White out

I'm wearing a white (button down) shirt for the first time in a very long while. It's part of the white-out for the Stanford game today. I used to hate wearing these shirts, but now I kind of like it.

Next steps

I'm not certain what our next steps are going to be. Cody had to be put down last Friday. He was a goo boy, but had a bunch of problems to contend with. We are once again dogless, but it doesn't hurt the way it did before.

Poor Cody

We got some bad, but not unexpected, news about Cody. The poor guy has multiple tumors and they are not recommending surgery. We're keeping him well fed and comfortable.

Sneaking around

Cody has separation anxiety, but cannot hear. So, it is possible to sneak away once he falls asleep. I feel guilty doing it, but sometimes you just need to hit the head!

Cody's separation anxiety

Cody barks, if left alone. Can we not go to lunch anymore?

Sample chapter

Got the edits back on my sample chapter. There is good news and bad news. We'll work it out.

Inglorious Basterds

You know, I might be getting to old for Quentin Tarantino movies.

Andy did it!

Off to the races

We're going to resolve an existential crisis this weekend. My father-in-law has run a race in every county in California save one. We are going to make it 58 for 58 this weekend, and I fear (not really) that I will finish last. I think I might, because what used to be my good knee is now my bad knee, and I might be to running what Barack is to Bowling.

New menu items

They've changed the menu at Tamerine again, and we tried something new!

Checkmates

It is unusual to actually deliver checkmate in a game, especially in a correspondence game where your opponent has days to reflect upon their move. I confess that I have walked into a mate before, but it I checkmated my last two opponents, which might be a record. Normally, one sees the checkmate coming and resigns.

21 and counting

Set a new personal record with 21 straight wins on the chess server, and promptly lost. Some high rated players, but a few bunnies too. I've joined the on-line ladder, and some of those players lost quickly. I have also won five of six in the latest open tournament with one game still undecided. I've recovered all of the ratings points I lost after Macy got sick.

Tamarine

They have brought back both the Wok Pho Noodles and the Tamarine Prawns. Life is very, very good to me.

Modern Art

We're going to be in NYC next month, and we'll probably go to the MOMA. This time, I want to understand what I'm looking at. So, in my usual fashion, I started reading about art. I started with the Realists, went on to the Impressionists, Post-Impressionists, Fauves, Cubists, Dadists and Surrealists only to hit a wall. I still fail to understand how random drippings can be called art. Sheri brought me a different book from the library, and I hope it does the trick for me.

A bridge too far

Yesterday, my dentist removed my old cracked bridge with what he called a "tapper." I was curious to see it, because it felt has though he had been hammering a chisel against my teeth. It was a small instrument, hooked on one end, with a movable weight. It reminded me of the time Scary Jim and I went to the torture museum in Sienna. Very ingenuous.

Tiger!

Yikes! I must say I did not see that coming. I had all but wrapped up the PGA championship with a ribbon that said "Tiger." I guess that's why they play the games.

Golf is strange

I shot a 47 on the front, which included 22 putts! I three putted four times! I was hitting the ball well, but was very frustrated. After making par on 9, I parred the first six holes on the back and shot a 39 for a combined 86. My ball striking was better than it has been in year. Why?

Back home

The first thing Sheri did when we got back home was to go get Maya. I think that there is a dog in our not too distant future.

Vancouver vacation

We're enjoying our weekend trip to Vancouver. The weather has turned for the worse, but we got to spend most of the day wandering around Stanley Park yesterday. Lovely dinner at "C" last night right on the water. We're going to Joe Krugler's house for dinner tonight and will fly back tomorrow.

Vancouver

We're off to Vancouver for a long weekend. Lots of friends of Sheri there.

Annual Trust Meeting

I participated in the annual meeting of the US Chess Trust via conference call today. I was able to get an audit finding of "material weakness" reduced to "significant deficiency", which may still sound bad, but was a major improvement. I was also able to get some alleged "assets" written off, so that our balance sheet reflects reality. I was commended, as Treasurer, for keeping our stock market losses to a minimum. The budget passed as I submitted it without modification. All in all, a good day's work.

