North Pole

Did anyone else catch the fascinating Fresh Air interview about the North Pole? A NY Times reporter Andrew Revkin talked with Terry Gross about his recent trip to the North Pole.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5484338

Apparently there are companies who've bought the rights to certain commerce channels from Russia to Europe. This is for the future when the ice melts enough to allow that passage.

Great.

Jack

Apparently a highly territorial and declawed Tabby chased this bear up not one--but two trees. Jack the Cat hissed at this bear, sending it straight to the top.

I had no idea New Jersey felines were that gutsy, it must be something in the water?

I know exactly how our Tubular One would react to a black bear. In her cheeky way, she'd skip up to it--tail wagging in her friendly play bow pose. She really doesn't believe any creature is immune to her charms.

Aqua

Cappy and I celebrated our 4-year anniversary with a 2.5 hour culinary love fest at Laurent Manrique's Aqua in the Financial District of San Francisco. I say love fest because we were killed with culinary passion. We indulged ourselves with the Chef's Tasting Menu which included 7-courses of pure ecstasy.

Overall, it was a wonderful night. Each dish topped the last, service was impeccable, and we couldn't stop smiling before/during/after each dish. We walked out feeling the warmth from the waitstaff with their knowing smiles--they deliver food heroin and they know it.

We were killed with love. It felt like being on a roller-coaster. With each dish delivered, it seemed as if we were constantly climbing up the track incline with giddy anticipation, and screaming on each descent--enjoying every tiny bite. And just when we thought the thrills were over, we'd turn a corner and start climbing upwards again...

The chef's tasting menu featured a 7-course barrage of soul satisfying bliss. Here are some of the highlights:

Smoked Sturgeon Cannoli with American Caviar, and Chives
Parmesan-Black Pepper Soufflé with Dungeness Crab, Sea Urchin, and Chive Butter
Gazpacho with Trout, Grapes, and Herbs
Sea Bass with Porcini Mushrooms
Beef with Veal Jus and Potato Gnocci
Yogurt mint lime granita

I may have forgotten a dish or two. Each tasting dish was small, completely satisfying. The wine and champagne menu resembled that of a Thai beach bungalow restaurant. Pages and pages--about 25 to be exact.

The aforementioned service was impeccable. The waitstaff was intuitive and very friendly. I could imagine their employee handbook was borrowed a bit from Disneyland, slightly modified..."treat each guest as if they are a good friend, but keep enthusiasm from being over the top..."

We left the restaurant feeling as if we were ending a short sojourn on a tropical island. We were greeted with half a dozen thank you's, handshakes and French accented greets like, "we hope to see you again soon!" Though I know all that hoopla is part of waitstaff logistics, and totally a part of the 4-star experience, it still felt warm and natural.

If you've ever enjoyed a dinner at Aqua, you know what I'm talking about. If not, I highly recommend it, especially for a romantic anniversary!

Next up for our 5-year: Gary Danko

Yolanda

Here's a windy path upwards on the backside of Mount Tamalpais. This was not taken by me at a section of the Yolanda trail, at Phoenix Lake. This reservoir park is located between the towns of Ross and Kentfield in the Marin.

Cappy, Lorrie, and I did the 4.4 mile loop this past Sunday in the height of sunshine. We met up with some cool mountain breezes, wild strawberries, baby pink roses, and a tree leaf that resembles bay leaves. To me, this leaf in particular smells like a dental office.

There was a slightly terrifying moment. At one point during the hike, we were on a narrow path under low hanging trees. Something huge was flying directly over our heads, expertly making its way through the branches with its 3-foot wingspan. Or at least that's what it seemed like to me. "It's a vulture!" Lorrie cried out. I had this sudden feeling of terror, like we might be crossing paths very soon with a carcass of some sort. It flew over our heads again. Cappy thought she saw another vulture! At a closer look, it seemed that the vulture's head and neck were red. Eewww. I decided that it was a slim flying turkey--which assuaged my fears. Thankfully we didn't see it/them again.

Next weekend we're heading out to the Palace of Fine Arts for San Francisco's 28th Annual Ethnic Dance Festival. We'll be cheering on my friends who will be dancing the P'ungmul, a Korean folk dance. Apparently, it is a dance that is associated with student activism. The only thing I've associated with Korean student activism is tear gas. I've walked through it three times on various occasions near Seoul National University. It will be good to replace this association with one less toxic.

Remote

Thoughts from working from home today:

-A Bose sound dock with ipod blasting throughout is great end of the week therapy
-1001 distractions (not sure actually, if this is a benefit)
-We really need to re-organise our shoe closet
-The Tubular One sleeps/snores a LOT
-I need to put an end to this procrastination

Recently purchased/frequently played songs on i-tunes:

Energy Is You-The Hitman
Reflects an energy and spirit that I must get in touch with very soon. This song reminds me of early 90's techno.

Turn It Around-4 Strings
I love all of their songs. Gorgeous voice. I love soul in non-soul music.

Justified and Ancient-KLF
Everyone has certain songs that immediately bring back vivid memories. This song brings back a very powerful time in my life. A trip to L.A. in the spring of '92 that changed my life...

Close to My Roots-DJ Moule (The Cure/Beastie Boys mashup)
This song puts me in an instant good mood.


OK, no more procrastination....back to writing, editing, and uploading...