https://twitter.com/nyjets/status/1579157759475556353
New rule apparently agreed to by NFL/NFLPA in response to Tua…any hit that results in ataxia is an automatic OUT, even if they pass the tests. Apparently Bridgewater displayed signs of ataxia, so he was done.
Falcons' Jarrett gets called for roughing the passer on this on third down sack. Bucs run out the clock and win.
https://twitter.com/sportingnews/status/1579200794737664001
Jerome Boger remains the worst official in the NFL…he threw the flag on that one after missing much more egregious hits all day.
I remember having to expect at least one call like this every time the 49ers played Drew Brees. Guess we'll have to expect it for Brady as well.
That's the Brady rules in action.
I’m ok with just having the QB wear a red jersey and call it a day. They just can’t run past the LOS.
Mets only manage one hit vs Padres. lose 6-0
and LOTS of empty seats
https://fansided.com/2022/10/09/mets-fans-attendance-citi-field-photo/
i took younger daughter last night at their request. i think there might have been some romantic interest involved since we sat w/ 3 other 10th grade boys from school.
good atmosphere to start, but in the end it. ended w/ a whimper and no legit Mets scoring threats. Musgrove pitched great. a joy to watch despite it being the other team
Pads!!!!!
The one Yankees game I went to a couple of weeks ago when Judge was at 60 also had empty seats in the upper deck towards the OF. I was shocked. It was a Thurs night, but seatgeek had seats for under 30 out there I think. Shocked it wasn't packed.
Joc WR1 Devante Adams WR2 at Palo Alto High
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/34741942/raiders-davante-adams-giants-outfielder-joc-pederson-were-high-school-wide-receiver-teammates
3 of the 4 road teams win the wild card games.
Pads beat the Mets
Phillies beat the Cards
Seattle beat the Jays
Ind...Guardians beat the Rays.
So much for home field advantage.
CAL
Go Bears!!!
4 time Fat Bear winner Otis was beaten by 6 year old female #901. 901 now faces off in the semifinals against Grazer. The winner will face off against 747, who beat 2019 champion Holly. I gotta imagine that 747 - the 2020 Champion - is the favorite since he is an enormous chonk this year.
https://explore.org/fat-bear-week
Let's say that Memorial Stadium gets a booster to pay for new turf - either colored Berkeley Blue or Gold. Fan or not a fan?
Gold would have that lawn-died-from-water-restrictions look
If true, it would have the dubious effect of being a reminder of California's current drought.
That might be an interesting look on TV.
ew. no. if you must change the turf, go to real grass.
Not a fan. Don't need to be Boise St. west.
If you mix blue and gold, maybe you get a golden green? Might work.
Not a fan of either choice.
Cal's blue is too dark, especially for night games. Gold that looks like yellow over the area of a football field is just nausea inducing.
Are you about to pay for new turf?
Memorial turf brought to you by WFC/DBD.
Roll on (you) turf…brought to you by W4C/DBD.
Matt Rhule for HC!!
Happy Indigenous Peoples Day everyone.
Have not been to: Applebees, Outback Steak House, Jersey Mike's, Wingstop, Panda Express, Chipotle, Panera, Golden Corral, Shake Shack, Jimmy Johns, Macaroni Grill, el Pollo Loco, Papa Johns, etc.