Last day of Camp Claire

We all got new shirts courtesy of Claire.

Camp Claire

Our niece Claire is staying with us for a few days, and we call it "Camp Claire". We have t-shirts and everything. This morning she got the first of three soccer lessons from our goddaughter Tasha. We did this last year too, and the two girls are both growing up fast! Claire was able to drill much longer than last year, when she had to take repeated breaks. Tasha could not fit into last year's t-shirt!

Serena, I hardly knew you.

I was so psyched up to watch Serena Williams today at the Bank of the West, but she came out listless, flat, and never looked like she was into it. I assume she was fighting some sort of injury, because that was not an effort she can be proud of.

Perspective

I was telling Sheri about these little scenes I was reading in Joyce, where the events happen simultaneously temporally, but in different places spatially, while overlapping to varying degrees. She said, "Like Cubism." I was very impressed by this insight. Perspective was changing around that time in all sorts of art forms.

Trip Planning

Although I am very much wanting another dog, it does make sense to use this time to travel. Maybe we should go around the world NZ, Sydney, Capetown, Argentina. Or, perhaps, NZ, Sydney, Hong Kong, Hawaii. I need to see some places I've never been to. I love France, Italy, Ireland and England, but it is time for something completely different.

Cruel and Unusual

Poor Tom Watson! One par away from one of the most improbable wins in history, and he makes bogey. How sad!

No Tiger

The tournament is not as compelling without Tiger in the field, but 59 year old Tom Watson is doing his best to make it interesting.

Maya

It is very odd, or quite normal, I don't know which, but Maya has been a different dog, since Macy's death. True, we did have Layla for ten days, and then left on a two week trip, so I hadn't been taking care of Maya for nearly a month. Even so, her neediness was beyond anything I had ever felt from her before. She seems more easily startled or upset. I think Macy played a role for Maya that I did not understand. Now, Maya needs more from me than she used to. We've grown closer.

London 2009

We took the train from Paris on Monday, and walked into Maze for a fantastic first London meal. On Tuesday, we walked to Shepards Market and ate lunch at Al Hamra. Very nice! We cancelled dinner plans at Avenue and ate Browns, because of a major thunderstorm. The doorman said that he'd never seen it rain that hard. It passed in time for us to make it to Billy Elliot, which was enjoyable, but not memorable.

Wednesday we had lunch at Arbutus, which was great, and dinner at Quo Vadis, which was very good. We ended p at Quo Vadis, because we couldn't find Barrafina, which was our first choice. No harm done! We saw Arcadia as a matinee, and Jersey Boys. I must say that Arcadia remains one of my favorite all timers. Jersey Boys was just OK.

Thursday we walked into lunch at L'Atelier du Joel Bobuchon, and had a great, great experience. That night we found and ate at Barrafina, which was very nice, and much less expensive! We saw A Little Night Music, which was good, and my second favorite play this trip.

Friday we ate at the unforgettable The Landau in the amazing Langham hotel right across from BBC studios. We were so stuffed from lunch that we skipped dinner and went straight to the, wait for it, wait for it, Lion King! What were we thinking? During the intermission, I texted WTF? to Sheri, because I was too stunned to speak. Afterwards, I attempted to kill myself with a blunt knife, but survived to live another day. I took the edge off with two Martinis at Avenue.

Today is our last full day in London. Time flies.

Vacation.

Good thing I'm not a homophobe, because we are off to Gay Paree!

Finally!

I got the first round in yesterday in about month. I had to take a cart, but I made it!

Thank you Macy!

Thanks for being my constant companion over the last 11 years. I miss you!

Book Proposal

I sent off the presentation, and am waiting to hear back from the publishers.

