Jackopierce Concert and C.Donatiello Winery ~ Saturday, May 15 2010

On Saturday The Rick and I crossed the Golden Gate Bridge to meet his college friends.  We were meeting in Healdsburg, CA for lunch, wine tastings, and a concert.  A group named Jackopierce was performing and that group of friends had followed the band when they were in college.  I'd never heard of Jackopierce before but was pleasantly surpised with their sound and performance.  The concert had an audience of less than 200 people and was set at the C Donatiello Winery. 

The winery was smaller and offered a more intimate setting with beautiful smells and visuals from the flowers and the vineyard.

Dinner was served and the food was excellently prepared by Chef Gerard.  Chef Gerard's paella looked and tasted amazing! See for yourself...

Shrimp appetizers

Cheese with a sweet spread on top

Chef Gerard's paella was cooking

Chef Gerard's paella tastes as good as it looks

Salad and bread

Jackopierce performed for about 2 hours, and I was thoroughly entertained. To describe their music think John Mayer, James Taylor, and John Mellencamp. For those of you that are fans, they said that they plan on doing another show in Martha's Vineyard. If it's anything like the show I attended, I recommend you check it out.

Jackopierce at C. Donatiello Winery

Earlier in the day Jackopierce held a Founders Lunch, and I snagged this video off of youtube, just in case you want to see them perform one of their songs.

At the show I attended, Jackopierce invited a girl to come up and sing with them.  If my memory serves me correctly, I think she's 17 and her name is Tiger Darrow.  She is a talent (i.e. think Ingrid Michaelson meets Norah Jones).  Here is the video I took of part of her performance.

Whatever you do in life, always remember to stop and smell the roses.  I'm going to go ahead and add some of the other pictures from the other vineyards in this post.  The flowers were just gorgeous, and I'd forgotten just how happy beautiful roses make me.  When I was growing up, we had beautiful roses and irises in our yard.  I also grew up across the street from a huge house with a beautiful lake that had ducks and swans.  Yes, it was a magical as it sounds.  Funny how the sights and sounds of nature can take you back many years...

Ducks

Irises

So pretty

THE WIRK

San Francisco Giants beat the Houston Astros 8-2 at AT&T Park, my 68th venue

Friday night I was in San Francisco, CA and took a trip to AT&T Park (i.e. my 68th venue) to watch the Houston Astros take on the San Francisco Giants.  Giants won and it was an excellent night out for some baseball! 

On the way to the ballpark The Rick, worked his magic and scalped us two tickets in the field club section of the stadium. Scalping was easy. There is a large market of tickets availabe. The Rick went against my better judgement, when he decided to pay a dollar value that wasn't a multiple of $20. I told hm that he should've low-balled the scalper and dropped the price $10, but he didn't care. Oh well. Our seats were awesome.

After taking pictures of the Willie Mays' statue, we went into the separate entrance for field club ticket holders, through the concession area, past the medium rom, and down the hallway towards the Giants clubhouse. **** If you know me, you know I love having access to this kind of stuff... I eat stuff like this up!

View from the seats

Once we checked out our seats, we did a lap around the ballpark to see all the interesting features that make the ballpark unique.  The cable car, the marina, the San Francisco-themed concessions (e.g. clam chowder in a Boudin sourdough bowl) etc. all contribute to the charm of the stadium.  Any true baseball fan needs to check out this venue.

The San Francisco Giants beat the Houston Astros 8-2.  I must be lucky for home teams, because on Friday night, the Giants ended their three-game losing streak, and Houston ended their four-game winning streak!  It was an exciting game to watch at a wonderful stadium that offers baseball fans such views as McCovey Cove (i.e. Willie McCovey was a monster left-handed hitter that played in the 1960s and 1970s with the Giants) a beautiful marina, a cable car, and the Bay Bridge. 

Enjoy the following pictures from around the ballpark.

McCovey Cove

The ballpark is on the water

A cable car

A beautiful marina

Lil Jon was spinning before the game

Barry Bonds broke Hank Aaron's home run record with his 756th home run, and

the Giants 500 Club

SF Giants retired numbers

Lou Seal and I

I like Pablo Sandoval and unfortunately he was hit with a pitch right when The Rick and I had our picture taken.

