The Masters, the first "major" tournament of the year is over and Tiger while not publicly playing golf for the last five months, did very well. He finished 4th and had a chance to win it all even to the last 8holes.
The tabloids had cranked up the hype and made sure that everyone was very aware that a disarming inappropriate non golf related media frenzy could ensue.
Not so. Golf reporters do not have much room to ask probing questions even on the best days. Their only questions seem to be "how does it feel?" In sports reporting that is an open question that any answer for any question is appropriate. Do you think that a cagey Stanford grad(such as Tiger) is going to get trapped into revealing something that would more likely show up on Access to Night rather than Sports Center. Nope.
Even good sports reporters from other sports fall into this same trap when confronted with a golf interview. The interview after the event is carefully choreographed so that the 0ldest writers get their questions out in order. Then a few unknowns are allowed. But the tone is decidedly bland and non controversial. The one thing that always amazes me in a golf interview is the memory of the players. They remember and can orally recount a shot they made five years ago on the same course and how many strokes it took. At the 2000 US Open at Pebble Beach Tiger had blown away all the other competitors by a huge number of strokes at the end. Every golfer that was not Tiger was asked how it was to play with such a phenom. When Tiger got the questions he got was did he know that he had blown away the other golfers by so much and how do you think that they felt? Every golfer to a one answered the same way, Golf is an individual sport you do the best you can do. One reporter asked how he would compare the course to how it played three years before. He patiently ripped through his memory and gave a hole by hole account of the differences.
Then one foreign reporter was allowed to ask a question. He was from Malaysia. He identified himself and asked why Tiger didn't play golf in Malaysia as he flew through to do other international tournaments. Tiger diplomatically brushed him off and allowed him to hope.
So back to worries of the general press about the golf press for Tiger and his comeback. No worries. These golf press conferences are carefully staged so that not ill will will occur to the player (he might complain and not come back) or the site (only the Masters in Augusta has permanence for a major tournament every year.)
At the 2000 masters a couple Raider costumed fans for the lower deck decided to come to the Open in Tiger costumes. The management frowned upon this and they were quickly escorted from the driving range and sent packing. Sports camera men from local stations were told they were not welcome at the tournament in blue jeans. They quickly found the nearest Costco and golf style polo shirts and khakis were obtained.
Golf has a problem with crowd enthusiasm. When roars go up in different parts of the course it is a major distraction to other parts. this is a new artifact that cannot be changed. The gate in 2000 was 80 dollars who knows what it will be for the US open this year at Pebble. If you are paying that kind of money you should be able to cheer.
I still think the best sports to see in HD is golf. You never are left behind to wait for the players to walk up to do their thing. Quick they go to another hole and watch the critical moments for the players in the lead. Golf course design is pretty fascinating. Its just not one stadium to look at it runs through the landscape. In 2000 most of the golf sports reporters stayed in the big reporter tent, composing away, watching it on the big screen, seldom venturing on the dream scape the Pebble Beach course provides.
Here I am rambling again.. I guess its your fault if you are still here.
: ) Pat
A written expression of a 65year old plus retired Speech and Language Specialist in the Central Valley of California.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Amazing Movie Yet Hard to Watch
I checked out the movie 9-11 from Netflicks.
Its a collection of 13 movies each 9 minutes long. Its a reflection of the tragedy from various film producers from all over the world. Each producer/writer wrote made these short movies with a nod to the individual cultures and styles of the region each is very different in message and form.
It is really important to make the effort to turn of the subtitles as few of us speak Afganistan, French, Japanese or Spanish.
Most noteworthy in the collection were the film of my followed director, Alejandro González Iñárritu and American director, Sean Penn.
Alejandro's work is pretty stark. Most of it has a darken screen with stange voices in it. Ocassionally there will be a frame or two of people jumping off the tower, and snippets of news broadcasts from the radio.
Sean Penn's work uses actor Ernest Borgnine as the elderly man who still mourns his wife. Its pretty symbolic as dried flowers suddenly from the glow of the tragedy come to life as a viable bouquet again. Some pretty amazing simple vignettes presented in the same manner.
I made the mistake two times in a row to set this movie up when I was falling asleep. Some of the vignettes are truly without sound and as predicted.. they were lost on me as I went under. I ended up with some pretty weird dreams. Check this movie out when you have enough energy to watch it through.
: ) Pat
Its a collection of 13 movies each 9 minutes long. Its a reflection of the tragedy from various film producers from all over the world. Each producer/writer wrote made these short movies with a nod to the individual cultures and styles of the region each is very different in message and form.
It is really important to make the effort to turn of the subtitles as few of us speak Afganistan, French, Japanese or Spanish.
Most noteworthy in the collection were the film of my followed director, Alejandro González Iñárritu and American director, Sean Penn.
Alejandro's work is pretty stark. Most of it has a darken screen with stange voices in it. Ocassionally there will be a frame or two of people jumping off the tower, and snippets of news broadcasts from the radio.
Sean Penn's work uses actor Ernest Borgnine as the elderly man who still mourns his wife. Its pretty symbolic as dried flowers suddenly from the glow of the tragedy come to life as a viable bouquet again. Some pretty amazing simple vignettes presented in the same manner.