Hangover

The movie. A few good laughs. The foot is almost all better, so hopefully I'll be golfing again soon. I wont see so many movies, but I'll be having more fun.

Happy Bloomsday

Today is Bloomsday, and I was planning on a pub crawl through Menlo Park to celebrate. However, Sheri is going up to Sacramento to watch the Lynx-Monarchs game (go Candice, go Nichole) with Kelli and Andy. I have to be good and take care of the doggies. Layla has been SUCH a good dog, but I fear that I am undoing all of Doug's training!

Star Trek

Pretty high on the fun scale, but low on the plausibility scale. Just suspend disbelief and go with the flow.

Land of the Lost

Went to see Star Trek today, but got the time wrong, or Land of the Lost took over the time slot for it. I got stuck watching that silly movie, but it did have its moments.

Alex's graduation

We went to the Wein's to celebrate Alex's high school graduation.  Tasha (our god daughter) opened up the envelope we brought for him and looked at the check!  At least she said that we were very generous!  Later Tasha and I got in trouble for pretending to argue with each other using fake Indian accents.  She's SOOOO immature.

Pseudo gout?

I had never heard of such a thing.  It's also called calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease or CPPD.  

After reading bout it, I wish it had been gout.  It does explain my joint pain over the years, and the mysterious bouts of swelling in my knees and thumb.  This was the worst occurrence yet, and since it was in my big toe, the doctor assumed it was gout.  

We got the results back yesterday, and I did some research earlier today.  No known cause, and no known cure.  At least I know what I'm dealing with, and that's a help.

Holding my head high

I'm no longer ashamed of my country.  Thank you, President Obama.

Hockey vs. Basketball

Stanley Cup finals vs. Lakers-Magic.  I think I will be switching channels tonight.  Routing for the underdogs (Pittsburg and Orlando).

Yet another allergic reaction.

Even though I was not infected I did learn that I am allergic to a new round of antibiotics.  Just call me rash face.

Good news bad news

Well, my foot is NOT infected.  I have gout.  Too much red wine.  Gotta cut out (down on) Martinis.  The horror!

Macy wants her walk!

Sadly, I cannot take her until my foot gets better.  She does not appear to understand.

Taking care of Layla

Layla is a black lab who lives across the street.  She had her first sleep over here last night, and she was great.  She and Macy don't play together, but they get along fine.

Ouch!

I've been trying to ignore this ingrown toenail, but I woke up this morning to find the toe swollen, red and very painful.  That can't be good.

Voted for GM John Fedorowicz

John is going to be inducted into the chess hall of fame.  Of the 13 voters, 9 have already voted yes.

Missed it by that much

Putted my 5 foot birdie putt 4 feet 11 inches.

Book stuff

I've worked with Quarto Publishing (London based) before and it was a good collaboration.  This time around I've written a synopsis of the book proposal and a sample chapter.  They will take it to a book fair, and we'll see whether there is any interest.

If yes, then I will write, they will publish and a third party will do distribution.

Locked in a battle of wills

I will NOT keep giving Macy treats.  I'M in charge.

I was useful!

The appears to be a flaw in the ignition design of the Prius.  You can start the car, and drive off without the "key".  Everything is fine until you stop, and try to start it again.  No dice.  That happened to my friends Brian and Janice.  I had to go into their house and retrieve Janice's purse and take it to them. I thought the purse really brought out my eyes!

Why didn't I know about this site before?

http://barelypolitical.com/

Gotta love the Onion.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCC7LuTQ_x0&feature=dir

Capitol Steps

We're off to see the show tonight with Larry and Anne.  In the mean time...I wrote the synopsis for the book proposal.  I'll likely here back about it tomorrow.

Much better

Putted much better today and shot an 88.  I almost choked down the stretch by double bogeying 16 and 17, but played OK on 18.  I birdied the 12th hole, and had several one putts.  I think the adrenal cream has something to do with it, because my hands are steadier.