Leaving the ballpark

THE WIRK

The Cleveland Cavaliers and I are "on a break"

As a Cavs fan, I have to ask, "Why am I friends with this guy?"  Ryan is just one of a few Celtics fans that were out Thursday night and wanted to talk about the game.  Seriously, he's a great guy and one of my many friends that I debate sports with regularly.  In case you are blind and didn't notice, he's also a huge Rondo fan...  During the game yesterday and after it, Celtics fans celebrated, while Cavs fans like myself were numb to the world.
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So, what did you do on Thursday night? Did you do/see anything good? As for me, I made it home just in time for the 2nd half of a heartbreaking game of basketball (i.e. Game 6 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics series). When I made it home, the Cavs actually had the lead.

You know when you're in a relationship and it's not going well ~ but you wait it out and hope that it gets better?  Well, last night I broke up with the Cleveland Cavaliers.  Actually, technically, I guess you can say we're on "a break".

The team mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted me.  Our relationship had such great promise this year and then it just fell apart. 

I feel cheated.  I feel misled.  I wanted more than they could give.  I've decided ~ I'm going to see other people.  I don't really care what the Cavs do.  It's time for me to cover baseball and other sports topics of interest.  ****  Actually, this morning I heard a rumor that someone on the Cavs slept with someone else's wife.  I made some phone calls and sent some texts and then learned that supposedly, it's a variation of that rumor.  I'm not going to go into details on this blog, because I don't know if it's true or not.  However, my sources are usually good...

Back to my relationship with the Cavs.  You are who you hang out with, and I believe that there is a lot of garbage on the team.  Antawn Jamison is not a winner.  Anderson Varejao is terrible and every time he touches the ball, I want to scream.  My last memory of game 6 is him launching a 3 pointer and missing (i.e. but you knew he missed it without me telling you, right?!?!).  Another Varejao image is him trying to stop play because he was bleeding.  Varejao if you're bleeding, keep bleeding - but NEVER stop playing defense or "offense".  Actually, NEVER play offense either.  I prefer you that if you must step on the court that you NEVER touch the ball.

I watch the Real Houseweives of New Jersey.  Yes, I like trash TV.  I was watching last week, and I heard the best quote from New Jersey matriarch, Caroline Manzo.  She said, "You hang around garbage long enough, and you start to stink."  That's what I think about some of Lebron's supporting cast (i.e. especially Varejao).
I didn't believe in the Shaquille O'Neal trade being the answer.  I like Shaq, and  I believed in his effectiveness years ago. Although I'm an Ilgauskas fan I recognize he can't play forever. I think Mike Brown should be fired. I also blame Danny Ferry, but then again I blame Danny for almost everything. I blame Ferry for the oil leakage in the gulf, global warming, overweight america, stock market crashes, and rain. It's always Ferry's fault.

Lebron.  Now comes the part where I jockey being a fan and being human.  I believe Lebron will stay in Cleveland.  I also believe that if the Cavs were to win a NBA Championship that this was the year for it to happen.  I can't imagine what it feels like in Cleveland today.  I know how it felt when I went to sleep last night.  I cried.  I actually cried because I know, that they (i.e. the city, the team) know, that this was "supposed to be their year".  I don't know if the rumors are true.  I believe the dynamic is flawed.  I hope Lebron doesn't become the new Brett Favre (i.e. stay, go, stay, go) and hold the Cavs hostage.  I do believe he does want to be recruited, but I do believe he will stay home.

As an Ohioan and a Cavs fan, all I can do is hope.  As I said, the Cavs and I are "on a break" and there's no time for tears, it's baseball season!


THE WIRK

I respect Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, but disagree about LeBron and college

I respect Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, but I disagree with him about LeBron James and college...  His article can be found here:  http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/basketball/nba/05/12/abdul-jabbar.lebron.ap/index.html#ixzz0novQfhDk

First a little background:
According to Wikipedia: In 2005, the NBA and the players' union agreed upon a new collective bargaining agreement, which requires that:

• The minimum age for entry into the NBA is 19; players must have their nineteenth (or later) birthday in the calendar year of the draft in order to be eligible;
• Players who completed basketball eligibility at a U.S. high school, regardless of their nationality, must be at least one year removed from high school.
• However, NBA commissioner David Stern has made it clear that this age limit does not mean players are required to spend a year after high school in college. They can spend it overseas, like Brandon Jennings did before entering the 2009 NBA Draft. 

