Yo Knows Part II

Even with that crap zoom lens I still have my timing. All that work in the minors paid off...

Happy Father's Day

Another shot from Muir... looks just like my Dad's backyard. ;-)

Happy Father's Day!

Love Our Lake

The first time I ever drove into Oakland (besides the initial I-880 through town to my hotel) I came up International Blvd. into the city. I ran into the construction for this Lake Merritt project; over a year later it's finally done. The city voted to raise taxes to fix up the lake and the surrounding walkways, and last Sunday was the grand opening celebration of a 10-year project. Thousands came down for music and food and a nice stroll around the water.

Now, is Lake Merritt the purest thing you've ever seen? No. You wouldn't want to swim in it, let's put it that way. And it smells kinda funny. But, they do have sailing and rowing so you can get out on the water if you wish. For the most part, people bring their kids and dogs and picnic baskets, and just enjoy the surroundings and the birds in the wildlife refuge. The water should get better over time too, as they plan on connecting it back to its original formation as a tidal lagoon off the SF Bay.

Dufwin

Facade of the 1928 Dufwin Theater on 17th St., which was a 1,400 seat venue that featured plays and other live acts back in the day. It closed during the Depression and re-opened as a movie theater some years later. They put up a triangle marquee and painted over this beautiful tile with white paint when it was known as "The Roxie."

The theater closed in the 80's and eventually was gutted and turned into office space - but they restored the front to its original appearance. I believe it's for sale, too, if you are so inclined.

China Beach

You wish you lived here. Trust me on this. Part of the national park, it's snuggled between Land's End and the start of Baker Beach and the Presidio, with Golden Gate views. The houses are stunning.

Ocean Beach

For World Oceans Day.

The Dean of the House

One of the best memories I have of being in this business is that I was able to have a long conversation with John Dingell a few days after he had gaveled the health care bill through the House. He is very approachable, very friendly, and was more than eager to chat about how the bill would work and its chances of getting through the Senate - a very important part of our nation's history, and I knew it. Just absolutely thrilled to speak with him.

Today John Dingell becomes the longest serving member of Congress ever - a fascinating life well-lived. Thank you Congressman for your years of service to our country.

This was taken at the Next Energy event with Joe Biden back in 2009. Dingell was recovering from knee (?) surgery at the time, and he still moved pretty quick on those crutches. It was a happy day for Michigan, evident in the smile on his face.

Just Because

My favorite place nowadays.

Under the Bleachers

The view from the openings in the outfield at AT&T. Not a bad place to watch a game - being at field level is pretty interesting, especially when the long fly ball is hit out there and the outfielder catches it right in front of you. And if it gets too crowded, you can just walk along the marina, enjoy the Bay view, and listen to the game over the loudspeakers.

It's a great place, but I still prefer the Coliseum. Sounds funny, but it's true.

Marshall's Beach

Wide shot of Marshall's Beach leading up to the bridge. This was taken with my phone.

You don't hear much about Marshall because there isn't much there; no parking, no picnic area, mostly rocks and a small stretch of sand - if the tide isn't high. Let me tell you sometime about how the water was rising and the sun was setting and I decided to get out of there before I found myself stranded...

Fog Bank

Just outside the GG opening.

Sorry so late today; blame Terri Lynn and Frank, and the news just kept rolling from there...

Sunshine Lady

RIP Jean Stapleton, and thank you for bringing Edith to life to liberate women everywhere.

Fog Clock

The GG toll booth clock in the fog. This is straight from the camera with very little correction - fog in the dark presents a huge noise challenge, but I like the grainy look here.

I can see a day when they take those booths out, maybe put wider lanes in now that the traffic doesn't stop. You still have people that are confused at this point; they slow way down and the loudspeakers will urge them to keep driving. The regulars that know you don't have to stop anymore are screaming through the narrow openings, and that's a eventual crash waiting to happen.

All in all I guess the new system is working OK though. Haven't heard otherwise. I'm tempted to drive through one of these days just to see how the billing works...

Lunch

I was wandering down the trail at Land's End when all of a sudden birdy here drops out of the sky and grabs this unfortunate creature and takes off again. Is it a Golden Eagle? Or a Red-Tail Hawk? Not sure. It's either a big hawk or a young eagle. Don't know my birds very well.

Anyway, caught it at the top of the frame, so had to crop it down a bit. Focus could have been better too - but it wasn't like I was expecting this to happen. ;-)

(Update: Further investigation tells me this is a hawk...)

37 Seconds at the Bridge

Really should do more videos. Here's the fog streaming through the Golden Gate, forming a long cloud down the middle of the Bay.