Putted like a Putz

You would've thought that I wouldn't putt THAT bad.  End result: 94.  Grrr.

Adjustments

They call the manipulations "adjustments", which doesn't sound so bad, but it still freaks me out every time.

Green Fairy's Fang

I learned that Joyce used the phrase "Green Fairy's Fang" as slang for absinthe.  I seem to recall reading that absinthe was once again legal in parts of the world.  I assume it is made minus wormwood now, but I do not actually know.

Fairways and greens baby.

Shot an 87 today, with only average putting.  Muffed two chip shots.  Just GIVING strokes away.  Still, he is happy.

P.S. was contacted about another book deal.  Jim is playing hard to get.  Not!

Pest control

Apparently, my desire to have pretty birds outside my office window has led to an invasion of rodents.  I have been forced to leave the feeders empty, and coping as best I can with the consequences.

Crossed wires

Listening to the "History of Rome" podcasts and reading "From Dawn to Decadence" (500 years of history) is a recipe for misremembering things.  Did Cinncinatus cross the Deleware?

Putting

Lowered my score by three shots despite hitting far fewer greens in regulation.  It helps, if you do not putt  as if you were an idiot.

Arlen, are you kidding me?

OK, he was a jerk to Anita.  OK, he voted for Thomas (ugh) and Alito (ick).  OK, there are a number of reasons to dislike the guy, but today I am happy he's a Democrat.

Kingside attacks are the best!

[Event "Team match"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2009.04.27"] [Round "-"] [White jimeade] [Black "andrzejb"] [Result "1-0"] [WhiteElo "1819"] [BlackElo "1712"] 1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 Nf6 3. e3 e6 4. Nd2 Bd6 5. Bg3 O-O 6. Bd3 b6 7. c3 Bb7 8. Ngf3 Ne4 9. Qb1 Nxd2 10. Nxd2 g6 11. Bxd6 Qxd6 12. f4 c5 13. g3 cxd4 14. exd4 Nc6 15. Qd1 Na5 16. Qe2 Nc4 17. Nf3 a6 18. h4 h5 19. Ne5 b5 20. g4 hxg4 21. Qxg4 Nxe5 22. fxe5 Qe7 23. Kd2 b4 24. h5 bxc3+ 25. bxc3 Qa3 26. hxg6 Qb2+ 27. Bc2 f5 28. Rh8+ Kxh8 29. Qh5+ 1-0

Kingside attacks are the best!

[Event "Best of the Best VI"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2009.04.27"] [Round "-"] [White jimeade] [Black "vulpecula"] [Result "1-0"] [WhiteElo "1806"] [BlackElo "1862"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 d5 3. e3 e6 4. Nd2 c5 5. c3 Nc6 6. Ngf3 Bd6 7. Ne5 Bxe5 8. dxe5 Nd7 9. Qg4 g6 10. Nf3 O-O 11. h4 b6 12. h5 Qe7 13. Bd3 Bb7 14. O-O-O Rfe8 15. Rh2 c4 16. Bc2 Nc5 17. Rdh1 Nd3+ 18. Bxd3 cxd3 19. hxg6 f5 20. exf6 e.p. Qxf6 21. Rxh7 Re7 22. Qh5 Qf5 23. Rh8+ Kg7 24. Qh6+ Kf6 25. Bg5+ 1-0

Arguing with your IPOD

I got the last word in, but I admit that I had to use the manual.

I knew it right away

Waling towards the tee box on 18 I realized I hadn't had any three putts all day.  As soon as the thought crept into my head I mentally kicked myself.  I told Luis, "I think I just jinxed myself."  sure enough, three putts on 18 left me shaking my head.  

Service for Bob Anderson

We went to a wonderful service for Bob, and everyone did a great job.  There weren't too many dry eyes in the place.  Bob had an amazing ability to make you feel comfortable in his presence. I do and will miss him.