Now Me:
People say that hindsight is 20/20. It has a lot to do with “cause and effect”. For example, I touch the stove, and I get burned. Therefore I shouldn’t touch the stove ever, right? NO. Who’s to say I had the stove on earlier? Honestly, I travel a lot and right now I have a stack of mail on the burners of my stove. Who cares. The stove isn’t hot.

Get it? Cause and effect isn’t always 100%. I’ve taken enough quantitative analysis and statistics courses that I know that correlation doesn’t necessarily equal causation. I’m not about to Google basketball stats, but I do know that I disagree with Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s comments that LeBron would’ve benefited if he’d went to college. Further, I certainly disagree with raising the minimum age to 21 for the NBA.

I know that if I had any super-star athletic ability (i.e. I do have a mean cross-court backhand in tennis), my parents would’ve squandered it. My parents never valued athletics as much as they valued academics. If they had reared LeBron instead of Gloria, LeBron would be a doctor and no one aside from his recreation league would’ve known about him. It takes a special parent (e.g. Gloria James, Richard Williams, etc.) to see that his/her child is gifted and can take it to the highest level.

•  Moses Malone, Shawn Kemp, Kevin Garnett, etc . never went to college and they had/have exceptional careers. Yes, I threw Shawn Kemp in there. I like Shawn Kemp, but admit that he has had his share of struggles. However, let’s face it ~ I doubt college would’ve saved him from his personal issues.
• For players like Kwame Brown, DeSagana Diop, etc. it’d be easy for me to argue to send them to college or not draft them at all. But come on, it’s only because I’ve seen their body of work and I’m not that impressed with their level of play. They could follow in the footsteps of Michael Jordan and study geography, so that they can easily find the next team that they play for on a map. 

College is great, and I’m not going to downplay the value of education or the socialization that occurs in school. However, I’m wise enough to know that college doesn’t equal “smart”.  My first fiance never went to college and plays in the NBA. He is not stupid, and I’d argue he’s very smart. He doesn’t have a diploma on his wall. BFD. He speaks numerous languages and is intelligent. If he had to go to school, I assure you he’d be successful.

If LeBron went to college who knows what would’ve happened? He could’ve gotten injured. He could have ran with the wrong crew and fallen into trouble. He might have gone a year or so and dropped out, and then everyone would criticize that too. He could’ve been successful and won a title. I don’t know what would’ve happened and neither do you.

Could’ve, should’ve, would’ve, but DIDN’T. LeBron didn’t go to college. That’s the way it is, and speculating now is a complete waste of time, especially when all anyone is trying to do is kill time before

I'll leave you with an exchange between Erne Johnson and Charles Barkley (i.e. who completed 3 years at Auburn University)

EJ: "Did you graduate from Auburn?"

Charles: "No, but I have a couple people working for me who did."

Wait here's one more exchange, between me and an NBA player (i.e. in Cleveland during the pre-LeBron years, when Gund Arena was empty and quieter than your local library) who wanted to go out when I had to study for an exam in graduate school.

Him:  When was the last time 20,000 people showed up to watch you take a test?

Me:  When was the last time 20,000 people showed up to watch you play?

If LeBron could've benefited from college, than maybe I could've benefited from extra tennis lessons and basketball camps...  Hmmm ~ I need to call my mom and dad now...

Game 6 of the Cleveland Cavaliers v Boston Celtics series starts tonight at the TD Garden at 8.


THE WIRK

Game 5: Celtics v Cavs ~ Quotes from a Massacre

Game 5: Boston Celtics v Cavaliers ~ Quotes from a massacre:

Texts/Facebook Exchanges:

Jack: Maybe it's Antawn.  He has that loser gene.  Money line would've been dope.
Me: What was it?
Jack: +290.
Me: I'm trying to open a window to throw myself out.
Jack:  You'd probably land on a Celtics fan.

Jomo: Future Cavs coach options
Me: Calipari was at the game
Jomo: And Cleveland won't be put on probation

Gary: I was just checking on you.  This is ugly.
Me: You, Nev, and everyone that has my number... Thanks, I'll type - but I'm not talking...
Gary:  I completely understand.

Teri:  Ur head must be exploding
Me:  I have the worst headache... I'd open a window and try to throw myself out, but the Cavs don't care so why should I?!?!
Teri:  Just an ass whipping
Me:  Completely

Nev:  How are you feeling?
Me:  Numb.  I feel nothing.  The Cavs are pulling a "Ken Griffey Jr.".  They never woke up.