I made the mistake two times in a row to set this movie up when I was falling asleep. Some of the vignettes are truly without sound and as predicted.. they were lost on me as I went under. I ended up with some pretty weird dreams. Check this movie out when you have enough energy to watch it through.
: ) Pat
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Perfecting the Beverage
I am now ordering a different beverage at Starbucks,
No its not a non espresso based drink. Although I like them too if they are not too sweet.
After some recent disastrous dry cappuccinos that were none too dry. I talked with one of my favorite baristas, Jen, and we came up with a new order.
I like the bitterness of the coffee that settles on your tongue to become sweet. A properly brewed espresso will accomplish this task. If it is watered down with too much mild it looses its bitterness and also much of its flavor.
I thought that if I ordered two shots of espresso in a cloud of foam that would work. There is a real name for this drink.
In Starbucks parlance... I can hear Francisco my dear Italian friend look with a pained expression upon his face... O.. my.... God.
A Doppo Espresso Macchiato with extra foam.
I thought that it was kind of a strange way.. but I was assured that there were at least 5 others at that Starbucks that call this drink their own.
Cheers!
No its not a non espresso based drink. Although I like them too if they are not too sweet.
After some recent disastrous dry cappuccinos that were none too dry. I talked with one of my favorite baristas, Jen, and we came up with a new order.
I like the bitterness of the coffee that settles on your tongue to become sweet. A properly brewed espresso will accomplish this task. If it is watered down with too much mild it looses its bitterness and also much of its flavor.
I thought that if I ordered two shots of espresso in a cloud of foam that would work. There is a real name for this drink.
In Starbucks parlance... I can hear Francisco my dear Italian friend look with a pained expression upon his face... O.. my.... God.
A Doppo Espresso Macchiato with extra foam.
I thought that it was kind of a strange way.. but I was assured that there were at least 5 others at that Starbucks that call this drink their own.
Cheers!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Pulling Weeds, Swim Lessons, and Alaska
Its Spring Break and there are weeds that need to be pulled.
Growing up in South City, Spring Week meant extra swimming lessons. We had to take swimming lessons on Saturdays in the Spring so that we would not fall behind our classes. Those that were staying in South City during the summer got to take their swimming lessons every day in the Summer. We did pretty well and I got to achieve all the swimming skills that I wanted to acquire.
In the Central Valley weeds grow like thunder all Winter long. No snow to shovel but still the lawn needs to be cut and trimmed throughout the year. Today I was out pulling and putting in the green container.
This spring has been particularly wet. Its been hard to find time to get out and spray the trees (they didn't get sprayed) let a lone pull the dandelions and grass like weeds that take over our yard every year. I know, round up does a great job. but... you still have to get rid of the weed residue. The backyard is a jungle since our home renovation. Something needs to be done about that. Our new addition has reduced the backyard space. It also is a little problematic when you look at space for a shade structure and room for a patio and a barbeque.. age old dilemmas.
Retirement is close at hand and there will be lots of time to manipulate the backyard. Or so I think.
We are looking forward to an Alaskan cruise this summer. Mom and dad were the first to get their tickets, It looks like the girls are coming too. There is also a chance for one of them to bring along their male companion. Mores the better. its Princess.. which Sue is quick to add.. from their old slogan... Where I belong. 10 days of shipboard fun hauling out of San Francisco July 21st. Yeah! Goin to see them Glaciers!
: ) Pat
Growing up in South City, Spring Week meant extra swimming lessons. We had to take swimming lessons on Saturdays in the Spring so that we would not fall behind our classes. Those that were staying in South City during the summer got to take their swimming lessons every day in the Summer. We did pretty well and I got to achieve all the swimming skills that I wanted to acquire.
In the Central Valley weeds grow like thunder all Winter long. No snow to shovel but still the lawn needs to be cut and trimmed throughout the year. Today I was out pulling and putting in the green container.
This spring has been particularly wet. Its been hard to find time to get out and spray the trees (they didn't get sprayed) let a lone pull the dandelions and grass like weeds that take over our yard every year. I know, round up does a great job. but... you still have to get rid of the weed residue. The backyard is a jungle since our home renovation. Something needs to be done about that. Our new addition has reduced the backyard space. It also is a little problematic when you look at space for a shade structure and room for a patio and a barbeque.. age old dilemmas.
Retirement is close at hand and there will be lots of time to manipulate the backyard. Or so I think.
We are looking forward to an Alaskan cruise this summer. Mom and dad were the first to get their tickets, It looks like the girls are coming too. There is also a chance for one of them to bring along their male companion. Mores the better. its Princess.. which Sue is quick to add.. from their old slogan... Where I belong. 10 days of shipboard fun hauling out of San Francisco July 21st. Yeah! Goin to see them Glaciers!