Fitlynx

I am goal oriented.  So, the system at the "Y", which tracks the amount of weight I lift each visit, is perfect for me.  I was informed that I had just passed the 100,000 pound mark (not all at once) and I felt pretty darned pumped about it.

56th tournament

Managed to eke out a win in this game, clinching a tie for first.

[Event "56th GK tournament"]
[Site "http://gameknot.com/chess.pl?bd=11496417"]
[Date "2009.04.19"]
[Round "-"]
[White "jbnugas"]
[Black "jimeade"]
[Result "0-1"]
[WhiteElo "1574"]
[BlackElo "1811"]
[TimeControl "1/172800"]
[Mode "ICS"]
[Termination "normal"]

1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 g6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nc6 5. Nc3 Bg7 
6. Be3 Nf6 7. Qd2 O-O 8. Nxc6 bxc6 9. Bh6 Qa5 10. Bxg7 Kxg7 
11. Bd3 d6 12. O-O-O Be6 13. Kb1 Rab8 14. b3 Qa3 15. h4 a5 
16. Qc1 Qb4 17. Qb2 Rb7 18. h5 Rfb8 19. Ka1 a4 20. hxg6 fxg6 
21. a3 Qb6 22. Nxa4 Qxf2 23. Rdb1 Kg8 24. Rhg1 c5 25. e5 Nd5 
26. exd6 exd6 27. Bc4 Nc7 28. Bxe6+ Nxe6 29. Rbf1 Qd4 30. Qxd4 Nxd4 
31. Rf2 Rf7 32. Rxf7 Kxf7 33. Rc1 Ke6 34. Nc3 h5 35. a4 g5 
36. Ka2 Kf5 37. Ka3 Kg4 38. Nd5 Kg3 39. Nf6 Kxg2 40. Nxh5 g4 
41. a5 g3 42. Nf4+ Kf3 43. Nh3 g2 44. Ka4 Kg3 45. Ng1 Nf3 
46. Nxf3 Kxf3 47. a6 Rg8 48. Kb5 g1=Q 49. Rxg1 Rxg1 50. a7 Ra1 
51. Kb6 Ke3 52. Kb7 Kd2  0-1

golfing again

It was good to get to play again, and a 91 is respectable.  I'll be in the eighties again when my short game comes around.

award's banquet

It as interesting to go to my first stanford women's basketball awards banquet.  I really enjoyed it, but it was kind of strange to see those women all dressed up!  Everyone looked great, but I think Roz stole the show.

"Wicked"

I really enjoyed seeing "Wicked" with Sheri and Larry's family. 

I'd seen it twice in New York (once with the great Idina Menzel) and was worried that it might not seem as special in SF.  When we got there we learned that the two main roles (Elphaba and Glinda) were to be played by understudies.

Vicki Noon played Elphaba and did a very fine job.  Natalie Daradich was pretty good as Glinda.  Nicolas Dromard was only OK as Fiyero.  The play still rocked!  "Defying Gravity" gets me everytime!

Some people don't know when to resign

[Event "van88's mini-tournament"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2009.04.12"] [Round "-"] [White "ich_loose_nur"] [Black Jim Eade] [Result "0-1"] [WhiteElo "1763"] [BlackElo "1774"] 1. f4 g6 2. Nf3 d5 3. e3 Bg7 4. c4 c6 5. Nc3 Nf6 6. d4 Bg4 7. Be2 O-O 8. O-O Bxf3 9. Rxf3 e6 10. Rh3 Nbd7 11. c5 b6 12. b4 a5 13. bxa5 bxc5 14. dxc5 Qxa5 15. Qd3 Nxc5 16. Qc2 Nfe4 17. Bb2 Bxc3 18. Bxc3 Qxc3 19. Qd1 Qb2 20. Bf3 Rxa2 21. Rxa2 Qxa2 22. Bxe4 Nxe4 23. Rf3 Rb8 24. Rf1 Rb2 25. Qg4 Rb1 26. h3 Rxf1+ 27. Kxf1 Qf2# 0-1

Goodbye St. Louis

I was not sorry to leave St. Louis.  My sister-in-law Kelli had to stay another day, but the rest of us came home.  I read one quote claiming the area was 9 months winter and 3 months hell.  Funny!  Maybe true??