Friend: LeBron is LeInvisible.
Me: My friend calls him LeBrick.

Cornel:  So impressed with the Celtics!!!
Me:  You should be ashamed of yourself.  You're a Lakers fan!  :-P

Scott:  If they F this game up, kiss the season adios!!
Me:  If they f this up I'm adopting the Suns... Currently, I'm resisting the urge to check out the nba store to purchase my suns hat right now...
Scott: C'Mon girl, the wagon is fillin up!
Me:  Shotgun!!!

Tweets:

LeBronsElbow Sorry for the delay. I was checking with LeBron's balls to see if they are still attached. They are, but oddly they were singing showtunes.

THEWIRK after the #cavs and #celtics debacle, how is justin bieber still a trending topic worldwide?!?! what is wrong with people? i don't get it.

blazersedge LeGon Fishing.

FisolaNYDN In the final minutes Quicken Loans Arena was nearly empty. Will look this way if and when LeBron leaves. Looks like he's checked out already

TurnerSportsEJ remember that note about the possiblility of the first OT game of the playoffs tonight? Never mind.

sportsguy33 Breaking news: ESPN's Ric Bucher reports that Cleveland has fired head coach Mike Brown.
****  I had to reply:  Dont tease me.  It's mean @ sportsguy33 Breaking news: ESPN's Ric Bucher reports that Cleveland has fired head coach Mike Brown.

At least I could watch comfortably in my hotel room.  I feel bad for the fans who saw it all in person.  Wow.  The Cavs really have to "bring it" on Thursday in Boston...  Enough said.


THE WIRK

Calgon take me away (to Cleveland): Game 5: Celtics v Cavs tonight

Remember those commercials where the girl would be in a tub and say, "Calgon take me away."?  Well, I'm not foolish enough to believe that works.  I've clicked my heels three times and said, "There's no place like home."  However, my black flats don't even look like ruby slippers and let's face it ~ my name's not Dorothy so that won't work either.  If I had a private plane and could go anywhere tonight, I'd take that plane straight to Cleveland, Ohio.  Yes, I said it.  I'd even invite Joakim Noah to come with me, because we know he can't be busy.  That's just how nice a person I am!  Game 5 is tonight, and the Cleveland Cavaliers should be ready to exploit homecourt advantage and defeat the Boston Celtics.

I was watching TNT earlier this week and I heard Ernie Johnson use the term "LeBrondo".  That made me laugh.  Rajon Rondo was the story of Game 4, and LeBron James was the story for Game 3.  Both teams split games on their home floor (i.e. basically trading wins and losses).  I think I recall LeBron saying that he wanted to guard Rondo tonight.  Well, let's just hope that that doesn't open up the floor too much for Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen.  Can you tell that I'm a Cavs fan?!?!

I hope Cleveland is bringing more of its offense and defense to the table tonight and is ready to dominate.  I got into a discussion last night about the merit of Mike Brown.  My friend was saying that he couldn't coach.  I admit, I am a member of a "Fire Mike Brown" group.  We both remarked that the only play that Coach seems to call in the huddle (i.e. after a time-out, etc.) is the "Give the ball to LeBron" play.  Trust me ~ he and I are smart and have high basketball IQs, but I assure you that even the dimmest bulb on the shortest bus could figure that out! 

**** Coaches are in a very unenviable position. We love them when the team wins, and we second guess and join "Fire XYZ" forums when the team loses. I like Mike Brown, when the Cavs win and when he's not snubbing Zydrunas Ilgauskas. Regardless, I will still ultimately blame Danny Ferry if the Cavs don't win a NBA Championship this year.

Come on Cleveland, it's GO time at Quicken Loans Arena!!!


THE WIRK

Hank Haney and Tiger Woods - Breaking up is hard to do

Did you see that Hank Haney quit his job as swing coach for Tiger Woods via text message (i.e. at least that's what People.com is reporting)?  Nobody ever said breaking up was easy.  In fact, the whole scenario reminds me of a book that I read years ago, when I was going through a break-up with my first fiance. 

The book was entitled, "It's Not Me, It's You: A Modern Girl's Guide to Breaking Up"...  I thought the book was funny and left it on the nightstand by accident one day.  Needless to say, he was not amused.

Oh well.


THE WIRK