: ) Pat
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Sue's new Food find "Super Tosada"
One of my favorite places to eat out is a crummy looking hole in the wall in Merced the produces great Mexican fast food. Mario's is just three blocks off the 99 freeway as it heads primarily East to West through Merced. This place has gone through several reincarnations. When we first moved to Merced it was a drive in. It was one of the many burger joints that people stopped at as they came through Merced before the freeway. It then took on the the flavor of a Chinese restaurant called 5 lucky coins. That didn't work. An Italian restaurant tried its best to no avail. Finally, this place hit the accord of the Mexican Michiocan fast food formula that is fairly common in Merced. It has the requisite photos of Cotia and even has a photo of a flood passing through this Mexican town deep in the heart of Mexico. Its greatest gift, In my opinion is that it has the best of this genre of food in Merced.
It has a complete stainless steel kitchen that serves up food 7 am to 11 pm every day. My usual favorite is a Chorizo and Egg burrito. On the side in the condiment side car are pickled carrots, a common condiment in Merced. There are also great red and green sauces that more than tickle your tongue. Its one of the places where you can eat with confidence. The food is good and safe.
Sue has found a dish that she likes at this place. Its called a super tosdada. For 5 dollars there is a friend plate sized flaky tortilla on to which they add a coating of beans, a pile of shredded chicken. Salsa and mexican style guacamole (Which Sue has omitted) sour cream and a couple of handfuls of mexican cheese. Most of the time this order makes two meals for her.
The dining room is poverty stricken so don't expect atmosphere. The crowd is always there. From soup eaters to rolled taco aficionados they line up and wait about 6 minutes for their order to be completed. The crowd is a great range of locals and drop in contractors and mechanics that stop in to order along the 99 route.
It has a complete stainless steel kitchen that serves up food 7 am to 11 pm every day. My usual favorite is a Chorizo and Egg burrito. On the side in the condiment side car are pickled carrots, a common condiment in Merced. There are also great red and green sauces that more than tickle your tongue. Its one of the places where you can eat with confidence. The food is good and safe.
Sue has found a dish that she likes at this place. Its called a super tosdada. For 5 dollars there is a friend plate sized flaky tortilla on to which they add a coating of beans, a pile of shredded chicken. Salsa and mexican style guacamole (Which Sue has omitted) sour cream and a couple of handfuls of mexican cheese. Most of the time this order makes two meals for her.
The dining room is poverty stricken so don't expect atmosphere. The crowd is always there. From soup eaters to rolled taco aficionados they line up and wait about 6 minutes for their order to be completed. The crowd is a great range of locals and drop in contractors and mechanics that stop in to order along the 99 route.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Follow the Director
I have found a way to use my Netflix subscription to follow the director of a series of movies.
Its a little similar to following a vintner or a wine brand as it follows through the years. With the same direction, different year or different actors produce slightly different outcomes.
I have choosen to follow the director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu through the decade. The following his his biography as presented through netflix:
By the time director Alejandro González Iñárritu made his audacious feature film debut with 2000's Amores Perros (a Cannes Film Festival winner), he had been honing his craft for years -- first as a DJ (for which he credits his knowledge of pacing and storytelling), then as a writer and director of commercials, and finally, under the tutelage of Polish director Ludwik Margules.
Born Aug. 15, 1963, in Mexico City, Iñárritu followed the success of Amores Perros by contributing to September 11 and then pairing up with Amores Perros screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga again for the gritty 21 Grams (which earned Oscar nods for stars Naomi Watts and Benicio Del Toro).
In 2006, Babel -- the final part of the trilogy that began with Amores Perros and 21 Grams -- debuted, earning Oscar nods for a large number of cast and crew (including Iñárritu, Arriaga and actors Adriana Barraza and Rinko Kikuchi).
I understand that Heather's friend Michael also is a fan of this director.
My favorite film of his collection so far is his first... Amores Perros although Babel and 21 grams is right up there not far behind.
His films are not for the feight of heart. They are great stories and they are told without holding a punch. The first one, Amores Perros has some brutal images of dogs so bewarned. It is required for the story.
: ) Pat
Its a little similar to following a vintner or a wine brand as it follows through the years. With the same direction, different year or different actors produce slightly different outcomes.
I have choosen to follow the director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu through the decade. The following his his biography as presented through netflix:
By the time director Alejandro González Iñárritu made his audacious feature film debut with 2000's Amores Perros (a Cannes Film Festival winner), he had been honing his craft for years -- first as a DJ (for which he credits his knowledge of pacing and storytelling), then as a writer and director of commercials, and finally, under the tutelage of Polish director Ludwik Margules.
Born Aug. 15, 1963, in Mexico City, Iñárritu followed the success of Amores Perros by contributing to September 11 and then pairing up with Amores Perros screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga again for the gritty 21 Grams (which earned Oscar nods for stars Naomi Watts and Benicio Del Toro).
In 2006, Babel -- the final part of the trilogy that began with Amores Perros and 21 Grams -- debuted, earning Oscar nods for a large number of cast and crew (including Iñárritu, Arriaga and actors Adriana Barraza and Rinko Kikuchi).
I understand that Heather's friend Michael also is a fan of this director.
My favorite film of his collection so far is his first... Amores Perros although Babel and 21 grams is right up there not far behind.
His films are not for the feight of heart. They are great stories and they are told without holding a punch. The first one, Amores Perros has some brutal images of dogs so bewarned. It is required for the story.
: ) Pat