Excellent museums.  Excellent 'que.  Those were the highlights.

St. Louis Bar BQ

Going for 'que today at Pappy's Smokehuse.  It's come highly recommended.  Then it's on to the Tradecenter for UConn-Louisville.

Curses!

As Jim walks up to the 18th tee, he realizes that he hadn't made a double bogey (or worse) the whole round. He, of course, double bogies 18 and finishes with an 88.

Meet Me in St. Louis

We (Sheri, Andy, Dawn and I) are headed for St. Louis for the final four!

I can't explain it, but my golf swing came around yesterday. I had several good birdie opportunities and even converted one! I'm playing again tomorrow, and will be curious as to whether the swing will still be there.

Elite Eight

Ohio St. was a tough game. We got home after midnight, but I was still too pumped up to go to sleep. Iowa St. is tonight. It's an earlier game (6 pm instead of 8:30) and we're taking the bus this time. Iowa St. is one of those teams that can get hot from behind the three point line. If they are, it will be a tough game to win. If they are not, it will be ON to St. Louis!

I've got to go work out, eat and get to the bus to the game!

I'm either hip or due for a new one

Just got our new I-phones and set up my 24" IMAC (not that size matters) and Sheri's Macbook. We will be able to sync up for lunches and vacations. I've put her down for next Tuesday at Tamarine.

I loved my old apple IIE (remember Wizard?) but the chess applications on the PC were so superior there was no choice, but to go PC. Since I am no longer a competitive chess player, I am free to go back where I belong. Since I own a MAC, I must be hip, even though my right one hurts all the time.

Looking towards the regionals.

Not only did #2 seed Stanford win, but #1 seed Duke lost. Stanford next plays #3 seed Ohio State on Saturday in Berkeley. At this stage, everybody can play.

Shot a 94 at Palo Alto Muni today, which is not good, but not bad considering the long layoff. My short game (chipping and putting) is off, but my short irons were good. There's hope!

March Madness

OK, I'm more into the women's bracket than the men's, but I am enjoying both. I have, of course, picked UConn in the women's going with my head over my heart. I have North Carolina in the men's purely as a show of support for President Obama. President Obama! I don't get tired of hearing or saying that.

I'm in charge of my dog.

Sheri is in Sacramento, Maya is at home, and there is noone to distract Macy while I "work" at my computer. She has come in three times already, and I have given her two treats. The third time I held firm, and she has reluctently settled down at my feet. I realize that this is only a temporary resolution. It is a matter of time before she uses her super powers on me, and I submit to her will.

Watching Watchmen

Man, that was one violent movie! Three hours is a long time, but overall I'd say I was glad I went.

As predicted

Stanford gets the #2 seed in the West regional behind Duke. This is OKAY with me, even if it means the selection committee considers the ACC to be twice as good as the Pac Ten. Stanford can win this regional, and I would favor them over Duke, if they both win out.

Slection Monday

4pm ESPN.

Title game tonight

Only Stanford will be playing USC instead of Cal. Sheri and I went to LA to watch their regular season matchup. I expect Stanford to win again, but not easily. I'm currently recording the Duke-Maryland game, because I suspect Stanford will be the number 2 seed where Duke is number 1. That worked out fine last year when Stanford was number 2 and Maryland was #1. Last year's wins over Maryland and then UConn where special indeed.

Pac-Ten Tourney

I had no idea that Sheri and I would get so into Stanford women's basketball. I'm feeling bereft that there are no more home games! I thought Arizona would be a real handful last night, but Stanford's three point shooting turned the game into a cakewalk. Tonight it is UCLA, while Cal takes on USC.

Awards add up for Stanford women

Wow! Jane Appel is named player of the year for the Pac-10. Tara is named coach of the year. Jillian and Jeanette make the second team. Kayla makes third team, and Nekka makes the freshman team.

I think I will understand, if Stanford is not a 1 seed. UConn is UConn. Gotta go with the Sooners and Terps too. That leaves Stanford butting heads with Duke (just as they did last year with Maryland.) Duke flat out has more quality wins than Stanford does, but I fully expect Stanford will beat Duke on a neutral court, if they play again. I'm hoping they do!

First round of 2009

I got to play 18 holes of golf today. Luckily, I exist in the present, and enjoyed myself, avoiding any need to be results oriented. Well, almost. When I posted my score the system asked for confirmation, because in its own softwary way, it said the score was "higher than normal." So judgemental!

My wife's pet nickname for me

I hear the word "tiger" whenever she says "bunny". Techniques such as this one are a key to a healthy relationship.

Working out at the Y

Sheri is shaming me into going to work out. Honestly, without her (gentle) prodding, I would be lost.

V.A. Hospital

Volunteering at the V.A. hospital. We had a nice chess program there for awhile until they made some staff changes. Now, Ron is back and so are we!

Stanford wins!

Okay, how can they NOT be a number one seed in the tournament (NCAA not Pac-10) or am I missing something????

#18 Arizona St. vs. #2 Stanford

Arizona State has won 15 in a row and are coming off of a convincing win over Cal. It should be a fun game. Macy will stay with Brian and Janice (and Maya, of course) while we go early and stay late!

Stanford slips past Arizona

Tough game! Arizona is near the bottom of the conference, but they really came to play last night. Thomas was impressive and their post play was much better than I expected. Hard to believe they only have four conference wins.

Tomorrow it is Arizona St. coming off a big win against Cal. It should be exciting!

Chip off the old tooth

Oh, well. I do like Blue Corn Tortilla chips, but apparently my dental work didn't. There is a new bridge in my future, and not the kind you drive over!

Pederson Pac-10 Player of the week

Kayla Pederson was named player of the week based on her back to back 20 point games in Los Angeles. I think Jane has been named player of the week 3 times this year, and that this is a first for Kayla.

Stanford women ranked number 2

We watched UConn vs. Rutgers and, although Rutgers fought hard, the issue was never in doubt. The Rutgers center looked very big when they played at Maples, but UConn's Tina Charles made her look unimposing. It's hard to see how anyone can match up with Montgomery either. USC's point guard seemed to penetrate fairly easily. She may be the best point guard in the pac 10, but I don't know that she's as good as Montgomery.

It's very clear that UConn deserves to be ranked first.

That's using your head

Stanford 85 USC 74...but it was a close game for much of the afternoon. USC just wouldn't go away. Coupled with Cal's loss to UCLA, this means that the Cardinal can wrap up a regular season championship by sweeping the Arizona schools.

Kayla Pederson was a rock the entire game, scoring when needed, rebounding and playing stellar defense. Jane got off to a slow start but finished with 20. Neke had 17 along with 8 boards.

Poor Jeanette! I didn't see the blow, but I saw her recoil from it and drop to the floor. Most likely it was an elbow, and it obviously hurt. She stayed down for awhile and was wobbly walking off the floor. This is her second head injury of the season and I'm worried about her.

Her outstanding back court play is one reason the Cardinal are on an 11 game win streak. We're packing up to start the drive back to Menlo Park.

La-la Land

Sheri and I are down in Los Angeles for the Stanford Women's basketball games versus UCLA and USC. Stanford defeated UCLA last night in what was a hard fought game. Kayla, Jeanette, and Jillian had terrific games for the Cardnial. It was great just walking into Pauly Pavillion for the first time. I think there will be more road trips in our future.

Tonight we'll have dinner with Sheri's best friend from her Stanford days, Pam, and Pam's husband Bob. Tomorrow, we'll try to find our way to the USC gym!